Wittekind, Widukind, Weking – the Saxon leader who defied Charlemagne had many names and even more myths surrounding his life. The best way to get to know this infamous leader and his region is along the 100-kilometre (62 mile) Wittekind Trail (Wittekindsweg) in northwest Germany. You cross legendary paths, pass historic villages and stone monuments, and hike through the heart of an ancient landscape with green forests, hilly meadows, and babbling brooks.

The Wittekind Trail doesn’t just reveal the history of this impressive leader, it also leads through the 1,550 square kilometre (932 square mile) TERRA.vita Nature Park, the Northern Teutoburg Forest Nature and Geopark, the Wiehen Hills and Osnabrück Land. TERRA.vita was the first nature park to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. Stretching back 300 million years, the park’s history is evident time and time again along the Wittekind Trail, for example in the dinosaur tracks in Barkhausen.

As leader of Saxony, Wittekind also left visible traces in this park. From 777 to 785, he led the Saxon uprising against Charlemagne. Two Wittekind castles line the path. You also climb the Wittekindsberg hill during the hike and pass several Wittekind springs that are shrouded in legends. I don't want to give too much away, but I’ll give you a small clue: the presumed origin of the springs led to peace between the Saxons and Charlemagne.

Over almost 100 kilometres (62 miles), the trail leads from the Lower Saxon city of Osnabrück across the state border to Porta Westfalica in North Rhine-Westphalia. The five official stages of the Wittekind Trail make up part of the European long-distance path E11. However, there’s so much to see en route that’s worth stopping for that I’ve divided the route into six stages in this Collection.

Each stage ends in a place where it’s possible to stay overnight. It’s best to enquire whether an overnight stay is possible before you arrive. There are bus stops, train stations and car parking near every start and finish point. This makes it easy to hike the Wittekind Trail in one go or to take on this ‘classic’ hike in northwest Germany one stage at a time.

There are several ways to reach Osnabrück town hall, the starting point:

If you arrive by train, you can either walk from the main station to the old town or take the 15, 20, M2 or X585 bus to the Nikolaizentrum stop. Porta Westfalica, your destination, also has a station. From here, you can return to Osnabrück or travel in the direction of Bielefeld.

There are several long-stay parking options in Osnabrück where you can leave your car whilst you hike. You can easily take the train back to Osnabrück from Porta Westfalica.

Although there are many geological and historical sights in the Wiehen Mountains, there’s one thing to do above all else – relax. The small low mountain range boasts beautiful nature. You walk through dense forests and meet open, helpful locals. The paths are rarely overcrowded, and local initiatives are committed to preserving and maintaining shelters, monuments, and other places. The Wittekind Trail offers you the opportunity to unwind, relax and be yourself – just like the people who live there.