Picturesque river meadows, historical landscapes, idyllic half-timbered villages and impressive castles in the Weser Renaissance and Baroque styles – these are the highlights of the Emmerweg trail. You hike 43 miles (70 km) from Altenbeken at the foot of the Eggegebirge, in the east of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, through the beautiful Weserbergland to Emmerthal near Hameln, where the River Emmer flows into The Weser.

I have divided the route into three stages and made sure that they always start and end at railway stations. That way you can also complete them as day hikes. The towns are conveniently located on the Hanover - Paderborn railway line and are served hourly by the S5. This means that the total distance is only about 2.5 miles(4 km) longer and you can start your day's hike with a relaxed train ride.

Finding accommodation is no problem because, in the lovely towns and villages along the Emmer, you will find a wide range of accommodation and places to stop for a bite to eat. The friendly innkeepers will be happy to take good care of you.

Curious? Then lace up your boots and get going. The trail along the Emmer is perfect if you need a break for a long weekend, want to clear your head and return home with beautiful impressions.