First official hiking trail opened

Beautiful views of Beckum and the countryside

Experience new things on the go and be accompanied by marvellous impressions of nature: The new Höxberg panoramic circular trail invites you to hike and discover.

27 May 2026 by Sandra Berges
Panorama
  • View from the refuge, where one of the 9 information boards is located.

The new Höxberg panoramic circular trail is Beckum's first official hiking trail. Covering a total of 14 kilometres, it combines impressive nature experiences with exciting insights into the history of the town - including a detour to the impressive megalithic tomb. At the opening ceremony, Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich thanked everyone involved for their contribution to this "wonderful joint project".

Many people came together for the inauguration of the new circular trail on the Höxberg.

The circular trail leads through 9 varied stations that provide interesting facts about the landscape and the millennia-old settlement of the south of Beckum. Hikers can decide for themselves whether to walk the entire route or opt for one of the two partial routes: the "Höxberg adventure trail" (approx. 8 kilometres) or the "Excursion to the large stone grave" (approx. 6 kilometres). Sturdy shoes and sun protection are recommended. The trail is not barrier-free, but is suitable for families.

Rudolf Grothues explains something to the group
Locates the centre of Westphalia south of Beckum: Dr Rudolf Grothues from the Geographical Commission of the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe. You can find out more on the information board.

The Höxberg Panorama Circular Trail was created as a collaboration between the town of Beckum, local stakeholders and experts from the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL). The aim of all those involved is to connect the special nature and historical sights in the south of Beckum and make them accessible to the public. From the Soestwarte to the Neolithic megalithic tombs, the trail offers a wide range of monuments for all age groups.

Information board
The starting point is near the Soestwarte.

The circular trail also invites you to enjoy a special nature experience independently of the information boards. From the highest point of the Höxberg (around 160 metres above sea level), there are impressive views of the Münsterland park landscape. Orientation is easy: the trail is well signposted and can also be explored using flyers or the municipal website.

The project was made possible by Sparkasse Münsterland-Ost and Energieversorgung Beckum GmbH & Co. KG, who supported it as sponsors. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia is funding the circular route as part of the "Heimat-Fonds" programme.


Höxberg panoramic circular route

Facts and figures:

  • The Höxberg panoramic circular trail measures around 14 kilometres in total and consists of the 8-kilometre Höxberg adventure trail and the 6-kilometre excursion to the megalithic tomb.
  • 9 information boards point out special features, such as the Höxberg with the Soestwarte, the Beckum cement district, the Beckumer Landwehr or an educational apiary with a meadow orchard.
  • The circular route is a joint project with the support of Sparkasse Münsterland Ost, EVB, the state of NRW and Münsterland e. V.
  • The total costs amount to EUR 21,600 (the state funding covers 48.33 per cent of the eligible expenditure).