The Dast in Brochterbeck: views, kite meadow & rocky trails

"Die Dast" is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret – even though it can be reached straight from the village. Down below, Brochterbeck feels calm and idyllic. But just a short climb later you're up at the forest edge, where the wind blows more freely and the horizon opens up: this is where the Teutoburg Forest shows its character.

The Dast is a perfect start to Brochterbeck's finest short loop – including a viewpoint, the "Wetterpilz" shelter, the Hermannsweg trail and the Drei-Kaiser-Stuhl natural monument.

What exactly is "the Dast"?

In practical terms, "Dast" is the section you turn onto during the "Rund um den Kleeberg" (Around the Kleeberg) loop: from the village square along Moorstraße, past the village pond, along the Kleeweg – and then at the fork right onto the "Dast". A short path out of the village and into views, forest and open space.

Why the Dast is a real insider tip

1) Views you wouldn't expect this close to the village

On the western Kleeberg, the path runs along the south-facing slope with wonderful views over the Münsterland – on clear days even as far as Münster.

2) A kite meadow included

The Dast is home to the grounds of the kite-flying club "Höhenwahn" – kite flying is possible here all year round. Plenty of sky, plenty of wind, plenty of freedom.

3) A rock backdrop within reach

If you want more, you'll find one of the most impressive rock landscapes in the Teutoburg Forest: the Dörenther Klippen, a roughly 4 km band of bizarre sandstone towers (incl. the "Hockendes Weib" / Crouching Woman). Access via the "Im Bocketal" hikers' car park is an established starting point.

A little geology

The Dörenther Klippen belong to the Osning sandstone – the characteristic sandstone ridge that forms the "backbone" of the Teutoburg Forest and is often called the "gold of the Teutoburg Forest".

The perfect short loop: "Rund um den Kleeberg" (approx. 3.6 km)

• From the village square left into Moorstraße
• Past the village pond, then right up by the church following the Kleeweg
• At the fork, right onto the "Dast"
• Past the kite meadow and the "Westlicher Kleeberg" viewpoint
• Continue up into the forest to the Wetterpilz shelter
• At the Wetterpilz, right along the Hermannsweg (marked "H")
• Past the Drei-Kaiser-Stuhl to the road "Zu den Klippen"
• Via "Zu den Klippen" and Moorstraße back to the start

Tip: early morning (clear air) or late afternoon (soft light).

Practical tips

• Footwear: sturdy hiking shoes – the paths can be rooty and stony.
• Children: take extra care near edges and rocks.
• Parking: the village centre (village square) or the "Im Bocketal" hikers' car park.

FAQ

What's the easiest way to get to the Dast?
Via the "Rund um den Kleeberg" loop: from the village square along Moorstraße/Kleeweg, then right onto the "Dast".

Is there really a kite meadow there?
Yes – the grounds of the kite-flying club "Höhenwahn", open for kite flying all year round.

Is the Dast the same as the Dörenther Klippen?
The Dast is the gateway to views & forest trails around Brochterbeck; the Dörenther Klippen are the larger rock landscape nearby.