Barntrup is a small town in the Lippe uplands, and the ridge above it gives one of the pleasanter views in this part of Germany. The land here is a series of long, wooded ridges separated by wide, farmed valleys, and the road along the top gives views over the patchwork of fields, with villages scattered between. It is a landscape of modest scale, but with a calm beauty that grows on you the longer you ride.
The town has an old centre of half-timbered houses and a castle with water-filled moat, and the surrounding area has a tradition of furniture making, with workshops and factories scattered through the villages. Blomberg, five kilometres away, is one of the best-preserved small towns in the region, with a ring of old walls, a castle and streets of carved wooden houses. Bad Pyrmont, a spa town a little further south, has a handsome palace, formal gardens and a long history of taking the waters.
The riding is smooth and relaxed. The roads follow the ridges and valleys, with long, easy bends, moderate climbs and a surface that is mostly in good condition. Traffic is light except on the main road through Barntrup, where trucks and local commuters mix. The forest sections are shaded and cool in summer, and the open stretches give wide views. Autumn is spectacular, with the beech woods turning copper and gold.
Barntrup, with nearly ten thousand people, is a practical stop with fuel, shops and cafes. The main street has bakeries, and a pause for coffee and cake is easy. Larger towns nearby, such as Blomberg and Bad Pyrmont, have every service, so the area is well provided for.
The region also has a layer of history in the Teutoburg Forest, a short distance to the west, where a Germanic leader named Arminius is said to have defeated three Roman legions in the year 9, a battle that shaped the history of Europe. A huge monument to him stands on a hill near Detmold, and its copper figure is visible from far away. A visit makes a fine detour if time allows.