The original width of 1.20-1.40 m can still be seen in some sections. A comfortable and attractive walking and hiking trail leads along the approx. 3 km long remains of the defensive wall, from which you can enjoy magnificent views.
The 14th century fortifications were connected by a city wall with four city gates and eleven towers. The entire city wall was around 3000 meters long. The fortifications were used to protect the inhabitants, for example in the Soest Feud, in the Thirty Years' War or in battles between the lords of the land and to ward off robber barons. The walls were between 1.20 meters and 1.80 meters wide and between 3.00 meters and 3.50 meters high. The thickness of the wall tapered towards the top, where the battlements were protected by a wall crown interrupted by observation and firing gaps. In places where the town was not protected by steep slopes due to its location on a hilltop, but instead extended into the open countryside, double moats were also constructed.
The Hachtor and the semi-circular Hexenturm as well as extensive remains of the town wall have been preserved from the town fortifications. Today, the former town wall is a circular route around the historic town center.