The Egge extends over 60 km, from Horn-Bad Meinberg in the north to Marsberg in the south. It is a low mountain ridge, its highest peak being the Preussischer Velmerstot with an elevation of 468 m. The name Egge derives from a regional expression for a long ridge of hills.

Whilst the Egge descends very gently to the west, it exhibits a characteristically steep incline to the east. This drop permits panoramic views, which from the mountain hut “Schöne Aussicht” show the valley of Bad Driburg and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Oberwälder Land.

Owing to its north-south orientation, the Egge is a major obstacle to the regionally prevailing westerly winds. In order to pass the mountain ridge, air masses have to rise and therefore cool down. As a result, the transported water vapour condenses and clouds begin to form. This phenomenon accounts for the typically frequent rainfalls in the Egge, which amount to 1200 mm/year. Therefore it is hardly surprising to find that a multitude of springs and streams originate here. At the same time, the Egge is an important watershed: the west drains towards the Rhine, the east towards the Weser.