Having sprouted up from the springs that feed into Germany’s shortest river, this cultural and religious city’s history is intertwined with its waterways.
Discover the turbulent history of the Paderborn as you explore its Old Town, pleasant parklands with fresh-water springs, cultural attractions and castle grounds. This historic river city is in northwest Germany.
Paderborn services the North Rhine-Westphalia region and is easily reached by car or train from Dortmund, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. Charles the Great (Charlemagne), founded a castle on the site of the city in A.D. 777. Visit his rebuilt residence in the Museum in Der Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace Museum) to see some of the ruined walls, murals and artifacts of the original palace.
The city takes its name from the Pader River, Germany’s shortest river, which sprouts from 200 springs in the city center. Nowadays, these bubbling streams help climatize the city’s central dwellings through the latest hydraulic technology.
While heavily bombarded during World War II, not all of the historic city was lost. The centrally located Rathaus, the restored City Hall, showcases the Weser Renaissance architecture of the region. From Rathausplatz, stroll to the nearby Marienplatz with the Mariensäule (Virgin Mary Column) at its core. Then follow the Westernstrasse to admire the decorated façade of the 17th-century Franciscanerkirche.
The 13th-century Paderborn Cathedral in Domplatz (Cathedral Square) is another survivor. Visit the adjacent Diocesan Museum (Diözesanmuseum) to admire religious art from the last 10 centuries.
Just to the north, discover the natural realm of the Paderquellen and visit the City History Museum in the Adam and Eve House, Paderborn’s oldest half-timbered house.
Other Paderborn museum experiences include the Heinz Nixdorf Museum, which has exhibits about computing, and the German Tractor and Model Car Museum. The remodeled Stadtmuseum Paderborn opened in the former Abdinghof cloisters in late 2017.
If you love live performances, catch a show at the Theater Paderborn - Westfälische Kammerspiele. Also don’t miss the cultural events held in the Schloss Neuhaus Open Air Theatre of Neuhaus Castle (Schloss Neuhaus). Stay in the area to enjoy the family-friendly attractions in the adjacent Schloss und Auenpark.
In this corner of the city, the Pader joins the Lippe River. This connection once allowed Paderborn to join the Hanseatic League and the effects of the prosperity it brought can still be felt today.
