Paderborn Travel Guide

Contents
1. Introduction 2. Interesting Facts 3. History 4. Main Sights 5. Top Museums 6. Local Cuisine 7. Getting There

Introduction

Paderborn (pop. 145,000) is the capital of the Paderborn district in North Rhine-Westphalia. The name of the city derives from the river Pader, Germany's shortest river (4km only), which originates in more than 200 springs in a park near Paderborn Cathedral. 10% of the population are students of the University of Paderborn.

Paderborn has an important computer and high-tech industry, with such companies as Wincor Nixdorf and Orga Systems headquartered in the city. Siemens AG, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Secure Computing also have branches there.

Interesting Facts about Paderborn

• Paderborn derives its name from the river Pader, which is considered the shortest river in Germany at just four kilometres in length.
• The city was founded as a bishopric by Charlemagne in 795, but its history began earlier when Charlemagne built a castle near the springs of the Pader in 777.
• Paderborn Cathedral, featuring a striking Gothic spire, is famous for the mysterious “Three-Rabbit-Window” that has intrigued visitors for centuries.
• Home to over 1,200 years of history, Paderborn once hosted a meeting between Charlemagne and Pope Leo III in 799, which helped pave the way for the creation of the Holy Roman Empire.
• The annual Liborifest is one of Germany’s oldest and most vibrant religious festivals, honouring the city’s patron saint, St. Liborius.
• Paderborn boasts the world’s largest computer museum, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum, chronicling the 5,000-year history of information technology.
• Many historic half-timbered houses and narrow streets survived wartime bombing and can still be admired in the atmospheric city centre today.
• Friedrich Sertürner, a native of Paderborn, was the first to isolate morphine from opium in the early 19th century.
• The city is renowned for its traditional Paderborner bread and locally brewed beer, both popular across Germany.
• Arminiuspark in Paderborn offers a peaceful retreat for residents, known for its friendly ducks and picturesque scenery.

History

The early days of Paderborn are closely associated with Charlemagne (=> see Aachen and History of the Franks). In the Spring of 772, Charlemagne launched its first major campaign against the Saxons and destroyed the Irminsul (see frame below). In 776, he built a powerful base in Paderborn, erected a palace-church aimed at overawing the local population, and even planned for a while to move his capital there under the name of "Karlsburg". In 782, Charles established his first Saxon Capitulary in the city, a religious body designed to back up the Christianisation of the pagan Saxons.

Saxon resistance lasted for decades, until 799, when their leader, Widukind, finally laid down his weapons. In the same year, Charlemagne met Pope Leo III in Paderborn to discuss his coronation as Emperor of Occident the next year. The Saxons defeated, Pope Leo III established the Bishopric of Paderborn to bolster the position of the Roman Catholic Church in the region. The relics of St. Liborius of Le Mans (348-396) were transferred to Paderborn in 836. Liborius has since been the patron saint of the city.

The Bishopric of Paderborn became a state of the Holy Roman Empire in 1281. In the early 1500's, the Reformation swept the region, and a big chunk of the diocese (notably the Counties of Lippe, Waldeck, Pyrmont and Ravensberg) turned to Protestantism. In 1580, the Jesuits were called to the rescue by the bishop. Prince-Bishop Theodor von Fürstenberg (1546-1618) restored the practice of the Catholic religion, built a gymnasium for the Jesuits, and founded the University of Paderborn in 1614.

During the French Revolutionary period,, the prince-bishopric was dissolved (1802) and the land became part of the Kingdom of Westphalia (1807-1813), ruled by Napoleon's brother Jéräme Bonaparte. After the fall of Napoleon, it became the Prussian province of Westphalia. The Jesuit university was closed in 1819.

The Diocese of Paderborn was recreated by Pope Pius VII in 1821, and promoted to an archdiocese in 1930. In 1972, the university was re-founded and is now attended by some 14,000 students.

Paderborn and the city of Le Mans in France have had a close relationship since 836. It has even been considered as the earliest form of town twinning in Europe. A modern town twinning arrangement was officially established in 1967.

Irminsul

The tree Irminsul is the pillar that was said to connect heaven and earth in Germanic mythology. Charlemagne reportedly destroyed the pagan pillar in 772, while converting the Saxons to Christianity. According to archaeologist Wilhelm Teudt (1860-1942), the Irminsul was located near the Externsteine rock formation, in the Teutoburger Wald close to Paderborn. In 1933, Wilhelm Teudt proposed to the recently elected National Socialist Party to turn the Externsteine into a "sacred grove" for the commemoration of the ancestors. Some Neo-Pagans continue to believe that the Irminsul was located at the Externsteine and identify it with a bent tree depicted under the cross of a 12th-century Christian carving. The site has also raised the interest of various German nationalist movements over the years, and continues to draw crowds of visitors.

Main Attractions

Paderborn Cathedral

With its long ecclesistical history, it is only natural that the most important sight in town should be the cathedral. The present building is a hall church (i.e. with three naves instead of one) completed in 1270 in a transitional Romanesque-Gothic style. It is covered with a greenish copper roofing.

The 93m high bell tower dates from the 12th century and is characterised by the 18 niches on each of its facade, as well as four roofed turrets at each corner. The crypt, with a length of 32 metres, is one of the largest in Germany, and contains the relics of St. Liborius.

The Three Hares Window

While visiting Paderborn Cathedral, note the window with a circular motif depicting three hares chasing each other in a circle (known in German as the Dreihasenfenster). Each of the ears is shared by two animals so that only three ears are shown. The three hares design originated in Chinese cave temples about 1400 years ago, and is said to have been brought to Europe through the silk road. The same motif is found at various locations in Central Asia (Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Iran), as well as in North-Western Europe (Germany, Benelux, Northern France, England and Wales).

The foundations of Charlemagne's palace (Kaiserpfalz) were discovered recently just north of the cathedral. Opposite stands the reconstructed 11th-century Ottonian palace, which contains a museum with the artifacts found during the excavations.

Old Town & Market Square

The Historischer Marktplatz is the city’s medieval marketplace, surrounded by reconstructed half-timbered and baroque buildings. The Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain) marks the centre of the square, and it remains a hub for local commerce, weekly markets, and civic life. It also provides a visual narrative of Paderborn’s reconstruction efforts following World War II.

The City Hall (Rathaus) is an iconic three-gabled Renaissance building constructed between 1613 and 1616. It stands as a central feature of the marketplace and is notable for its Weser Renaissance architecture. The building symbolises the city’s self-governance and historic continuity, attracting visitors for both its architecture and its pivotal civic role.

Other buildings of interest in the old town include the Romanesque Abdinghofkirche (an 11th-century Benedictine monastery converted into a Protestant church in 1867), the 17th-century Heisingsche Haus next to the tourist office, and the half-timbered Adam and Eve House housing the City Museum.

Paderquellen (Pader Springs)

The Paderquellen are the city's natural heart, where approximately 200 springs form the Pader River. This area, centrally located and redeveloped after World War II, is now a public park with lawns, lit footpaths, and children's play facilities. It is valued for recreational activities and as an example of Paderborn's interplay between urban development and natural landscape, historically supporting local mills and breweries.

Schloss und Auen Park

Located around the Renaissance water castle Schloss Neuhaus, the Schloss und Auen Park combines meticulously restored baroque gardens, expansive green spaces, watercourses, and children's play areas. Once a neglected military area, it was transformed after the 1994 State Garden Exhibition into one of the largest city parks in the region, functioning as a cultural and recreational centre with annual events such as the 'Schlosssommer'.

Busdorfkirche

Founded in the 11th century as part of a collegiate foundation, Busdorfkirche sits just outside the city's original medieval core. The late 13th-century church is known for its Romanesque cloister, seven-branched chandelier, late Gothic sacrament house, and various epitaphs, making it architecturally and historically significant.

Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche)

The Jesuit Church, constructed in Baroque style in the late 17th century, is distinct for its ornate façade and reconstructed high altar. Today, it stands as a prime example of Baroque religious architecture and reflects the importance of Jesuit influence in the city’s spiritual life during the Counter-Reformation.

Heiersturm

Heiersturm is a remnant of Paderborn’s medieval fortifications. This tower now features a light and sound installation, offering insight into the city’s historic defences as well as a unique modern art component.

Modell der Stadt Paderborn

This bronze relief model of the city centre is a tactile, three-dimensional map that helps visitors understand the historical and current urban layout. It serves as a useful orientation point and is especially valuable for those interested in city planning or for visually impaired visitors.

Top Museums

Stadtmuseum Paderborn

The Stadtmuseum Paderborn is the heart of the city’s historical narrative, using modern presentation techniques to make over 1,200 years of local history come alive. Its highlights include the unique Objektspeicher, which showcases the full spectrum of Paderborn’s cultural collections, as well as immersive models and sound stations. The building itself incorporates a mediaeval cloister and garden, enriching the sense of place. Frequent temporary exhibitions and the interactive 'Stadtlabor' invite visitors of all ages to become hands-on explorers of urban heritage.

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum

Renowned as the world’s largest computer museum, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum offers an expansive, interactive journey through 5,000 years of information technology. From ancient cuneiform tablets to the dawn of artificial intelligence, its exhibits appeal to tech enthusiasts, families, and those curious about how IT shapes our modern world. The museum’s hands-on approach—letting visitors touch telephones, play on classic arcade consoles, and even programme waving robotic cats—makes it a standout for innovation and fun. It was established (and named after) the founder of Nixdorf Computers, based in Paderborn. The company became the fourth largest computer company in Europe and a worldwide specialist in banking systems (it was acquired by Siemens in 1990).

LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz

Set atop the archaeological remains of Charlemagne’s imperial palace, the LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz offers a rare glimpse into Paderborn’s critical role in early medieval Europe. Showcasing original finds from the Carolingian and Ottonian periods, the museum places immense historical weight on the very ground visitors walk. Regular special exhibitions pull in the latest research, making it a living centre for history buffs and anyone drawn to the drama of the past.

Diözesanmuseum Paderborn

The Diocesan Museum is a treasure trove of sacred art spanning a millennium, from imposing Gothic sculptures to precious goldsmith work and textiles. Its airy modernist setting, juxtaposed with ancient vaults, houses over 12,000 artefacts, with highlights such as the iconic Imad Madonna and ornate reliquaries. Regular block-buster exhibitions draw crowds from across Europe, underlining its stature within the world of religious art and cultural history.

Städtische Galerie in der Reithalle

Housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century riding hall, this municipal gallery stages an ambitious rotation of temporary exhibitions spanning classical, modern, and contemporary art. Its dynamic educational programmes and atmospheric setting by the castle gardens make it a favourite for visitors drawn to visual culture in all its forms.

Deutsches Traktoren- und Modellauto-Museum

A paradise for technology fans and families, this museum charts the evolution of German agriculture with over 100 vintage tractors and a massive display of 10,000 scale model vehicles. Its atmospheric industrial venue, historic filling station, and working blacksmith's forge make it equally appealing to both curious children and committed collectors.

Museums inside the Stables of Neuhaus Palace

Kunstmuseum im Marstall

Located in the elegant Marstall (stables) of Schloss Neuhaus, this museum holds Paderborn’s municipal art collection, with a focus on 20th-century and contemporary German works. Its standout holdings include works by luminaries like Max Beckmann and E.L. Kirchner, and the largest collection of local painter Willy Lucas. With rotating special exhibitions and curated displays, there is always something fresh for art lovers to savour.

Naturkundemuseum im Marstall

This engaging natural history museum delves into the region’s distinctive landscapes and wildlife, offering detailed dioramas of local flora and fauna alongside living exhibits such as bees and fish. The interactive displays make it especially popular with children, while extensive geological and palaeontological collections provide depth for enthusiastic naturalists. Its location in the baroque outbuildings of Schloss Neuhaus adds another layer of charm.

Sammlung Nachtmann im Marstall

The Nachtmann Collection enriches the Marstall ensemble, spotlighting exquisite glass and ceramics, including rare tableware and ceremonial objects from across Europe. Highlights are finds directly from Schloss Neuhaus and vibrant displays tracing the region’s culinary and social history, perfect for those fascinated by decorative arts and material culture.

Local Cuisine

Paderborn's culinary scene offers a delightful blend of traditional Westphalian fare and modern German cuisine, with numerous cosy establishments scattered throughout the city centre between Westernstraße, Domplatz and the charming Pader springs. The local speciality to seek out is Paderborner Grützwurst, a traditional sausage made from groats, pork and spices, typically served alongside tangy sauerkraut and mustard. Visitors can also sample Paderborner Landbrot, a rustic hearty bread crafted with local grains that pairs beautifully with regional cheeses, found at the weekly farmers' market. The region's dense, dark Pumpernickel bread is another must-try speciality, whilst the rich Sauerbraten - a pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices and served with fluffy dumplings and red cabbage - showcases the hearty nature of local cooking. Traditional restaurants such as Deutsches Haus and Paderborner Brauhaus offer authentic Westphalian dishes in atmospheric settings, whilst the city's numerous farm cafés and beer gardens serve homemade specialities alongside freshly baked pies and local refreshments.

Getting There & Around

By train, reaching Paderborn is straightforward as the town is well-connected to major German cities by Deutsche Bahn and other providers. Services run frequently from cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hanover, with routes often involving a quick change in a nearby hub. The journey offers modern amenities and a comfortable, scenic ride through the German countryside.

By coach or bus, you can easily travel to Paderborn from many European destinations via operators such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar. Major departure points include Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and other cities, with some direct routes available. Coaches typically stop at the central bus station, offering a convenient and economical option for travellers.

By car, Paderborn is accessible via several motorways, notably the A33, which directly serves the town. Drivers can follow the A2 or A44 and take the exit for Paderborn Zentrum before following signs into the city. This route allows for flexibility and the chance to explore the picturesque regions en route.