Paderborn is an enchanting city filled with architecture from throughout the centuries. Tour a Renaissance palace, admire the beautiful Baroque church and step into an ancient Byzantine chapel. The city is a gateway to Ostwestfalen, a picturesque region of rolling hills and beech forests.
Things to do in Paderborn
A moat surrounds Schloss Neuhaus, a magnificent Renaissance palace set in sprawling parkland. The royal residence has been reimagined as a family-friendly attraction with museums, playgrounds and beautiful Baroque gardens. The Residence Museum features a series of lavishly decorated rooms and apartments. The former Royal Stables Museum houses an impressive collection of ceramics and glass art.
Tiny Bartholomäuskapelle is one of the oldest and smallest chapels in Germany. It was built in 1017 in the Byzantine style with a vaulted ceiling and hanging domes supported by soaring columns. The acoustics are incredible and it’s worth checking the concert schedule to see if you can catch a service or musical performance.
Marktkirche soars over the city centre and is one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The elaborate high altar was destroyed in World War II but replaced with a perfect replica, complete with intricate wood carvings and gleaming gold accents.
From shady riverside beer gardens to upscale steakhouses, there are restaurants for every occasion in Paderborn. Many establishments champion food from North Rhine-Westphalia, including hearty meat stews and “pickert” potato pancakes. Finish your meal with a glass of “bärenjäger” honey liqueur. The main square is dotted with cafes and ice cream parlours.
Getting around Paderborn
Paderborn is compact and easy to get around on foot or bicycle, while trains connect Paderborn with major cities across North Rhine-Westphalia. Local buses are a fast and easy way to get around the city. The city is a 45-minute drive from Bielefeld and two hours from Hanover and Dusseldorf. Dortmund Airport is a one-hour drive away.