Attractions and Places To See around Kreis Paderborn - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Kreis Paderborn include a diverse landscape of historical landmarks, significant natural features, and extensive outdoor activity options. The region is characterized by its unique natural springs, such as the Pader and Ems, and features like the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park. Visitors can explore ancient castles, impressive cathedrals, and modern museums, alongside numerous hiking and cycling routes. This area offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Kreis Paderborn
- The most popular attractions is Neuhaus Castle, a castle that once served as the residence for Paderborn's prince-bishops. Its grounds and adjacent park provide picturesque surroundings for strolls.
- Another must-see spot is Padersee, a lake that serves as a recreation area. The lake offers opportunities for walks and activities, with a path around 1 kilometer long.
- Visitors also love Altenbeken Viaduct, a railway viaduct. This bridge is 482 meters long with 24 arches, making it the longest limestone bridge in Europe.
- Kreis Paderborn is known for its historical landmarks, natural springs, and extensive network of hiking and cycling routes. The region offers a variety of attractions, from medieval castles and cathedrals to nature reserves and museums.
- The attractions around Kreis Paderborn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2950 upvotes and over 260 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: September 26, 2026
Lippesee
Highlight • Lake
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Neuhaus Castle
Highlight • Castle
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South Observation Tower at Steinhorster Becken
Highlight • Viewpoint
A quick tip: There's a viewing platform on the northern edge of the reserve – from here you can peek into the reserve and enjoy the magnificent view.
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Ems River Source (Emsquelle)
Highlight • River
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View of the Schlosspark and Neuhaus Palace
Highlight • Castle
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Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Steinhorster Basin is considered to be the largest human-made biotope in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here native, but also many migrating waders and water birds find undisturbed areas for breeding, resting or feeding. The area is part of the European bird sanctuary "Rietberger Emsniederung with Steinhorster Basin".
A wide ring moat protects the core zone of the nature reserve from disturbances. From the top of the dike and two lookout towers, the natural and animal world can be observed with binoculars or telescopes.
Hike (A1, A2, A3) or cycle (De5) the area via one of the signposted circular routes. Finally, it is worth taking a detour to the Brinkmeier farm café.
The history of the Steinhorster basin
In the 1970s, a retention basin was created to protect the towns of Rietberg and Rheda-Wiedenbrück on the Upper Ems near Steinhorst from flooding. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia bought the central storage space of around 80 hectares and turned it into a water bird reserve.
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Lippesee Circular Overflow Weir
Highlight • Monument
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Heathland in the Moosheide Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Ems Springs
Highlight • River
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Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
The Steinhorster Basin near Delbrück is really a very beautiful and large idyllic nature reserve, especially for water birds and other aquatic animals. The A3 hiking trail that leads around it is also very beautiful. I've been there 2 years in a row and very impressed.
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The dyke grazing at the Steinhorst basin is very practical, because the sheep 🐑 naturally help to keep the grass short there.
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fantastic natural spectacle which is beautiful to look at
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Image taken in November 2022
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The Steinhorst Basin is located near Delbrück and is a truly beautiful and expansive nature reserve. Perfect for fish 🐟🐠 and birds 🐦. It's a great place to walk or cycle. There are two observation towers there, and the "Water, Paths, Corners" cycle path from Delbrück to Lake Möhne also begins there. It was a truly beautiful ride, approximately 130 km long.
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A beautiful route, along the NSG
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A pearl of nature. Always worth a trip.
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Interesting how these seepage springs later become such a river
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Kreis Paderborn?
Kreis Paderborn is rich in history. You can visit Neuhaus Castle, a stunning moated palace that once housed prince-bishops, or the magnificent Paderborn Cathedral with its unique "Three-Hares-Window." Other notable sites include Wewelsburg Castle, the reconstructed Imperial Palace, and the Weser Renaissance-style Paderborn Town Hall.
Where can I experience nature and scenic landscapes?
For nature lovers, the region offers diverse landscapes. Explore the Lippesee, a popular spot for relaxation, or discover the source of the Ems river at Ems River Source (Emsquelle) in the Moosheide nature reserve. The Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park also provides impressive natural experiences with extensive hiking and cycling trails.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. Neuhaus Castle and its park are great for strolls, while Padersee offers a recreation area with a playground and café. The South Observation Tower at Steinhorster Becken is excellent for wildlife viewing, and the Heathland in the Moosheide Nature Reserve has accessible paths for all ages.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available?
Kreis Paderborn boasts an extensive network of hiking and cycling routes. You can find numerous trails around the Lippesee, or explore the Altenbeken Viaduct area. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for Hiking around Kreis Paderborn or Road Cycling Routes around Kreis Paderborn.
Are there any unique museums to visit?
Absolutely. The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum is the world's largest computer museum, showcasing 5,000 years of information technology. The Diocesan Museum Paderborn, adjacent to the cathedral, displays sacred artworks, and the Museum in der Kaiserpfalz exhibits archaeological findings from Charlemagne's palace. You can also find the German Tractor and Model Car Museum in the area.
What are some notable natural springs in Kreis Paderborn?
The region is famous for its natural springs. The Pader Springs are the source of Germany's shortest river, rising from over 200 springs in Paderborn's heart. Further afield, the Ems River Source (Emsquelle) marks the origin of the Ems river, flowing from a seepage spring in the Moosheide nature reserve.
Can I find any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, some natural areas offer accessible paths. The Ems River Source (Emsquelle) area is well-developed with maintained paths, and the Heathland in the Moosheide Nature Reserve also features wheelchair-accessible routes, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.
Where can I observe wildlife, especially birds?
The South Observation Tower at Steinhorster Becken is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Steinhorster Becken is the largest man-made biotope in North Rhine-Westphalia, providing a habitat for numerous wading birds, water birds, and migratory birds. The Moosheide nature reserve is also popular with birdwatchers.
What makes the Altenbeken Viaduct special?
The Altenbeken Viaduct is a remarkable railway bridge, 482 meters long with 24 arches, making it the longest limestone bridge in Europe. It's an impressive architectural feat and a popular highlight for cyclists and hikers in the area.
Are there any dog-friendly places to visit?
Yes, several outdoor areas are suitable for walks with dogs. The Lippesee is a dog-friendly lake with paths perfect for a stroll. Many of the hiking trails throughout the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park and other natural reserves also welcome dogs, though it's always good to check local regulations for specific areas.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Kreis Paderborn?
Visitors frequently praise the blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. Many enjoy the picturesque grounds of Neuhaus Castle and its park, finding it a wonderful place to linger. The recreational opportunities around lakes like Padersee, with its paths and amenities, are also highly appreciated for walks and activities.
Are there any impressive viewpoints in the region?
Yes, Kreis Paderborn offers several viewpoints to take in the scenery. The South Observation Tower at Steinhorster Becken provides excellent views over the biotope. Many trails within the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park also lead to elevated spots offering panoramic vistas of the hilly landscapes and forests.
Where can I find relaxing spots for a walk or picnic?
The grounds of Neuhaus Castle offer a beautiful park perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. The areas around Lippesee and Padersee are also ideal for relaxing walks by the water, with benches and green spaces available.
Most popular routes around Kreis Paderborn
Most popular attractions around Kreis Paderborn
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