Things To Do
in Höxter

Höxter is a historic town in North Rhine-Westphalia perched along the Weser River, where medieval lanes meet a lively modern vibe. Its well-preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets give the town timeless charm. Nearby Corvey Abbey and its palace add a regal backdrop to the historic center and a UNESCO-worthy cultural footprint.

It’s an excellent base for exploring the Weserbergland and enjoying a relaxed, authentic Westphalian atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Historic Town Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Höxter's historic town center. Admire the half-timbered houses, especially the beautiful Market Square, where you can feel the essence of medieval architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the St. Jakobi Church, a stunning Gothic building that boasts captivating stained glass windows.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby café, head over to the Corvey Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about its rich history. The guided tour will give you insights into the fascinating architecture and the role the abbey played in medieval Christianity. Spend the remainder of the afternoon wandering in the abbey's lovely gardens, taking in the peace and serenity.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the town to savor some regional delicacies. Enjoy local specialties like Paderborn schnitzel while mingling with locals and savoring the ambiance. Optionally, you can take an evening walk along the Weser River, soaking in the scenic views as night falls.

day 2
Visit the Natural History Museum
morning
:

Begin your day at the Natural History Museum of Höxter, where you can discover fascinating exhibits about the area's flora and fauna. The informative displays make it a perfect start for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Engage with the interactive sections to make the experience more enjoyable.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the nearby Bürgerpark, where you can relax, have a picnic, or try out some outdoor sports. The park is an ideal way to unwind, with its lush greenery and well-maintained paths. You may also encounter local fauna while enjoying your time there.

evening
:

After a day filled with exploration, choose to dine at one of the riverside restaurants for a delightful dinner. Relish in the views of the Weser as you savor seasonal dishes, which often include fresh fish from the river. Cap off your evening with a casual walk along the water, listening to the gentle flow of the river.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🥗Casual lunch$8-12
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$40-70
🚌Day transit pass$4-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and architecture
  • Scenic Weser river setting and easy access to nature
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Smaller town with fewer big-city amenities
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello/Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like to have...

Places to Visit in Höxter

Visit one of these nice places.

Corvey Abbey and Palace

A grand monastic complex on elevated grounds with dramatic architecture and riverside views, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Höxter Old Town Market Square

Historic half-timbered houses, stone signage, and the bustle of daily life make this a quintessential Westphalian street photography location.

Weser River Promenade

Wide river views, gentle curves of the shore, and footbridges providing nice compositions during golden hour.

Historic Town Gate and Alleys

Ancient gateways and narrow lanes offer characterful angles and texture for architectural shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Höxter

Höxter sits in the Lippe region, where hearty Westphalian cooking shines. Expect wholesome meats, dense breads, seasonal produce, and comfort dishes that pair well with local beers and regional pastries.

Höxter Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

Kale cooked with Pinkel sausage, a classic Westphalian winter dish often enjoyed with potatoes and mustard.

Must-Try!

Pumpernickel

Dense, dark rye bread that’s iconic to the region; great with cheese, toppings, or as part of hearty meals.

Pickert

A traditional Westphalian potato pancake often served with sweet or savory toppings; a rustic breakfast or lunch option.

Rinderroulade

Beef roulade wrapped around vegetables and pickles, typically served with potatoes and gravy.

Haxe / Schweinshaxe

Pork knuckle prepared in a regional style, often accompanied by sauerkraut and dumplings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Höxter Wochenmarkt

Weekly market in the historic center where you can grab fresh produce, local cheeses, breads, and prepared bites.

Street food highlights

Bratwurst, pretzels, and seasonal snacks are commonly available at market squares and festival days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Höxter experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but rarely extreme, winters are cool with possible frosts, and rainfall occurs year-round with slightly more precipitation in the late spring and summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and etiquette

Address people formally as 'Sie' unless invited to use 'du.' A handshake is common when meeting someone new. Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments and public services.

Safety Guide

Safety

Höxter is generally safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots, use well-lit streets at night, and have emergency numbers ready (112 for emergencies, 110 for police). High-quality medical care is available in town and nearby cities; in case of serious injury, seek hospital services promptly.

Tipping in Höxter

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants; you can hand the tip to the server in cash or add it to a card payment.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees; great for city walks and garden photography. Bring a light jacket for cool mornings.

Summer

Warm days with extended daylight and outdoor events; stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Sudden showers are possible; keep a light layer handy.

Autumn

Colorful foliage around the Weser and surrounding hills; ideal for landscape and street photography. Cooler evenings; layer up.

Winter

Chillier with potential frost and occasional snow; cozy pubs and markets provide festive atmosphere. Dress warmly and plan indoor activities for the shortest daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Höxter at Night

Höxter offers a quiet, friendly nightlife with cozy pubs and cafes in the historic center. For more energetic options, head to nearby Paderborn or Kassel for larger bars and clubs. Expect relaxed atmospheres, live music on some weekends, and seasonal events at the market square.

Hiking in Höxter

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eggegebirge (near Altenbeken)

Ridge trails with sweeping views and varied difficulty, suitable for day trips from Höxter.

Solling-Vogler Nature Park

Forested trails and nature paths offering peaceful hikes amid rolling landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Höxter by plane.

Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD)

Closest major airport; about an hour by car or train from Höxter.

Dortmund Airport (DTM)

Larger international airport; roughly 1.5–2 hours by rail or car.

Hannover Airport (HAJ)

Another option with broader international connections; longer transfer from Höxter.

Getting Around

Walkability

Höxter’s historic center is highly walkable, with compact streets, easily accessible sights, and short walks between the Market Square, Corvey, and the Weser promenade.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Families are common in Höxter, attracted by history, safety, and accessible nature.

Older Adults

An aging population in line with many small German towns, with active community groups and handcrafts.

Seasonal Visitors

Tourists visit for Corvey Abbey, river scenery, and scenic hiking in the Weserbergland.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Fußball)

The region follows football passionately with local amateur and senior matches being a common weekend activity.

Cycling

Extensive bike routes along the Weser and in surrounding hills make cycling popular year-round.

Transportation

Traffic

The town is car-friendly with good road access; the historic center is best explored on foot. Regional trains and buses connect Höxter to Paderborn and beyond; plan for occasional delays during peak travel times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Höxter.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants in Höxter offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes. Ask for seasonal vegetables, mushroom dishes, or a veggie version of regional staples; many places will accommodate dairy-free requests with advance notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Germany provides high-quality healthcare. In Höxter you’ll find general practitioners and local clinics; for specialized care or larger hospitals, nearby Paderborn offers more options. In emergencies dial 112; for police dial 110.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide