Things To Do
in Lippstadt

Lippstadt is a historic town in North Rhine-Westphalia situated along the Lippe River. Its well-preserved half-timbered houses and charming market square give the area a distinctly medieval atmosphere. The town offers a compact, walkable center with cafés, shops, and museums that are easy to explore in a day.

As a gateway to the Sauerland and the wider Ruhr region, Lippstadt makes a convenient base for day trips while preserving a relaxed, local vibe.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, marveling at the beautiful half-timbered houses that reflect the town's rich heritage. Don't forget to stop by St. Mary's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and take in its intricate details.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Lippstadt Museum to discover the town's fascinating history and cultural artifacts. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a charming restaurant along the banks of the Lippe River, where you can watch the boats drift by. Post-lunch, consider renting a bike to explore the scenic pathways that wind through the nearby parks and countryside.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a local beer garden to taste some regional brews and traditional German dishes. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and visitors mingling, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. End your day with a peaceful evening walk along the riverbank, taking in the twinkling lights reflecting on the water.

day 2
Nature and Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast packed with energy to fuel your hiking adventure. Head to the nearby Teutoburg Forest, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the lush green surroundings. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning views from the hiking trails that overlook the region.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Continue your exploration by following one of the designated trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and picturesque viewpoints. The afternoon sun filters through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere as you discover the beauty of the forest.

evening
:

Return to Lippstadt in the evening, where you can unwind at a local restaurant that specializes in seasonal cuisine. Relish in dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, paired with a glass of regional wine. As you enjoy your meal, reflect on the day's adventures and the stunning landscapes you've encountered.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🚆One-way public transport ticket$2.50-3.50
🏨Hotel room per night$70-120
🥛Milk (1 liter)$0.90-1.50
🏠Rent per month (1-bedroom city center)$900-1300

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable historic center with easy access to surroundings
  • Strong local culture and authentic Westphalian cuisine
  • Less nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions than bigger cities
  • Some services may feel tourist-oriented in peak seasons
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
  • "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
  • "Entschuldigen Sie" - Excuse me
  • "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
  • "Prost" - Cheers

Places to Visit in Lippstadt

Visit one of these nice places.

Marktplatz and Town Hall

The central square with historic half-timbered facades provides classic photo opportunities, especially during morning light and at dusk.

Lippe River Promenade

Wide river views, bridges, and reflections create serene compositions, particularly in the late afternoon.

Schlosspark and Schloss Lippstadt

Well-kept gardens and the stately surroundings offer elegant framing for portraits and landscape shots.

St. Mary’s Church and surrounding streets

Gothic architecture and narrow lanes provide dramatic angles and texture for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lippstadt

Westphalian cuisine highlights simple, hearty dishes using seasonal produce, potatoes, rye bread, and regional meats. Expect rustic flavors, local breads, and plenty of comforting favorites paired with regional beers or regional apple juice wines.

Lippstadt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Westfälischer Pickert

A hearty potato-puff pancake often served with sweet toppings like sugar or applesauce, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or a filling snack.

Must-Try!

Pumpernickel

Dark, dense rye bread that pairs well with butter, cheeses, or hearty stews; a staple to look for in bakeries across Lippstadt.

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

Kale cooked with a smoked sausage (Pinkel); a traditional winter dish that showcases robust Westphalian flavors.

Westfälischer Schinken

Thin-sliced Westphalian ham served with rye bread and regional mustard—great for a quick lunch or deli-style bite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Wochenmarkt am Marktplatz

Weekly market at the Marktplatz offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods, a good place to taste local produce and chat with vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lippstadt has a temperate climate with moderate summers and cool to cold winters. Rain can occur at any time of year, so layering is practical. Spring and autumn are typically mild with pleasant outdoor conditions, while winter may bring frosty mornings and occasional snow.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite Guten Tag or Hallo is standard; address adults with Sie unless invited to use du. Punctuality is valued for appointments and meetings.

Tact and conversation

Keep conversations respectful in public spaces; modest behavior is appreciated; avoid loud discussing on public transport late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lippstadt is generally a safe town with low crime rates. The usual travel precautions apply: be mindful of personal belongings in crowded areas, especially markets and transit hubs. Emergency numbers in Germany are 112 for fire/ambulance and 110 for police.

Tipping in Lippstadt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In restaurants and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is customary. For hotel staff, a small tip for service is appreciated but not required.

Payment methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted; contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are common in shops and eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming trees in the Altstadt; great for walking tours and outdoor cafés.

Summer

Longer days and pleasant evenings; expect occasional rain showers—carry a light layer and a compact umbrella.

Autumn

Colorful foliage along the Lippe and in the parks; ideal for golden-hour photography and leisurely strolls.

Winter

Colder with potential frost and occasional snow; festive lights in the Marktplatz and Christmas markets add atmosphere.

Nightlife Guide

Lippstadt at Night

Lippstadt offers a relaxed nightlife scene centered around the Altstadt with cozy pubs, wine bars, and live-music venues. Expect small crowds, friendly atmospheres, and beer-tasting opportunities rather than large clubs. Many venues close early by larger city standards, but there are occasional seasonal events and open-air concerts in warmer months.

Hiking in Lippstadt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lippe River and Stadtwald trails

Gentle loops along the river and through forested areas, suitable for day hikes and leisurely walks.

Schlosspark loop

Short, scenic loop around the castle gardens with varied viewpoints and photo opportunities.

Lippstadt to surrounding towns segment

Easy day hikes connecting nearby towns along country roads and scenic countryside.

Airports

How to reach Lippstadt by plane.

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD)

Closest airport to Lippstadt with domestic and limited international connections; accessible by rail and road from the town.

Dortmund Airport (DTM)

A larger regional airport offering more frequent connections, reachable by rail and road via regional transit.

Münster Osnabrück International (FMO)

A bit farther away but with a broad range of European connections; typically reached by train or car from Lippstadt.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lippstadt’s center is highly walkable, with narrow lanes and a pedestrian-friendly Marktplatz. Sidewalks are well-maintained and signage is helpful, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer trips or excursions, cycling is common and well-supported by city paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly town with good schools, parks, and safe streets.

Students

Proximity to smaller universities and vocational schools brings a student presence and affordable eateries.

Retirees

Quiet neighborhoods and a slower pace attract retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and amateur leagues are active; games are a social highlight on weekends.

Cycling

Popular on the Lippe Radweg and nearby countryside; routes suit all levels.

Hiking

Nearby forests and parks provide accessible day hikes and nature walks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the city center is moderate, with well-organized street layouts and good public transport links. Bicycles are common, and the Lippe region offers scenic cycling routes. Parking in the historic center can be limited, but there are several parking garages on the outskirts.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lippstadt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available in most restaurants; ask for vegetable mains, salads, and dairy or plant-based cheeses. Markets and bakeries also offer fruit, bread, and cheese selections suitable for vegetarians.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Lippstadt includes general practitioners, pharmacies, and a hospital within reachable distance. German health insurance coverage is standard; EU residents can use their EHIC appropriately, and many doctors offer appointments within a reasonable time frame. For emergencies, call 112.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide