Things To Do
in Paderborn
Paderborn is a medium-sized city in North Rhine-Westphalia known for its thousand-year history, Baroque cathedral and the Pader springs where the short river Pader begins. The city blends historic architecture with a lively university scene, giving it a mix of cultural attractions and youthful energy. Green spaces and easy access to the Teutoburg Forest make it a good base for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Paderborn is also known for its local beer (Paderborner) and a relaxed, walkable city center with cafés and restaurants clustered around the Domplatz.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Paderborn's historic center, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the cathedral. Visit the Paderborn Cathedral, known for its impressive Romanesque and Gothic elements, and take a moment to appreciate the intricate details. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee at a local cafe, immersing yourself in the ambiance of this quaint city.
After lunch, head to the historic Kaiserpfalz, where the remnants of the old palace tell tales of the city's rich history. Wander through the beautiful gardens surrounding the site, taking in the serene atmosphere and lovely landscaping. Finally, visit the nearby Museum in der Kaiserpfalz, which showcases the city's past through fascinating exhibits.
As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant in the city center to indulge in traditional Westphalian cuisine. Savor local specialties such as 'Westfälischer Schinken' and 'Grünkohl' while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Pader River, where the twinkling lights reflect beautifully on the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the expansive Paderwiesen, a beautiful park that offers peaceful walking trails and lush green spaces. You can enjoy a refreshing morning jog or simply relax by the Pader River, observing the gentle flow of the water. Don't forget to explore the small playgrounds and picnic spots perfect for enjoying a light breakfast outdoors.
In the afternoon, head over to the nearby Schloss Neuhaus, a picturesque castle surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. Spend some time exploring the castle grounds and appreciating the Baroque architecture before unwinding in the formal gardens. If you're lucky, you might catch a local event or concert in the park during your visit.
As the sun sets, visit one of the local beer gardens to sample some of the region's famous brews. Engage with locals and fellow travelers while enjoying a casual meal under the stars. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for winding down after an active day surrounded by nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5 L at a bar) | $3.5-5 |
| 🚆Local public transport day pass | $6-9 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with historic sights and green spaces
- Close access to Teutoburg Forest and scenic hiking/cycling routes
- Strong regional culture and good local food and beer traditions
- University presence brings youthful energy, cafés and events
- Smaller nightlife and fewer late-night options compared with larger cities
- Limited international flight connections — may require transfers
- Some attractions and services may close earlier, especially on Sundays
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Guten Morgen / Guten Abend" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thanks / Thank you very much
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Dom / die Paderquellen?" - Where is the cathedral / the Pader springs?
- "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like ...
Places to Visit in Paderborn
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking Romanesque and Gothic architecture, ornate interior and impressive façade ideal for both daytime and evening shots.
The source of the river Pader with clear water, small cascades and charming footbridges — excellent for close-up nature and cityscape photos.
A stately palace with landscaped gardens, ponds and tree-lined paths — great for wide-angle and portrait photography.
Distinctive triangular castle on a hill near Paderborn offering dramatic architectural shots and surrounding forest views.
Cobblestone lanes, historic houses, market squares and cafés provide atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Food in Paderborn
Paderborn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured Westphalian ham often served with bread or as part of a hearty platter; available at delis and traditional restaurants and markets.
Must-Try!
Dense rye breads typical for the region; found in bakeries (Bäckerei) and markets — excellent with local cheeses and ham.
Kale stewed with smoked sausage, a winter specialty served in many local inns (especially during winter 'Kohl' season).
Local beer brewed in the region — try it at taverns, beer gardens, and many restaurants in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh local produce, breads, cheeses and regional specialties; great for tasting local products and grabbing a quick snack.
In December the market around the cathedral offers mulled wine (Glühwein), bratwurst and sweet pastries — a festive place to sample seasonal street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Sie' and surnames with older people or in formal settings until invited to use first names or 'du'.
Germans value punctuality — arrive on time for appointments, tours and reservations.
Observe quiet hours (Nachtruhe) typically from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM and follow local recycling rules (paper, plastic, glass).
A firm handshake on greeting is common; say 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' when entering shops or group settings.
Safety
Tipping in Paderborn
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common; in cafés it's normal to round up to the nearest euro. When paying, tell the server the total including tip (e.g., 'Zehn Euro, bitte').
Cash (Euros) is still widely used especially in smaller eateries and markets, but most restaurants, hotels and stores accept cards (EC/girocard and increasingly contactless). Mobile payments are accepted in many places.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, riverside and park blossoms; ideal for walking and photography of the Pader springs and gardens. Occasional rainy days — bring a light rain jacket.
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours; outdoor terraces, beer gardens and cycling are popular. Expect more tourists on weekends and occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in nearby forests — great for hiking and scenic photography. Early evenings can be chilly, so pack layers.
Cold with possible frost and occasional snow; festive Christmas markets and seasonal dishes are highlights. Many attractions remain open, but bring warm clothing and waterproof footwear.
Paderborn at Night
Hiking in Paderborn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famous long-distance trail crossing the Teutoburg Forest with scenic ridgelines, viewpoints and historic sites — suitable for day hikes or longer treks.
Rugged trails and wooded hills west of Paderborn offering quieter paths and varied terrain for hikers who prefer less crowded routes.
Shorter forest walks and circuit trails around Wewelsburg Castle, excellent for combining culture with a nature walk.
Gentle, accessible paths through landscaped gardens and along ponds suitable for families and photographers.
Airports
How to reach Paderborn by plane.
Small regional airport close to the city offering domestic and limited international flights; about a 20–30 minute drive from Paderborn city center with shuttle or taxi connections.
Larger regional airport about 45–60 minutes by car or regional train, offering more domestic and European routes and good train/bus connections to Paderborn.
Regional airport roughly 50–70 minutes away by car; serves European destinations and low-cost carriers with bus and train links available.
Major international airport approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train, offering extensive international connections and frequent rail services to the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
University of Paderborn brings a sizeable student population influencing cafés, cultural events and rental markets.
Many residential areas house families attracted by schools, parks and community services.
A substantial portion of the population is older residents with deep local ties and involvement in civic life.
Proximity to larger urban centers means some residents commute regionally for work, contributing to daily traffic patterns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally — local clubs and youth teams play regularly and matches draw community support.
Handball has a strong following in the region with local clubs and competitive leagues.
Leisure and competitive cycling and running are popular due to varied terrain and well-marked trails in and around the Teutoburg Forest.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paderborn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and bistros; ask for 'vegetarisch' dishes and many restaurants can adapt mains. Supermarkets and markets sell fresh produce for self-catering.
Vegan choices exist but are fewer than in larger German cities — seek out cafés that advertise vegan options or international eateries near the university.
Gluten-free options are available in bakeries and restaurants on request, but always inform staff ('Ich brauche glutenfreie Optionen') to avoid cross-contamination.