Paderborner Land Route
250 km through the Paderborner Land
Stage 1
From Hövelhof via Paderborn to Bad Lippspringe
The first stage of the Paderborner Land Route offers a wonderful variety of landscapes and experiences. Starting in the open countryside of the Senne heathland, you’ll cycle to the idyllic Lake Lippesee and then on to the historic city of Paderborn.
To round off the stage, the springs and green parks of Bad Lippspringe await. It’s a delightful ride combining nature, culture and relaxing breaks along the way.
Route information:
Total distance: 33 km
Start: Hövelhof, railway station
End: Bad Lippspringe, market square
Surface:
- 95% asphalt
- 5% compacted gravel
Hövelhof
Your starting point in the Senne heathland
Your cycling tour through the Paderborner Land begins at Hövelhof railway station. If you’re arriving by car, parking is available here. Passing the former prince-bishop’s hunting lodge, which gave the Senne community its name, the route leads through open countryside dotted with meadows and fields.
In the district of Klausheide, it’s worth stopping to admire Salvator Kolleg, particularly its Art Nouveau chapel. From there, continue via Sande to Lake Lippesee. Enjoy lovely views across the water before the next highlight, Schloß Neuhaus, comes into view. Its magnificent Baroque gardens are well worth a short detour. From here, follow the River Pader towards the city centre. Germany’s shortest river leads you straight into the heart of this historic imperial city.
Paderborn
Where history meets modern life
In Paderborn, more than 1,200 years of history sit alongside a vibrant modern city. A short detour into the centre brings you close to a wealth of important sights, including the historic Town Hall, the Imperial Palace, the cathedral, the Pader Springs and the famous Three Hares Window. Take your time to explore the old town on foot or enjoy a break at one of the cafés.
Then leave the city heading north-east. Before long, the surroundings become quieter again, and the route continues through open countryside towards Bad Lippspringe.
Bad Lippspringe
Springs and flourishing gardens
At the end of the first stage, you’ll reach Bad Lippspringe, the flower town on the edge of the Senne heathland. The town is known for its therapeutic springs and the source of the River Lippe, which rises right beside the ruins of the castle. It’s a lovely place to take a break before winding down the day in the beautifully maintained parks.
The spa gardens feature a variety of garden areas, colourful flowerbeds and peaceful paths. In 2017, Bad Lippspringe hosted North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Garden Show. Today, its green spaces remain an inviting place to catch your breath after the first miles in the saddle and enjoy a relaxing end to the day.