Nature and history
Borchen
Borchen is characterized by a diverse landscape and traces dating back to the Neolithic period. Extensive arable farmland on the edge of the Paderborn Plateau meets beech forests on the valley slopes, as well as meadows and pastures in the floodplains. These different landscapes give the municipality its rural character while being located just a few kilometres from Paderborn.
Schloss Hamborn
Hamborn Castle dates back to the 19th century. It was built from natural stone with typical stylistic elements of the Weser Renaissance. It is located on the limestone cliffs of a steep slope that drops away to the north. Since 1931, the approximately 300-hectare Hamborn Castle estate has been owned by a non-profit association, which today bears the name “Schloss Hamborn - Rudolf Steiner Werkgemeinschaft” (Hamborn Castle - Rudolf Steiner Work Community).
The farmstead, with its own cheese dairy, bakery, butcher's shop and market garden, offers regional products for sale. The ‘Alte Schule’ café offers tasty baked goods and other culinary delights.
Mallinckrodthof
The Mallinckrodthof not only impresses with its traditional architecture, but also represents an important piece of regional culture. Within the grounds there is a small garden with the ‘Annetten-Tempelchen’ (Annetten's little temple). Annette von Droste-Hülshoff is said to have enjoyed spending time in this little tower and to have written part of ‘Judenbuche’ (The Jew's Beech) during her visits here.
South-west of the main building at Mallinckrodthof, the Life and Sensory Garden invites all generations to discover, relax and exercise on a tour through the park. All the senses are stimulated at various activity stations: a barefoot path, games, telescopes and outdoor sports equipment make the tour a special experience for young and old alike. Numerous cultural events take place at Mallinckrodthof throughout the year.
Chapel "Zur Hilligen Seele"
The “Kappeller zur Hilligen Seele” (Chapel of the Holy Soul) was built over a thousand years ago. The first wooden chapel was built here in Borchen in the 8th century and replaced by a stone building around the turn of the millennium. Located on the old pilgrimage and trade route from Hamburg via Frankfurt to Mainz, the chapel was repeatedly plundered until the Thirty-Years War and finally completely destroyed in 1646. After the war, the chapel was rebuilt using local quarry stone, and the Renaissance entrance with the heart coat of arms dates from this construction phase.
Today, the chapel and its beautiful surroundings invite hikers on the ‘Alter Pilgerweg’ quality hiking trail to rest and linger.
Etteln
Etteln is a popular destination for day trips in the Altenau Valley. The village is situated along the Altenau River and on the wooded slopes of the Paderborn Plateau. The Altenau Cycle Route and the Altenau Hiking Trail run through the diverse landscape and invite visitors to stop for a break at a farm café. The Klus Chapel is located nearby and can easily be combined with a visit to Etteln.
At the edge of the village, the paddling pond with its well-maintained circular path provides a peaceful place to take a break. The Teufelstein viewing platform along the Old Pilgrims’ Trail offers sweeping views over Etteln and the Altenau Valley.
Further information
Find out more about leisure activities in Borchen:
Gemeindeverwaltung Borchen
Unter der Burg 1 | D - 33178 Borchen | Tel. +49 5251 38880