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Paderborn: springs, cathedral and old town
Paderborn lies in the east of North Rhine-Westphalia, where the River Pader rises from more than 200 springs right in the middle of the old town. The cathedral stands above the springs, surrounded by the Imperial Palace, the town hall and bustling shopping streets. With around 20,000 students, the university keeps the city young, and in 2027 Paderborn celebrates its 1250th anniversary. Whether it’s a short break, a cultural weekend or the Libori festival in summer, a flight to Paderborn quickly takes you to the heart of East Westphalia, amid history, greenery and city life.
Culture & museums
From the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum to Charlemagne’s Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz): Paderborn combines more than 1,200 years of city history with the history of computer technology.
City of springs
More than 200 springs feed the River Pader, which flows into the River Lippe after only around four kilometres. For many, the Pader Springs park at the foot of the cathedral is the most beautiful meeting place in the city.
Cathedral, Libori & old town
St Liborius is buried in the cathedral. In his honour, Paderborn celebrates the Libori festival for more than a week every summer, with church services, a funfair and a market right in the heart of the old town.
When is the best time to visit Paderborn?
The weather in Paderborn is temperate: mild summers and cool, often damp winters, with an average annual temperature of around 10 °C. Paderborn is at its most beautiful in spring, when everything around the Pader springs turns green, and in summer, when the city celebrates Libori. The LEAV route is offered seasonally, from late April to early November. A long weekend is enough for the cathedral, the springs and the old town; if you want to add Schloss Neuhaus and trips into the surrounding area, it’s worth staying three to four days.
Spring
Green Pader meadows
When the trees burst into leaf around the springs and in the palace park at Schloss Neuhaus, Paderborn is at its freshest. A good time for walks and afternoons outdoors.
Summer
Libori & long evenings
At the end of July the city celebrates Libori – in 2027 from 23 July to 1 August. Add to that the long, light evenings by the River Pader and in the beer gardens of the old town.
Sights and activities
Paderborn is best explored on foot: the cathedral, the Pader springs and the Imperial Palace are just a few minutes apart, and you can reach Schloss Neuhaus by following the River Pader.
Paderborn Cathedral
With its mighty west tower, the cathedral is the city’s best-known landmark. In the cloister, the Three Hares Window awaits: three hares that have only three ears between them.
Pader Springs park
More than 200 springs bubble up from the ground right at the foot of the cathedral. In summer, the meadows and paths around the spring pools are a favourite spot for many families.
Schloss Neuhaus
The Renaissance palace in the Schloss Neuhaus district stands in a large park with palace gardens and is easy to reach on a walk along the River Pader.
More must-sees and tips for Paderborn
Beyond the well-known sights, you’ll find many little moments in Paderborn that make your visit special.
1250 Years of Paderborn
In 2027 the city celebrates the anniversary of its first documented mention in the year 777. Festivals, exhibitions and concerts take place all year round – a great reason to visit East Westphalia.
Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum
The HNF is considered the largest computer museum in the world and traces the history of information technology from its beginnings to the present day. Ideal for a rainy day with children.
Imperial Palace & Town Hall
Around the cathedral you’ll find Charlemagne’s Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) with its museum and the historic town hall – easy to combine with a stroll through the pedestrian zone.
1250 Years of Paderborn
In 2027 the city celebrates the anniversary of its first documented mention in the year 777. Festivals, exhibitions and concerts take place all year round – a great reason to visit East Westphalia.
Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum
The HNF is considered the largest computer museum in the world and traces the history of information technology from its beginnings to the present day. Ideal for a rainy day with children.
Imperial Palace & Town Hall
Around the cathedral you’ll find Charlemagne’s Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) with its museum and the historic town hall – easy to combine with a stroll through the pedestrian zone.
Map of Paderborn
FAQ: Travelling to Paderborn
The route is offered seasonally. You can always find the exact dates for your flight to Paderborn in the current flight search.
Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport is near Büren, around 18 kilometres from the city centre. A bus connects it with Paderborn main station; if you have luggage, a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient option.
Popular destinations include the Wewelsburg near Büren, the spa town of Bad Lippspringe with its spa forest, and the Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest. During Libori and in the 2027 anniversary year, accommodation gets booked up quickly, so plan your visit early.
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