The city of Paderborn is located in eastern North-Rhine Westphalia, in central Germany, with Hanover to the north-east and Kassel to the south-east. Visitors coming to see its famous cathedral can travel by train direct from Hanover in 1h51mins, or in 2h47mins with one change at Bielefeld. Alternatively, the train journey from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe takes 1h15mins. Paderborn is on the central Germany railway line and is served by Inter-City and local trains. Visitors arriving into Paderborn train station are only 600 metres from the old city centre, which can be reached within a 13-minute walk along Westernstraße and Bahnhofstraße.
Visiting Paderborn
Paderborn’s town hall, built in 1620, is a prominent example of the Weser-Renaissance style. Its arched colonnades and mullioned windows are surrounded by a pleasant cobbled square, where visitors can enjoy a coffee in an open-air cafe. Moving on, a 4-minute walk to the north brings visitors to the cathedral, its red sandstone and blue-tinged roof with magnificent spires dominating the city. Its most recognisable feature is the famous Dreihasenfenster (Window of Three Hares) depicting three hares in motion, arranged in a triangle. The 13th-century cathedral is an impressive mix of various architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic.
For a break from architectural sightseeing, the Wasserkunst park next to the cathedral is a lovely place for a quiet stroll or to sit and watch the world go by. The springs, which the city is named after (Paderborn meaning source of the River Born), arise right in the city centre and are now surrounded by the park. Approximately 20 springs combine to form the Pader. And, its claim to fame is that it is the shortest river in Germany, being only four kilometres long, before it joins the Lippe.
After sightseeing and relaxation comes refreshment! And, in the city centre, visitors can make the most of their opportunity to sample a refreshing local Paderborner Goldpilsener with another Paderborn speciality, the Paderborner Landbrot (a mixed-grain rye bread), and some local Schnitzel.