Paderborner Land Route Cycle Path
Heathland, bird sanctuaries, monastic culture and a railway viaduct
The 250 kilometre Paderborner-Land-Route (Paderborner Land Route) cycle path takes in impressive natural landscapes, major historic sites and interesting cultural attractions, mainly on quiet roads.
Those who want a true taste of what the region around Paderborn has to offer should cycle the 250 kilometre Paderborner-Land-Route (Paderborner Land Route) cycle path, which takes in impressive natural landscapes, major historic sites and interesting cultural attractions, mainly on quiet roads.
Highlights for cyclists on the route include the Senne, the largest continuous area of heathland in North Rhine-Westphalia, and Dahlheim Monastery in Lichtenau with its unique museum on monastic culture. Another impressive sight is the massive Altenbeken Viaduct, Europe’s largest stone railway viaduct. At night, its lofty arches are illuminated to transform the structure into an imposing work of lightart. Cyclists passing Hövelhof, the source of the River Ems, can admire the Steinhorster Becken, the largest man-made biotope in NRW. A reserve for large numbers of migratory birds, it is an increasingly popular stopping-off point for cyclists.
The Paderborner Land Route also passes through several towns along the way, including of course Paderborn with its imposing 13th century cathedral. Paderborn is also the source of Germany’s shortest river, the Pader, and home to the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum – the world’s largest computer museum. In Bad Wünneberg, visitors can experience a barefoot path, while in Salzkotten a graduation tower stands as a reminder of the town’s important tradition of salt production.
Take a break at a farm café or Bed & Bike establishment
Cyclists looking for somewhere to rest will find plenty of choice on the route. Farm cafés and restaurants serve regional specialities like Paderborn farmhouse bread and Westphalian ham on the bone as well as beer, asparagus, strawberries, game and high-quality baked goods from established delicatessens. For overnight stays, cyclists can choose from a number of certified Bed & Bike establishments.
The Paderborner Land Route in the Teutoburg Forest region was certified as a three-star quality route by the German Cyclists’ Association (ADFC) in 2014.
