Paderborn lies to the south of the Senne and is a large city with around 150,000 inhabitants.
In the centre of the city are the sources of the Pader, to which Paderborn owes its name. With its first documented mention in the 8th century, Paderborn can look back on a long history. The year 777, in which Charlemagne had the first royal palace built above the Pader springs, is the official founding year of the city. In 799 the diocese of Paderborn was founded.
The Paderborn Cathedral, with the remarkable three-rabbit window, is one of the city’s landmarks. The magnificent Paderborn Town hall, which was built in the Weser Renaissance style, testifies to the pride of the citizens. In 1614, the first university in Westphalia was established in Paderborn. With the university, various theatres and museums, the city is still a centre for culture and science today.
In addition to the Pader, the Lippe and the Alme, there are numerous lakes in the urban area. The “PaderWanderung” and the “Marienloher Lipperundweg “ invite those interested in nature to explore the waters of Paderborn.
