Paderborn: Where the Shortest River was Born

Paderborn's history began with the construction of a castle near the Pader springs in 777 by Charlemagne (who was the Holy Roman Emperor). The city takes its name from the Pader springs! With its four kilometers length, the Pader river is considered as the shortest river in Germany! During World War II, the city was bombed and damaged heavily. Between 1940 and 1950, the city was re-constructed again and today, Paderborn is the major industrial city of northern Germany.

It is a nice city to stay for couple of days but staying for a month may become a bit boring. Although, I have to admit that the old town is pretty picturesque and gives you a really cozy feeling. Oh, btw you can reach the city with a train or** if you are coming from Munich, London, Manchester, Bournemouth, Zurich and Vienna, you can also use the Paderborn/Lippstadt airport. The city center is not that big so it can be explored easily on foot. But of course, you can take the bus to travel inside the city**.

Paderborn is famous with its churches and cathedral, that's why your first stop should be the Dom aka the Paderborn Cathedral. This Romanesque-Gothic styled Cathedral was built in the 8th Century, reconstructed in the 13th Century and it is still in use today! It is sad that the Cathedral was damaged during the bombing and lost several pieces of art works and historic glass works, but still it is standing with grace today.

The second most famous church of Paderborn is the Marktkirche. This church was built in 1682 by Prince-Bishop Ferdinand von Fürstenberg. Not just the outside, the interior is also so lovely! The Baroque altar will mesmerize you.

In the old town, you can come across the typical old German half-timbered houses and also the landmark of the old town, the Rathaus aka the city hall! The Rathaus was built in its current form in 1611 and it is definitely worth a visit. The architecture looks like it is from Brothers Grimm fairytale books!

If you want to visit Paderborn, find your inspiration on itinari now! Oh, and don't forget to drink Paderborner Beer :P