Lippe has around 2,000 kilometres of hiking trails. Part of the European long-distance footpath E1 runs through the region, as do the award-winning “Hermannshöhen” and “Hansaweg” trails. The Fürstenroute Lippe offers a different kind of tour: this multi-day route connects the castles, fortresses and parks of the Lippe region. Check the conditions on your chosen route before setting out.
Hiking trails and notable places
You can also experience the region’s hiking credentials at individual locations. The WALK Hiking Competence Centre at the Hermannsdenkmal is a key destination for hikers and anyone interested in hiking. The monument itself stands on the 386-metre-high Grotenburg in Hiddesen, a district in the southwest of Detmold. The panoramic viewing platform is accessible only via a steep spiral staircase with 100 steps—a key consideration when planning your visit.
Renaissance, museums and the performing arts
Seven historic town centres in Lippe are defined by Renaissance buildings. The Weser Renaissance Museum in Lemgo focuses on the cultural history of the Weser region in the 16th and 17th centuries. Guided tours of Detmold’s Princely Residence Palace offer another architectural perspective: the rooms provide insights into the Renaissance, Neo-Renaissance, Weser Renaissance, Baroque and Modern periods. Visits are only possible as part of a guided tour.
The Hermannsdenkmal brings two different themes together: the Hermanneum explores the history of the monument and its inspiration, Arminius, through digital applications and interactive stations, while WALK focuses on hiking. In Detmold, the Landestheater presents drama, opera and ballet at four venues. In LĂĽgde, the Easter Wheel Run has been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage and is an established part of local tradition. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
Experience nature and discover wildlife
The Externsteine are a cultural and natural monument in the heart of Lippe. For an encounter with birds of prey, visit Adlerwarte Berlebeck, home to 180 large and small birds of prey from 48 species and renowned for its spectacular flying displays. As the displays are seasonal, check show times before your visit. Adlerwarte’s education and information centre shares insights into birds of prey, the history of falconry and the reserve’s role in species conservation; it is suitable for school classes and other groups.
More than 1,000 birds and mammals from 300 different species live in large aviaries and open enclosures at Vogelpark Heiligenkirchen. Visitors can hand-feed birds in the parrot aviary and the budgerigar and small-parrot aviary. The LWL Museum Hellerlecht offers a different focus: its open-air site covers more than 90 hectares and includes over 100 fully furnished buildings from all the regions of Westphalia. Traditional crafts such as flour milling, blacksmithing and pottery are demonstrated daily; check the current programme before your visit.
Kneipp, regional cuisine and practical information
The Kneipp Island in Bad Salzuflen’s spa park features foot-bathing and arm-bathing pools as well as an activity trail. In themed pavilions, the Wandelhalle presents the history, traditions and culture of this saltwater and Kneipp spa resort through digital, interactive and analogue displays. Access conditions can change, so check the latest information before your visit.
Lippischer Pickert is another regional speciality: this potato dish is served in local inns, farm cafés and restaurants. Specific offerings and menus vary from one establishment to another. To reach the Hermannsdenkmal, the Naturparkbus on route 792 serves the stop of the same name on weekends and public holidays from Easter until 1 November. Check the timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Schieder-Schwalenberg, Blomberg, Extertal, Lügde, Lemgo, Horn-Bad Meinberg, Dörentrup, Detmold, Kalletal, Bad Salzuflen, Oerlinghausen, Rott, Hörstmar, Lage, Barntrup, Leopoldshöhe, Augustdorf, Schlangen.
Back to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
