Barntrup offers several starting points for planning your trip: historic buildings, collections, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. To help you choose, consider two questions: Which themes would you like to focus on, and what length of trip suits your plans?
Church, Castle and Local History
Barntrup Protestant Church was founded in 1317. Barntrup Castle was built between 1584 and 1588 as a two-storey house with three corner towers. The inner courtyard can be visited; the house and castle park are not accessible because they are privately owned. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.
At the Alverdissen Local History Museum, local cultural history and regional nature go hand in hand. The exhibits include minerals from the region, taxidermy of native wildlife and fossilized sea lilies from the Alverdissen quarry. The topics thus range from local history to natural finds from the surrounding area.
Industrial history is also part of Barntrup’s past. The Steneberg cigar factory operated in Barntrup from 1861 to 1956. It adds another perspective on the town’s history to the different historical landmarks represented by the church and castle.
Hiking Trails, Art and Routes of Varying Lengths
The Grafenweg is an approximately 18-kilometre circular hiking trail that starts at Alverdissen Castle. Signage and trail conditions may change, so check the latest trail information before setting off. Those wishing to include art as a theme can find more than 20 works of art at prominent locations along the Barntrup Art Trail. The trail is certified as a Quality Trail – Discovery Tour; its certification status may change.
A considerably longer option is the Weg der Blicke: a marked circular trail of almost 146 kilometres through the northern Lippe uplands, divided into ten stages. Compared with the approximately 18-kilometre Grafenweg, the routes differ both in overall length and in how they are laid out. Before setting off, it is worth checking the latest route, markings and stages, as these details may change.
Landscapes and Other Activities
In Sonneborn, the summit of the 285-metre-high Knappberg is protected as a nature reserve because it is home to some rare plant species. The windmill stump on the Saalberg offers a different landscape: from there, views stretch across the upper Bega and Humme valleys, the Weser Hills and the Teutoburg Forest. These offer two different options: a protected natural area and a viewpoint.
Another leisure option is the Barntrup outdoor swimming pool, with a 50-metre pool and a non-swimmers’ area. It is suitable for swimming laps and leisurely paddling.
At Alverdissen station, the Lippische Landeseisenbahn operates monthly regional services between Extertal-Bösingfeld and Dörentrup. If you are planning to travel on these services, check the latest dates and operating conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lemgo, Hörstmar, Extertal, Rott, Leopoldshöhe, Lage, Schlangen, Bad Salzuflen
For the main travel overview: Lippe.
