Borchen can be explored through a range of walking and cultural themes: a longer hiking trail between Paderborn and Borchen sits alongside two circular walks of equal length. The viewpoint, hillfort and fortified church each offer a distinct focus. When planning, you can choose to focus on hiking, cycling or history rather than combining every theme into a single route.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The Alte Pilgerweg between Paderborn and Borchen is just over 21 kilometres long. It is certified as a short-quality trail and is listed as a “Traumtour” (“dream tour”). The municipality reports that it received the award in September 2024; certification periods can be extended. At just over 21 kilometres, the trail is longer than the two Wind-Wald-Wiesen trails, which are each 15 kilometres long.
The two Wind-Wald-Wiesen trails are circular hiking routes that start at the Alte Kirche in Dörenhagen. Each is 15 kilometres long and combines nature experiences with information about local history. Dörenhagen is a district of Borchen. Their shared starting point and equal length make these two trails a clearly defined choice if you want to combine a circular walk with local history.
The Teufelsstein offers a different destination: a winding path leads to the viewpoint, a rock high above the Altenau valley with a permanent platform. The walk up and the view across the landscape are the main attractions here. The platform is part of the viewpoint; no distance is given for the path.
Church History and Cycling Routes
The Alte Kirche St. Meinolfus in Dörenhagen is a surviving small fortified church from the early 13th century; it was built around 1222. Information boards about the history of the Gellinghausen hillfort, also known as Hünenburg, were installed in 2004. They were based on new scientific findings. In addition to its trails, Borchen therefore offers two specific points of interest for exploring local history.
If you prefer to get around by bike, the signposted Borchen routes Bo 1 to Bo 7 offer another option: they allow day trips of 9 to 28 kilometres in and around Borchen. The stated distances can help you choose a suitable day route; check local route conditions before setting out.
More Topics in the Paderborn Travel Destination
The wider Paderborn travel destination offers additional, distinct cultural and natural attractions. Schloß Neuhaus is located in the Paderborn district of the same name and is an impressive example of early Weser Renaissance architecture. The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum in Paderborn takes visitors on a 5,000-year journey through information technology: from the first written characters and historic writing and calculating machines to early computers, modern robots and artificial intelligence.
The Ems spring in the “Moosheide” nature reserve is also part of this regional theme. It is a seepage spring with numerous points where water emerges; a wooden walkway offers a close-up impression of the natural spring. The Steinhorster Becken presents a different landscape: shallow ponds, islands, reed beds and wet grassland form a mosaic on both sides of the Ems. Migratory waders and waterbirds find undisturbed areas there to rest and feed.
Discover more destinations: Nordborchen, Herbram, Bad Lippspringe, Hövelhof, Barkhausen, Paderborn, Lichtenau, Delbrück.
Back to the main travel overview: Paderborn.
