Germany · 2026 itinerary
Paderborn 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Paderborn: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The source of the River Pader—over 200 springs bubbling up in a small park. You can walk along wooden boardwalks over the water and see the flow clearly. No entry fee, just a natural oddity in the cit
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go after heavy rain to see the strongest flow. The boardwalks can be slippery when wet—wear grippy shoes.
Hotels near Paderquellgebiet (Pader Springs) →A striking Gothic and Romanesque cathedral with three crypts, including the original 11th-century one. The crypt floor shows medieval grave slabs, and the cloister garden is peaceful.
🕐 Mon–Sat 7:00–18:00, Sun 8:00–18:00
Free entry💡 Go before 10am to have the crypts almost to yourself. The treasury costs €3, but viewing the main building is free.
Hotels near Paderborn Cathedral (Dom zu Paderborn) →Von Köppen · ££
Mertens · ££
Deeper Into Paderborn
Housed in a restored half-timbered building near the cathedral. Covers Paderborn from its founding to the 20th century with models, documents, and everyday objects. Small but well-curated.
🕐 Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00, closed Mon
💡 Free entry every first Sunday of the month. Otherwise it's €4, but check their website for free guided tours in English on occasional weekends.
A small, well-kept park behind the Abdinghof Church. Rose garden, a small pond, and benches shaded by mature trees. Often quiet even on weekends.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Combine with a visit to the adjacent Theodor-Heuss-Platz for a free art installation (rotating concrete sculptures).
Nikopolis 2.0
Zum Schinken Willi
Final Favourites & Departure
A large artificial lake with a 4km paved walking-and-cycling loop. Benches, green spaces, and a small beach area. Good for an afternoon stroll or picnic without
💡 The west side has a quieter path with benches facing the sunset. Take your own snacks—cafés near the lake are pricey.
Pizza Brother`s
Alles Ist Gut
Getting Around Paderborn
Use the S2 to Wewer or RE to Bielefeld—get off at 'Paderborn, Universität' or 'Paderborn, Driburger Tor'. Cheaper than taxi, but check if your hotel is near a stop. B&B Hôtel is walkable from the station anyway.
Tram 2 runs directly to the hotel—alight at 'Neuhäuser Straße'. Buy a short-trip ticket (Kurzstrecke) from the machine on the platform. It's €2.90 and valid for 4 stops. No change given, so have coins.
Book through MyTaxi or call +49 5251 19410. The hotel is near the city centre, so expect €25–30 flat rate. No surcharge for luggage.
Buy a single ticket from driver (cash only) or use the PaderSprinter app. From the station, it's a 10-minute walk to B&B Hôtel—head east on Bahnhofstraße, then left onto Neuhäuser Straße.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Paderborn?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Paderquellgebiet (Pader Springs) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Paderborn?
See our full best time to visit Paderborn guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel am Schloß, Pension Kiepe, IBB Blue Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.