Gehrden: Former Abbey Church, Palace Park and Trails on the Egge Hills

Gehrden lies on the eastern slope of the Egge Hills and combines significant religious history with nature experiences, educational trails and distinctive local details. Those planning a trip with different interests will find opportunities here for culture, nature and physical activity. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, it can therefore be crucial whether your days are to be shaped more by historical discoveries, walks or a variety of activities.

Churches, Chapels and Traces of History

An important point of interest is the former Benedictine convent church of St Peter and Paul. It was built around 1140 as a Romanesque pillar basilica and houses the largest historic peal of bells in Westphalia. Liturgical treasures and paintings from four centuries can be viewed in the parish house. The church is also one of the art-historically significant churches in the Archdiocese of Paderborn.

The bells themselves also tell of the town's long history: The oldest of the nine bells of the monastery church has been ringing since the tower was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Another special feature is the Gehrden Passion procession on Good Friday, which remains significant beyond the region to this day. Visitors who appreciate religious art and regional traditions will find a cultural focus here with several distinct facets.

Gehrden Palace Park contains visible, listed remains of a former medieval monastery. It is also home to 1,000 historic roses. The Twelve Apostles Lime Tree has grown together from twelve individual trees and creates an unusual natural focal point. Beside St Catherine's Chapel stands a double-sided Baroque wayside shrine depicting a legend from the life of St Catherine. St Catherine's Chapel dates from 1668; its Baroque portal also dates from that year and is the oldest architectural monument in the town.

Easy Trails and Nature Experiences

For a manageable tour, the accessible Gehrden hiking trail is a good option. The trail is 2.87 kilometres long, designed as an easy circular route and also serves as a themed trail. An additional 1.3-kilometre out-and-back section leads through the Öse Valley and offers a distant view of the Egge Hills. Take both sections into account when planning your day and choose the route according to the scope of excursion you would like.

The orchard educational trail and the Öse waterway educational trail provide further insights into the landscape. The orchard educational trail was created in 1995. Along the waterway educational trail, information boards provide details about the stream and the native wildlife in the surrounding area. The landscape is complemented by a wood pasture and half-timbered buildings that shape the townscape.

Active Days and Suitable Trip Planning

Gehrden has a tennis facility, a miniature golf course and a holiday village. Guided walks with alpacas are also offered. This makes it possible to vary your stay: A morning of culture can be followed by an educational trail, a round of miniature golf or a guided alpaca walk. Families and groups with different preferences can thus put together their days from individual, clearly distinguishable experiences without committing themselves to just one holiday theme.

When searching for accommodation in Gehrden, it is worth determining your main priorities in advance. Those mainly interested in historical buildings and religious art will plan differently from guests who want to focus on the circular trail, the Öse Valley or the educational trails. The local offerings range from individual cultural attractions to nature and leisure activities, making Gehrden a versatile starting point for an individually planned trip.

More Destinations for Your Plans

You can compare more destinations here: Nieheim, Willebadessen, Marienmünster, Merlsheim, Bad Driburg, Warburg, Steinheim and Beverungen.

To the overarching travel overview: Höxter.