Büren between Baroque, Mills and the Alme floodplain meadows

Büren combines Baroque architecture, the history of milling, paths through the Alme floodplain meadows and insights into various chapters of regional history. During your stay, you can give culture and outdoor activities different levels of priority: the Jesuit church and museums offer different highlights from circular hiking trails and the floodplain cycle route.

Baroque architecture and the history of milling

The Jesuit Church of “Maria Immaculata” in central Büren is considered one of the most magnificent Baroque works in North Rhine-Westphalia. Designed according to plans by Franz Heinrich Roth, it was built in the Late Baroque style between 1754 and 1773. If you are interested in architecture, it offers a specific reason to explore Büren’s history through a single building.

The Middle Mill and the Boring Mill offer a different perspective on history. They are located in the Alme floodplain meadows, beside the old town wall on the millrace and within sight of the Jesuit church. Today, they are an “interactive museum” for visitors of all ages. Public guided tours lasting around 60 minutes take place regularly during the summer months. They explain and demonstrate the history of the mill and the practical workings of the old stone mill. Months with special events are excluded. If you would like to add a scheduled activity to your stay, take this seasonal restriction into account when planning.

Exploring on foot or by bike

The Alme floodplain meadows form an extensive park landscape with circular hiking trails, a nature trail and a Nordic walking route. There are several ways to enjoy the outdoors: you can plan a walk, choose the nature trail or use the Nordic walking route. The floodplain cycle route offers another clearly defined option: the circular route is 44 km long and starts at the Jesuit church in Büren. Its length is an important consideration for planning your day if you would like to include a bike ride in your stay.

Museums and historic sites

The Bernhard Wolff School Museum of the town of Büren presents school life during the German Empire through furniture, pictures, documents and posters. Its main exhibit is a classroom from around the turn of the century. Visitors can write on slate boards with a slate pencil. The collection combines historical objects with an engaging activity, making a visit interesting for families who would like to explore history through more than just texts.

Wewelsburg is home to a museum about the history of the former Prince-Bishopric of Paderborn. In 29 rooms, the museum tells the story of the Paderborn region from its earliest settlements through to secularisation in 1802. Wewelsburg Castle itself was built between 1603 and 1609 as a triangular castle in the Weser Renaissance style. It is located in the Wewelsburg district of the town of Büren in the district of Paderborn. The castle and museum thus offer different points of interest for anyone interested in architecture or the history of the Paderborn region.

The ruins of Ringelstein Castle are also among the area’s historic sites: during the Thirty Years’ War, they were the scene of numerous witch trials and served as a court for the Lordship of Büren. Evidence of these trials can be found in the Witches’ Cellar, which is part of the ruins. The site represents a different, sombre chapter of the past from the architectural and collection history of the museums.

Choosing a location and planning your journey

The experiences you prioritise may influence your choice of where to stay: for architecture and museums, Büren’s church, school museum and mills are good options; if you are mainly looking for green spaces and trails, you can include the Alme floodplain meadows and the 44 km circular cycle route in your plans. Choose your holiday apartment to suit the places and activities you would like to include in your trip.

Bus routes S61, Sk1 and 461 stop in Wewelsburg. The S61 express bus runs regularly from Paderborn Central Station towards the airport, travelling to the “Schule” stop in Büren-Wewelsburg. If Wewelsburg is one of your destinations, this connection is a useful reference point for planning your journey.

More local guides

More local guides: Ahden, Lichtenau, Herbram, Borchen, Paderborn, Altenbeken, Bad Lippspringe and Delbrück.

Back to the main travel overview: Paderborn.