Discover Lippetal

Floodplain landscapes and birdlife

The Lippe and Ahse floodplains in Lippetal offer accessible floodplain landscapes and opportunities for nature watching. West of Lippborg, the Lippe floodplain shows how changing water levels shape the landscape: during high water, broad grassland areas and bodies of water are completely submerged. As the water level falls, still waters and damp hollows attract numerous bird species. Nature watching here also offers a glimpse of the floodplain’s dynamics.

Near Hultrop, a nine-metre-high observation tower offers sweeping views across the Ahsewiesen nature reserve. The protected area lies between Hultrop and Wiltrop. The viewpoint takes in a wider landscape, while the still waters and damp hollows west of Lippborg provide specific places to observe birdlife.

Cycling routes and guided tours

The Auenland cycle route is almost 70 kilometres long and extends 37 kilometres from east to west. It runs through the Lippe floodplains and the neighbouring Ahsewiesen to the south, connecting 14 observation points and places to rest. So, alongside the cycle route, places to observe and linger are also a focus. Those who enjoy combining landscapes and exercise will find a different way to experience the floodplains here than from a stay at the observation tower.

The 295-kilometre Römer-Lippe-Route passes through Lippetal and runs from Detmold to Xanten. When comparing it with the almost 70-kilometre Auenland cycle route, it is important to note the difference in scale: the stated total length of the Römer-Lippe-Route extends well beyond Lippetal. This distinguishes a route with 14 designated observation points and places to rest in the Lippe floodplains and Ahsewiesen from a cross-regional route with named endpoints.

Tour guides from the municipality of Lippetal offer cycling tours, walks and coach tours year-round. This expands the options beyond self-planned bike rides. If you would like to include a guided tour, confirm the specific dates and arrangements with the tour guides. Nature watching, cycling, walking and a coach tour each offer a different focus for your vacation days; your choice may also guide your search for suitable accommodation in Lippetal.

Culture and nature in the wider Soest destination

The wider Soest destination offers additional cultural and nature experiences. In Soest, the Osthofentormuseum provides an overview of the city’s more than 1,000-year history and topographical development. It uses information panels, large-format texts, photographs, graphics and a model of the city. The LiebesLeben_Museum in Soest describes itself as a modern science centre: participation, interaction, hands-on exploration and learning are at its heart, and it is intended for people aged 5 to 95.

Soest’s museums also each have their own focus. The Museum Wilhelm Morgner with RAUM SCHROTH presents temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition of Soest Expressionist Wilhelm Morgner. The Burghofmuseum explores the city’s history and church history, copper engravings by Heinrich Aldegrever (1502 to around 1555), and the exhibition “Everyday Life in the Middle Ages.” For those interested in architecture and art, St. Maria zur Wiese, also known as the “Wiesenkirche,” is another landmark: the foundation stone for today’s parish church was laid in 1313. The church has the most significant 14th-century stained-glass windows in Westphalia and is famous for the “Westphalian Last Supper,” created around 1500.

The Soest event calendar includes the Soester Fehde, a medieval festival held every two years that brings together more than 900 participants from 12 European nations. Check the specific event dates and programme before travelling. Those who prefer combining nature and exercise will also find a range of options in the Soest district: the visitor region encompasses river floodplains, fields and meadows of the Soest Börde, extensive woodland, as well as villages and historic towns. In the southern Soest district, the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park contains the largest contiguous woodland area in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Kletterpark Soest has its own participation requirements: on opening days, the park is open to people who are at least 1.40 metres tall. Children who are at least 1.30 metres tall and at least 6 years old may use courses 1 and 2 when accompanied by an adult. Check these rules again before your visit. Soest also offers around 30 themed tours, including historical walks, culinary tours such as the Soester Menü-Safari, and evening events such as the Moonlight Promenade.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lippborg, Vellinghausen, Geseke, Wickede, Ense, Möhnesee, Erwitte, Rüthen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Soest.