Discover Lippstadt: Culture, Water and Chocolate

Explore the Old Town on Foot with Two Walking Tours

The Old Town walking tour is 3.4 kilometres long and marked by 26 signs along the self-guided route. Use them to find your way between the stops and discover Lippstadt at your own pace. If you would like to include another marked route, there is also the Water Tour: it is about 4.4 kilometres long and marked by 14 steles. The two routes differ both in length and in the number of waymarkers. Take the distance of each route into account when planning your day, without assuming a specific walking time.

You can also plan a longer excursion by bike: the Lippstadt Treasure Route is just under 65 kilometres long. It brings together nature, history, religious and grand buildings, and art in an experiential tour. This gives it a different focus from the walks through the city. The different route lengths give you a concrete indication of the kind of tour you might want to include in your trip.

The City’s History at St. Mary’s Church and the Collegiate Church Ruins

Construction of St. Mary’s Church began shortly after Lippstadt was founded in 1185. In 1222, Bernhard II personally consecrated the church in his capacity as Bishop of Selonien. Its notable features include a Gothic sacrament tower and a Baroque altar. Its size and varied architectural styles make it a landmark in Lippstadt’s old town. Architecture enthusiasts can discover both Gothic and Baroque design elements in a single building.

The listed collegiate church ruins are an important part of the city’s historic character. Surrounded by greenery, they provide an impressive setting for events or souvenir photos. Together with St. Mary’s Church, they show two different sides of historic Lippstadt: on the one hand, a church with a long construction history and a variety of architectural styles; on the other, a ruin that shapes the cityscape.

The Lippe Floodplains, Grüner Winkel and Light Art

If you would like to spend some time outdoors between cultural visits, the Lippe floodplains invite you to go for walks or have a picnic. In the Grüner Winkel, the old stone weir offers an impressive view of the Lippe and is also a popular photo spot. Stand-up paddleboarding is another popular activity there. During your stay, you can choose between relaxing in the Lippe floodplains, stopping for a photo at the stone weir or getting out on the water, without having to combine these experiences into a set route.

Another special place to visit is the water tower, where you can experience a light art installation as part of a free public guided tour. These tours take place twice a month. If light art is an important part of your travel plans, take this schedule into account when planning your visit.

Experience and Create Chocolate

PETERS SchokoWelt is dedicated to chocolate, pralines and other chocolate specialities. The experience world covers 500 square metres across five floors and invites you to experience chocolate with all your senses. Praline-making classes for everyone are also offered in the praline kitchen and demonstration bakery. SchokoWelt offers more than an exhibition of sweets: you can also consider taking a class as an activity in its own right. This is a special option when planning your trip if you are looking for a culinary experience alongside the old town and nature.

Culture enthusiasts will also find a wide range of options in Lippstadt: the municipal theatre is the main venue for guest performances and touring productions in opera, drama, musical theatre and cabaret. Together with the historic buildings, light art and chocolate-related experiences, these offer a variety of ways to shape your stay. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Lippstadt, your interests can help guide your choice of destination: would you like to focus on history, a bike ride, time outdoors or a special culinary experience?

For more ideas, see the destination pages for Bad Waldliesborn, Werl, Lippetal, Möhnesee, Rüthen, Anröchte, Bad Sassendorf and Vellinghausen.

For the wider travel overview: Soest.