Discover Nordborchen

Nordborchen appeals to different travel interests with its history and cycle paths. Historical points of interest include the Water Castle (former lower house) and today’s St. Lawrence Church; for cycling, the Altenau Cycle Path is relevant, connecting to the Alme Cycle Path. If you are looking for a hotel in Nordborchen, you can decide which of these themes to focus on based on what you would like to do during your trip.

Historical traces in Nordborchen

The Water Castle (former lower house) is the surviving ruin of one of two former aristocratic residences in Nordborchen. Today, only the base of the former cellar building can be seen; it is covered for protection. The surviving part is clearly defined: the focus is on the base, not on a fully preserved castle complex.

Another historical point of interest is today’s St. Lawrence Church. Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Nordhues solemnly consecrated it on October 13, 1968. The exact date and the consecration by the auxiliary bishop provide a specific historical reference point for the church.

Mallinckrodthof and natural monument

Mallinckrodthof in Nordborchen includes a landscaped park, a sensory garden, and a restaurant with a beer garden. The park and sensory garden offer different garden features; the restaurant with beer garden complements them with the estate’s dining options. This makes Mallinckrodthof a distinct focus alongside the historic buildings.

The hornbeam at Mallinckrodthof is also designated as natural monument BN 13 I. The site therefore includes a specifically named natural monument as well as its gardens. Those looking beyond Nordborchen’s cultural history will find a connection to nature here without having to leave the town.

Cycling along the Altenau and Alme

The Altenau Cycle Path runs to the point where the Altenau flows into the Alme near Nordborchen, where it connects directly to the Alme Cycle Path. This connection is a specific point of reference when planning your route: the two named cycle paths meet in Nordborchen.

The Altenau Cycle Path is easy for recreational cyclists to manage, as it runs mostly downstream through the Altenau valley. This description links its stated suitability to the route’s characteristic course. The City of Paderborn maintains the route information; check it when planning your ride.

More trails and places in the wider destination of Borchen

In the wider destination of Borchen, the Old Pilgrim Trail between Paderborn and Borchen offers another notable route. It is just over 21 kilometres long, certified as a short quality trail, and designated a “Dream Tour.” The municipality of Borchen reported the award in September 2024; certification periods can be renewed. If the award is important to your plans, check the relevant certification period.

For cycling trips in and around Borchen, the signposted routes Bo 1 to Bo 7 provide a different point of reference. They allow day trips of 9 to 28 kilometres. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Together with the Old Pilgrim Trail, which is just over 21 kilometres long, these routes offer a choice of different distances and types of trips, without implying a particular travel or walking time.

There are also named hiking options in the wider destination of Borchen: the Wind-Wald-Wiesen trails are two circular walks, each 15 kilometres long. Both start at the Old Church in Dörenhagen and combine nature experiences with information about local history. If you prefer a set distance when hiking, the two equally long circular walks offer a clear point of comparison.

Dörenhagen is also home to the Old Church of St. Meinolfus, a small surviving fortified church from the early 13th century, built around 1222. In 2004, information boards were installed at Gellinghausen Hillfort, also known as Hünenburg, detailing the site’s history and based on new scientific findings. Both add different historical connections to Borchen’s local history; the boards date information about the site, while the church is placed in context by its approximate construction date.

Another connection to the landscape is the Teufelsstein viewpoint: a winding path leads to a rock high above the Altenau valley, with a permanent platform on top. Thus, in the wider destination of Borchen, alongside historic places and marked routes, there is also a named viewpoint and its position above the valley to help you find your way.

For the wider travel overview: Borchen.