Delbrück: Nature, History and Tradition

Delbrück can be explored through a variety of themes: a long-standing market, chapels with their own histories, the Steinhorster Becken as a habitat for birds, and the Roman military complex at Anreppen. You can tailor your trip to your interests—for example, nature watching, regional history or a specific event date.

Markets and religious traditions

The Katharinenmarkt in Delbrück takes place over four days on the third weekend in September. A livestock and general goods market, it has a tradition dating back more than 400 years. If you would like to combine your trip with the market, you can plan your stay around the event dates.

During the traditional Delbrücker Kreuztracht on Good Friday, the procession ends at the Kreuzkapelle; thousands of pilgrims take part. The chapel on Ostenländer Straße was built in 1723 in the neoclassical style, with an open entrance hall. Here, a distinctive architectural feature meets a religious tradition.

Chapels and local history

Other chapels also tell stories of different eras. The Rellerkapelle on Rellerweg was rebuilt in 1869 after its predecessor was destroyed by a lightning strike. The Andreaskapelle on the Tegethof estate, colloquially also known as “Körings Kapelle,” was built in 1655. On 5 May 1981, it became the first listed historic building in the city of Delbrück. The construction year and listing date mark two distinct historical reference points.

The Hofkapelle at Valepagenhof still stands in its original location. Local associations often meet there for May devotions. The Delbrück local history room in the Heimathaus at Kirchplatz 10 offers another way to explore the town’s history. Its collection includes original Delbrück costumes, historic flags, and exhibits from the “Eintracht” carnival club and the St. John’s Rifle Brotherhood of Delbrück.

Birdlife at the Steinhorster Becken

The Steinhorster Becken covers around 80 hectares and is considered North Rhine-Westphalia’s largest reserve deliberately planned and created by humans for nature conservation. Water areas, wet meadows and islands provide a protected habitat for numerous waterbirds and wading birds. The nature reserve itself is not accessible, in order to protect the animals. You can observe the birdlife from the top of the embankment, from a hiking trail and from viewpoints along the northern edge. The basin is therefore a nature destination where observation from designated areas around its edges is the main focus.

Roman history in Anreppen

The Roman camp at Anreppen was established at the beginning of the 1st century AD, partly to supply Roman troops. The former military complex covered around 23 hectares and once accommodated about 6,000 soldiers. Reconstructed camp ditches, sections of the road system and a sewer channel reveal its scale; an archaeological educational trail leads to the areas identified through archaeological evidence. This connects the figures describing its size with the remains of the complex, without losing sight of its former military function. You can enquire about guided tours in advance with the city of Delbrück.

More places to visit in Delbrück

More than 600 animals from various parts of the world live at Nadermann Animal Park in Delbrück-Schöning; the number may change over time. Another way to spend time outdoors is to take a long walk through and around Delbrück’s district of Bentfeld. The route passes historic sights and a farmhouse café serving coffee and cake. If you plan to stop at the café, check in advance whether it will be open when you visit.

Also in the wider Paderborn destination

The Ems spring lies in the “Moosheide” nature reserve, within the wider Paderborn destination. A seepage spring, it consists of many different water outlets; a wooden walkway offers a close-up impression of the natural spring environment.

Discover more destinations: Bad Wünnenberg, Herbram, Büren, Lichtenau, Paderborn, Barkhausen, Hövelhof, Altenbeken.

Back to the wider travel guide: Paderborn.