Lippstadt, also called the “Venice of Westphalia”, is the largest town in the area of Soest and leaves a strong impression with a pretty old town, municipal parks, first-class culture, gastronomical delights and countless festivals to attend throughout the year.
Choose between a range of options for overnight stays during your city trip to Lippstadt, from holiday apartments to hotels. Beside the heart of the town, the district ofBad Waldliesbornalso has a lot to offer for a mini-break. This spa village is one of the 17 districts of the oldest town in Westphalia, and its licensed mineral health spa includes a thermal spa, spa gardens and a sculpture park.
Part of Lippstadt’s charm unmistakeably lies in the special atmosphere of its town centre. Historic timbered houses surround the 12th centuryGroßeMarienkirche(St. Mary’s Church) and the city hall which dates from 1773. Everything runs harmoniously in this town with the hustle and bustle of its sweeping pedestrianised streets lined with innumerable proprietor-run speciality shops and an array of traditional gastronomy.
There is an abundant supply of water in Lippstadt, and it was the 250km of waterways running through the Hanseatic town that gave it the title ofVenice of Westphalia. A short trip to Lippstadt definitely merits taking a canoe tour on the river Lippe to discover the town and its vast green areas. A tight network of enchanting walking paths, cycle paths and horse tracks will bring more variety to your city trip to Lippstadt. There are several places in the town to hire a bicycle or to ride a horse.
It would definitely be worthwhile to visit the moated castles situated in the area: Schwarzenraben, Overhagen and Herringhausen. From the Grüner Winkel park in the town you can walk to the castle ruins in Lipperode, a moated castle on the Lippe path first documented in 1248. Thechurch ruinsare definitely worth putting on your itinerary. The church ruins of the “Kleine Marienkirche” (Small St. Mary's Church) rank among the prettiest in Germany and are a testimony to bygone architecture.
The municipal theatre, local history museum, municipal archives, music school and spa resort guarantee a diverse cultural experience on a city trip to Lippstadt. The festivals in Lippstadt are highlights throughout the year: The old town festival pops up in spring, while traditional shooting competitions between districts emerge in summer. The Lippstadt autumn festival and the romantic Christmas market appear in the colder months of the year. The autumn festival is the biggest celebration and lures around 1 million visitors to Lippstadt each year.
Lippstadt has a lot to offer on both weekend trips and day trips. The close proximity to Münsterland, Sauerland, Teutoburg forest and Weserbergland puts this town on the river Lippe in an ideal location. Visit the Möhne Reservoir, the Westphalian Sea and take a boat trip or a delightful walk through the Arnsberg forest.
