Paderborn Town Hall
in Germany, Travel Guide

First Impressions on Paderborn, Germany

1.9k Views

The City of Paderborn: First Impressions

This week, I went to a city called Paderborn to visit the world’s largest computer museum, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum. Walking back to the central station after the museum visit was an extraordinary experience for me — I haven’t said „Ang ganda dito!“ several times about a city in my life until I arrived in Paderborn.

So, „Paderborn“ who?

The name of the city comes from the river that runs through it, the river Pader. Paderborn is one of the cities located in the most populous state in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia. Just like Frankfurt, Paderborn was founded during the time of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne.

The Feel of the City

As I have said in my previous articles, whenever I explore a city, I make it a point to walk around the old town, or Altstadt. The Altstadt is where the magic happens; it takes you time travelling just by the architecture and the atmosphere of the city. Well, of course, most old towns are presently dotted with shops and restaurants, but with Paderborn Altstadt the whole town is abuzz with a new look but with the same old „old-town“ soul.

After visiting the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum, I walked back to the Hauptbahnhof, passing through the old part of the city. As I was treading the path, I felt a strong but calm sense of wonder surrounding me. It may be because of the sun giving brightness to the stone edifices of the cathedral, or the whole old town was as charming as it could be. Before that, I passed through a park by the river.

It is autumn, but the weather is still beautiful.

})(jQuery);

It is autumn, but the weather is still beautiful.

Leaves were everywhere, strewn on the grass. Autumn is here, but the sun prevailed.

Reaching the city centre, where the old town is, is very easy. Walking paths made commuting to and fro simple and uncomplicated. And then you’ll find yourself walking through small alleyways lined with timber-framed houses, and then over moats, and on an uphill road. And then, you’ll see a wide open space in front of you.

Here's the view of the Marktplatz.
Here’s the view of the Marktplatz.

Another side of the Marktplatz, with a portion of the cathedral in sight
Another side of the Marktplatz, with a portion of the cathedral in sight

Too bad that the Paderborner Dom (Paderborn Cathedral) was undergoing renovation so I was not able to take a picture of it. So, I followed Google Maps to lead the way back to the train station. All I saw were churches, modern shops, and quaint architecture everwhere. Of course I took photos of the best ones I have seen during my visit.

The Paderborn Rathaus
The Paderborn Rathaus

The rathaus (town hall) looked extraordinary to me. Up until this time I am still wondering what type of architecture this one falls under. I have seen similar design structures in some buildings in Bremen previously.

The Rathaus, the Rathaus Passage, and the Jesuit Church in one photo
The Rathaus, the Rathaus Passage, and the Jesuit Church in one photo

This scene featuring the Rathaus, the Rathaus Passage, and the Jesuit Church is even better when seen in the flesh: beautiful and charming, with a soft touch of afternoon sun.

Paderborn Town Hall
Paderborn Town Hall

Paderborn may not be one of the big, major cities around Germany but it is worth visiting. Take my advice: stroll around the Altstadt and you’ll be glad you did.

Also Read:

Written by Nizrhane Abdallah

Nizrhane Abdallah is a twenty-something occasional food-and-travel snoopervisor armed with a camera. She regularly uploads her photographs on her Instagram. She is sometimes seen partnering with her husband -- and fine art photographer --- Ric Caliolio Jr (Instagram and Eyeem.com) on food trips. When not snooping around, Nizrhane writes for her personal WordPress blogs (Thisgirlnamednizrhane.wordpress.com and The Girl from Manila).

You can reach Nizrhane Abdallah here: thegirlfrommanila@gmail.com

What do you think?

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Comments