Discover Rinteln: floodplains, Weser Renaissance and experiences on the Weser

Rinteln combines a floodplain landscape, Weser Renaissance architecture and a wide range of ways to discover nature and the town’s history. Whether you’re interested in a bird sanctuary, a viewpoint, a historical walk or a cultural event, these themes can give your trip a focus of its own. When looking for accommodation in Rinteln, first consider whether nature, trails, history or an event date will shape your stay.

Floodplain landscapes and sweeping views

The Hohenrode floodplain in the Rinteln district of Hohenrode covers 115 hectares and was created through renaturalisation during gravel extraction. Its bodies of water have developed into an important resting and wintering ground for birds. An observation tower, four to six metres high, offers an unobstructed view across the lake landscape. The WeserErleben cycle route also starts and ends at the Hohenrode floodplain; in Rinteln, it includes an experience station on the town’s history.

Other viewpoints offer their own distinctive perspectives. Jahrtausendblick is 250 metres high and has 156 steps. From there, you can look into the adjacent active quarry, across the Weser Valley and over the North German Plain. Klippenturm is about 20 metres high and stands on Luhdener Klippen, a mountain in the Weser Hills at around 300 m above sea level. There is a place to stop for refreshments there. Local circular hiking trails and the Weserbergland Trail (XW) pass directly by the tower. Paschenburg has an observation terrace high above the river, with no equal anywhere in the Weser Uplands.

On foot, by rail and on the water

The Historical Village Walks lead through all of Rinteln’s districts. Their routes range from 2.4 to 11.5 kilometres and take in sights, historic places and viewpoints. The different lengths give you a clear guide when choosing a walk, without specifying a walking time or level of difficulty.

For a different way to experience the route, try a rail bike: in Rinteln, you can ride along the Extertalbahn’s 18-kilometre rail network. A specially designed rail bike takes you from Rinteln to the Exter Valley; the route runs from the Weser Uplands into the Lipper Bergland and crosses two federal states. At Weserboot Rinteln, the starting and finishing points are by the harbour wall opposite the beach bar. For help planning a specific trip, check the latest information.

Weser Renaissance and Rinteln’s history

Guided town tours in Rinteln reveal the secrets of the Weser Renaissance. Visitors see the oriels, gables, fan-shaped rosettes and colourful half-timbering characteristic of this architectural style from the period between 1520 and 1620. Those who want to get to know Rinteln through its historical characters can also consider the costumed town tours on offer, including Babette and Margaretha, who share stories from the 17th century.

Möllenbeck Monastery, in the Rinteln district of Möllenbeck, is another prominent historic site. The late medieval monastery complex is considered one of the best-preserved in Germany and hosts the Irish Folk Festival every June. Rinteln is also home to the Die Eulenburg Museum, housed in a 16th-century manor house. It offers a journey through 800 years of history, with a focus on beliefs about witches, science, university history and the history of Rinteln. St. Nikolai’s historic organ, dating from 1621, takes centre stage at numerous musical events.

Events and regional insights

Rinteln’s Old Town Festival traditionally begins on the second Friday in August in the heart of the town centre and ends on Sunday. The Irish Folk Festival takes place every June. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the exact dates before making arrangements. At Rinteln’s weekly market, you can ask the traders where their products come from and get further information.

The highest elevation in the district, at 378 metres above sea level, lies within the wider travel destination of Schaumburg, in the Rinteln district of Goldbeck. Schaumburg district can be reached by car, train and also by boat via the Mittelland Canal. An important east–west railway line runs through the district; the stations mentioned include Stadthagen and Bückeburg, as well as the smaller stations of Lindhorst and Kirchhorsten. Another regional point of reference is the Weser Renaissance Route, a guide for art and history enthusiasts visiting Schaumburg.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rodenberg, Rehren, Schaumburg, Beckedorf, Meerbeck, Bad Eilsen, Obernkirchen and Bad Nenndorf.

Go to the main travel overview: Schaumburg.