Höxter: Corvey, the Weser and cycling routes

Höxter brings together the Weser landscape, cycling routes and cultural history. In the district of Höxter, culture, nature and active holidays come together in the hilly low mountain ranges of the Teutoburg Forest and the Weser Uplands. This lets you combine experiences of the town and its culture with cycling tours and nature-focused activities in your travel plans. The accommodation that suits your stay depends above all on whether you want to focus on Höxter, a particular route or experiences on the water.

Cycling routes between the Weser and the low mountain range

The 65-kilometre Nether Cycle Route follows the Nethe from its source to its confluence with the Weser, running between Bad Driburg and Höxter. The Monastery and Garden Route offers a different kind of tour: It is around 315 kilometres long, well signposted and runs through the cultural region of the district of Höxter and varied landscapes, past attractions between the Weser, Egge Hills and Teutoburg Forest. It starts at Marienmünster Abbey and can be cycled in five stages of 52 to 67 kilometres each. The 28 Bible posts along the way give the cycling route its character as a pilgrimage tour.

The Weser Cycle Route can also be understood in terms of a specific stage: the first stage runs for 71 kilometres along the Weser from Hann. Münden to Höxter and ends in the town. The lengths of the three routes offer different ways to plan, from the connection between Bad Driburg and Höxter to a multi-day tour with stages. As route conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting off.

Those looking to combine nature and exercise will find other options in the district of Höxter. Along the Nethe, Emmer and Beber, cyclists can explore local flora and fauna as part of “Erlesene Natur” (“Nature at its Finest”). This offering includes protected areas of European importance and landscapes featuring beech forests rich in orchids, striking rock formations, natural stream courses, dry grasslands, juniper heaths and moors. The district of Höxter is also a hiking area with river valleys, castles and monasteries. For your selection, this means that cycling, hiking and culture can be considered as different focuses without combining them into a single route.

Corvey, the town’s history and art

Höxter is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Corvey, with its abbey church and library. The Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey are located on the western bank of the Weser, in the eastern part of the town, near the border with Lower Saxony. The Höxter-Corvey Museum presents 1,200 years of cultural history in the rooms of the former Prince-Bishop’s residence. Corvey therefore brings both the site’s long cultural history and an outstanding architectural work into focus.

In town, the Jacob Pins Forum offers a different cultural perspective: The art museum makes the work of the German-Israeli artist, who was born in Höxter, accessible to local residents and visitors from across Germany. Part of the exhibition documents the fate of Höxter’s Jewish residents. The medieval town rampart around the old town is also part of the town’s history; the town wall can be seen in many places. After a stroll through town, the Weser promenade, newly redesigned as part of the 2023 State Garden Show, invites you to relax on the banks of the Weser.

Nearby, the Huxarium Garden Park connects the historic half-timbered town with the World Heritage Site in Corvey. The grounds stretch from the rampart, along the flower-lined town wall and river promenade, to the Baroque palace in the bend of the Weser. The areas mentioned include the Remter Garden and an archaeological park. If you are planning to visit specific park areas or attend events, check the latest information in advance, as offerings and events may change.

Experience the Weser: canoeing, a bathing lake and boat trips

There are four canoe landing stages in the Höxter area: Höxter-Wassersport, Höxter-Altstadt, Corvey and Lüchtringen. The first two are within walking distance of the town centre and are convenient for visiting the historic old town. When planning, you can decide whether to combine a canoe trip with a visit to town or focus on other stretches of the river.

The Höxter-Godelheim leisure complex offers a freely accessible bathing lake directly on the Weser Cycle Route and not far from the centre of Höxter. Seasonal access conditions can change, so check them before your visit. If you would rather experience the river landscape from a boat, you can plan a trip on the “Flotte Weser” boats. Checking the current timetable will help you plan your schedule.

Digital discoveries are also part of what the district has to offer: The “Entdeckertour Kreis Höxter” app features 3D models, games, puzzles, photos and videos. Augmented reality can bring special sights to life virtually. The app uses GPS to recognise when a place has been visited; after visiting six of ten favourite destinations, a certificate is automatically made available to print. App features may change with software updates. Another nearby activity is the OWL Climbing Centre in Brakel, where you can climb yourself or watch experienced climbers.

Choose the right base for your trip

If you want to explore Corvey, the Jacob Pins Forum, the town rampart and the Weser promenade, you can start your search in Höxter. For a multi-day cycling tour, the stage lengths of the Monastery and Garden Route offer a concrete reference point for planning your trip; for a single tour, the Nether Cycle Route and the first stage of the Weser Cycle Route offer different distances and endpoints. Choose your accommodation with your preferred pace for each day in mind, rather than treating culture, cycling and water activities as equivalent outings.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Beverungen, Höxter, Marienmünster, Nieheim, Willebadessen, Brakel, Bad Driburg, Gehrden, Steinheim, Borgentreich, Merlsheim, Warburg.

Back to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.