Discover Schieder-Schwalenberg: Lake, Forest and History

Schieder-Schwalenberg offers a variety of reasons to visit: recreation by the water, historic architecture and hiking trails. Would you like to focus on activities at SchiederSee, discover Schwalenberg’s half-timbered architecture and exhibitions, or spend time outdoors? The towns and activities provide practical ideas to help you choose what to focus on during your stay.

Recreation at SchiederSee

The SchiederSee recreation area offers activities for visitors of all ages. The FUNTASTICO amusement park is located right by SchiederSee; its attractions include a play lake with a wooden raft and water fountains. Schieder lido by the lake offers a sandy beach, diving platforms and a large sunbathing lawn. This means there are several ways to enjoy the water: the recreation area, the amusement park and the lido with its listed facilities. Facilities and operating arrangements may change. Please check the latest information about what is on offer before your visit.

Technical heritage and historic architecture

Plöger Paper Mill is considered one of North Rhine-Westphalia’s most significant technical monuments. The 300-year history of papermaking is illustrated there across 22 stations, using original machines and water from the Niese. Its connection to water and technology makes the mill a distinct cultural and historical highlight alongside Schwalenberg’s historic buildings.

Schieder Castle was the former summer residence of the Princes of Lippe. South of the castle, terraces and cascades remain as features of the former French Baroque garden. In Schwalenberg, the Historic Town Hall offers a different architectural highlight: it is an outstanding example of Weser Renaissance half-timbered architecture. The origins of Schwalenberg Church date back well before 1200.

Exhibitions are also part of the cultural offering: regular exhibitions are held at the Municipal Gallery and the Robert Koepke House. The Schwalenberg Tourist Information Office is in Bachrach House, next to the Municipal Gallery and the art association; the house is beside the historic town hall. Please check the current exhibition programme before your visit.

Forest and hiking options

Schwalenberg Forest, including the Mörth, makes up about half of the approximately 4,000 hectares of woodland in southeastern Lippe and is one of the region’s largest contiguous forest areas. The circular Schwalenberg Forest and Mörth trail is about 17.1 kilometres long. Another hiking option is the route to Kahlenberg Tower: it includes a climb up 100 steps, and the view is considered one of the finest in Lippe.

The southeastern loop of the Fürstenroute Lippe also follows a clearly described route: it runs from Schieder past SchiederSee to Lügde, then via Schwalenberg back to Schieder. The Fürstenroute Lippe is a multi-day tour connecting the castles, fortresses and parks of the Lippe region. Across the wider Lippe travel destination, the hiking network covers around 2,000 kilometres. It includes part of European long-distance path E1, as well as the award-winning Hermannshöhen and Hansaweg trails. A circular route with a stated distance and a multi-day tour offer different ways to choose the length of hike you want.

The wider setting: Lippe

Lippe can also be seen as a travel region through its cuisine: Lippischer Pickert is a typical regional potato speciality served at inns, farm cafés and restaurants. Individual establishments may offer different dishes. As well as waterside activities, culture and outdoor pursuits, you can include regional cuisine among your interests when planning your trip.

Choose accommodation to suit your interests

Then compare the location of the specific accommodation with the activities you have planned. This way, you can shape your search around the experiences that interest you most in Schieder-Schwalenberg and across the wider Lippe travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Lage, Bad Salzuflen, Dörentrup, Augustdorf, Barntrup, Detmold, Blomberg, Rott.

Return to the regional travel overview: Lippe.