Discover Lichtenau: Trails, Water and History

Lichtenau combines the natural landscapes of a nature park with hiking trails, waterside spots and traces from different eras. The municipal area, with its 15 villages, lies entirely within the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park. Around Dalheim Monastery, trails of varying lengths lead through diverse landscapes; in Atteln, Neolithic burial sites recall a community that buried its dead there around 5,000 years ago. Here, active days outdoors meet a cultural history that reaches far beyond a single era.

Hiking in the Nature Park

Around Dalheim Monastery, hiking trails of varying lengths lead through the diverse landscapes of the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park. The range of trail lengths gives you a starting point for planning a route to suit the distance you want to cover. The Egge Trail, the Sintfeld Heights Trail and the Westfalen Hiking Trail also pass through or enter the municipal area. The Wilderer Hiking Trail offers a specific circular route: it starts at the Engemann inn in Lichtenau-Kleinenberg, is about 19 kilometres long and ends in the village centre. Its approximate length can be factored into your day’s plans as a concrete distance.

Dalheim Monastery lies directly on the Paderborn Region Route and can also be reached by bicycle from Lichtenau. Before setting out, it is worth checking the latest route conditions. The monastery grounds include around 20,000 square metres of monastery gardens and 3,000 square metres of exhibition space—another highlight alongside the hiking trails and surrounding landscape.

History from the Neolithic to the Weser Renaissance

The large Neolithic burial sites in Atteln were built around 5,000 years ago as communal tombs. A community buried its dead there over several generations. The Atteln Spieker dates from 1588; this restored half-timbered building is an example of Weser Renaissance architecture. Both sites offer a glimpse into different chapters of Lichtenau’s history.

The Amerungen Chapel also brings together architectural history and a recurring tradition. The present-day chapel was built in 1669 by Prince-Bishop Ferdinand von Fürstenberg, replacing a dilapidated predecessor church. Every year on the first Sunday in August, it is the destination for many pilgrims from the Soratgau and Sintfeld regions. If you would like to plan your visit around this date, check it before your trip. The former Blankenrode town castle is of particular archaeological importance. The Forester’s Cross commemorates foresters Gies and Steinsträter, who were shot by poachers in 1880.

Waterside Spots and Wetland

The central play area at the Henglarn Spring Garden has water play equipment, a footbath and an arm bath. A wetland with characteristic vegetation and associated animal and plant species has developed around the spring pools. At the Spring Garden, water-based activities come together with a landscape whose distinctive vegetation and wildlife are also part of the experience. The footbath is available only during the summer months; check current operating information before visiting.

The Altenautal natural swimming pool is in Lichtenau-Atteln. Its swimming area is 25 metres long and 12.5 metres wide, and there is also a separate non-swimmer area. The pool also has a children’s playground, a toddler pool, a water slide and a pebble beach. As a seasonal outdoor pool, its operating dates and opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Interests

When looking for accommodation in Lichtenau, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: hiking trails, waterside spots with seasonal operations, or historic sites. These priorities can help guide your travel plans; for seasonal facilities and routes, checking the latest conditions is part of making concrete preparations.

Discover More Destinations

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Return to the main travel overview: Paderborn.