Lippstadt between culture, the old town and the Lippe floodplains

Lippstadt offers a charming mix of performing arts, historic buildings, walking routes and green open spaces. Visitors who want to explore the city can choose between distinctive church architecture, self-guided walks, time outdoors and sweet insights into the world of chocolate, according to their interests.

Culture and history in the city

The municipal theatre is Lippstadt’s main venue for guest performances and touring productions. Its programme covers opera, drama, musical theatre and cabaret. St. Mary’s Church presents a different cultural facet: its size and varied architectural styles make it a sight to see. Its explicitly named features include a Gothic sacrament house and a Baroque altar. Construction of the church began shortly after Lippstadt was founded in 1185; Bernhard II personally consecrated it in 1222 as Bishop of Selonien.

The collegiate church ruins are also part of the city’s historic character. The listed building is set amid greenery and offers an impressive backdrop for events or keepsake photos. Lippstadt thus brings together a range of cultural experiences: performances at the municipal theatre, the architecture of St. Mary’s Church and a historic site surrounded by greenery.

Walking routes, the Lippe and outdoor activities

For a self-guided route through Lippstadt, the old-town walk is 3.4 kilometres long and marked by 26 signs. The water walk is about 4.4 kilometres long and has 14 markers to help visitors find their way. These figures offer a clear comparison: the old-town walk is shorter, while the water walk’s length is explicitly given as approximate. When planning, also bear in mind that the routes are marked differently. Signage can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Those who want to spend time outdoors will find inspiration for walks or picnics in the Lippe floodplains. In the Grüner Winkel, the old stone weir offers an impressive view of the Lippe and is a popular photo spot. Stand-up paddleboarding is also a popular activity there. If you plan to try it, check the current conditions on site. For a longer bike ride, the Lippstadt Treasure Route is just under 65 kilometres long. It combines nature, history, sacred and grand buildings, and art in an experience-filled tour; check the route conditions before setting off.

Chocolate for all the senses

PETERS SchokoWelt adds a sweet touch to what Lippstadt has to offer. Its visitor experience covers 500 square metres across five floors. Chocolate, pralines and other chocolate specialties are showcased there, and visitors are invited to experience chocolate with all their senses. Praline-making courses for everyone are offered in the praline kitchen and demonstration bakery. If you plan to take a course, check the current dates before your trip.

More perspectives in the wider destination of Soest

The wider destination of Soest also offers different ways to explore history and culture. The Osthofentor Museum in Soest uses information panels, large-format text, photos, graphics and a model of the city to provide an overview of its more than 1,000-year history and topographical development. The LiebesLeben_Museum in Soest sees itself as a modern science centre: participation, interaction, experimentation and learning are at the heart of its approach, and it is aimed at people aged five to 95.

The Wilhelm Morgner Museum with RAUM SCHROTH presents temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition of Soest Expressionist Wilhelm Morgner. The Burghof Museum explores the history of the city and the church, copper engravings by Heinrich Aldegrever (1502 to around 1555), and the exhibition “Everyday Life in the Middle Ages”. The Soest Feud is a medieval festival held every two years in Soest, bringing together more than 900 participants from 12 European nations. Check the event dates and programme before your trip.

When planning a visit with children, the climbing park’s admission requirements in the wider destination of Soest are also relevant: on days when it is open, it is accessible to people at least 1.40 metres tall. Children at least 1.30 metres tall and aged six or older may use courses 1 and 2 when accompanied by an adult. Check the requirements again before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Bad Waldliesborn, Anröchte, Geseke, Wickede, Rüthen, Welver, Lippetal, Vellinghausen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Soest.