Nordborchen: Moated Castle, Gardens and Cycling Routes

Nordborchen offers several themes to consider when planning your trip: the remains of the moated castle, the gardens of Mallinckrodthof and the Altenau Cycle Route. When looking for accommodation in Nordborchen, consider whether local history, landscaped gardens or cycling should be the deciding factor for your trip.

A moated castle with a surviving base

The moated castle, the former lower house, is the surviving ruin of one of two former aristocratic residences in Nordborchen. Today, only the base of the former cellar building can still be seen. This base is covered for protection. The surviving remnant is therefore limited to a clearly identifiable part of the former complex.

Gardens, a natural monument and local history

Mallinckrodthof in Nordborchen includes a landscape park, a sensory garden and a restaurant with a beer garden. The European hornbeam at Mallinckrodthof is also designated as natural monument BN 13 I. Together, the gardens and the natural monument give the area a different focus from the remains of the moated castle.

Another historical landmark is the present-day Church of St. Lawrence in Nordborchen. Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Nordhues solemnly consecrated it on October 13, 1968. This offers a broader perspective on local history when choosing what interests you: from a surviving ruin to the consecration of the present-day church in the 20th century.

Cycling on the Altenau Cycle Route

The Altenau Cycle Route runs to the point where the Altenau flows into the Alme near Nordborchen, where it connects directly to the Alme Cycle Route. The route runs mostly downstream through the Altenau Valley and is considered easy for recreational cyclists. The city of Paderborn maintains the route information. Its course and direct connection to the Alme Cycle Route give you specific points to consider if cycling plays a role in choosing your destination.

Walking and cultural destinations in the wider Borchen destination

The wider Borchen destination also has trails and historic sites you can include in your trip planning. The Old Pilgrims’ Trail between Paderborn and Borchen is just over 21 kilometres long. In September 2024, the municipality of Borchen reported that the Old Pilgrims’ Trail had been awarded the short Quality Trail designation and listed as a “Dream Tour”.

The Wind-Wald-Wiesen-Wege (Wind, Forest and Meadows Trails) are two circular hiking trails, each 15 kilometres long. Both start at the Old Church in Dörenhagen and combine experiences in nature with information about local history. For comparison, each of the circular trails is 15 kilometres long, while the Old Pilgrims’ Trail is longer at just over 21 kilometres.

The signposted Borchen routes Bo 1 to Bo 7 are another option for cycling tours. They offer day trips of 9 to 28 kilometres in and around Borchen. Check local route conditions before setting off so that your plans suit the route in question.

Historic sites in the Borchen destination include Gellinghausen hill fort, also known as Hünenburg. Information boards about the site’s history, based on new scientific findings, were installed there in 2004. Dörenhagen is also home to the surviving small fortified church, the Old Church of St. Meinolfus. It dates from the early 13th century and was built around 1222.

Another highlight is the Teufelsstein viewpoint: a winding path leads to a rock high above the Altenau Valley, with a sturdy platform on top. The wider Borchen destination therefore offers a range of options, from walks and cycling tours to local history and a viewpoint.

View the wider destination: Borchen.