Experience Barntrup

Barntrup combines architectural and industrial history with art trails, hiking routes and scenic destinations. Its history stretches from the founding of a church in the Middle Ages to the cigar industry of the 19th and 20th centuries. Hiking routes vary considerably in length: the Grafenweg is about 18 kilometres long, while the Weg der Blicke covers just under 146 kilometres and has ten stages. There are also viewpoints, a nature reserve and an outdoor swimming pool.

Church, castle and industrial history

The Evangelical Church of Barntrup was founded in 1317; it was formerly probably called St. Mary’s. Barntrup Castle was built between 1584 and 1588 as a two-storey house with three corner towers. The dates show the considerable time gap between the two buildings. Access to the castle is limited: visitors can enter the castle courtyard, but the house and castle park are not accessible because they are privately owned. As visitor arrangements may change, check the access conditions before your visit.

The Alverdissen Local History Museum is dedicated to local cultural history and displays regional minerals, taxidermy specimens from the local wildlife and fossilised sea lilies from the Alverdissen quarry. Its topics therefore range from local history and natural history to fossils. The cigar industry is also part of Barntrup’s history: from 1861 to 1956, the main production site of the Steneberg cigar factory was located here. During the same period, cigars were considered a distinctive hallmark of Barntrup.

Hiking routes and art trail

The routes can be easily distinguished by length when planning a hike. The Grafenweg is an approximately 18-kilometre circular hiking route starting at Alverdissen Castle. At just under 146 kilometres, the Weg der Blicke is on a different scale: this marked circular route runs through the northern Lippe uplands and has ten stages. Together, they offer a shorter loop and a much longer route divided into stages.

The Barntrup Art Trail focuses on the installations along the route: more than 20 artworks are placed at prominent points. The trail is also certified as a “Quality Trail – Discovery Tour.” This gives it a different thematic focus from the two routes, where distance and stages are the main features. Trail conditions, markings and stages may change; check the latest information before setting out. The art trail’s certification status may also be revised.

Nature, views and other activities

In Sonneborn, the summit of the 285-metre-high Knappberg has been designated a nature reserve because of its plant species, some of which are rare. The protected status is therefore directly linked to its plant life. The windmill stump on the Saalberg offers views across the landscape. From there, the view extends over the upper Bega and Humme valleys, the Weser Hills and the Teutoburg Forest.

At Alverdissen station, the Lippische Landeseisenbahn operates monthly regional services between Extertal-Bösingfeld and Dörentrup. As service frequency and operations may change, check the timetable before travelling. Another activity is the Barntrup outdoor swimming pool, with its 50-metre pool and non-swimmer area. It is suitable both for swimming laps and for recreational splashing. Swimming thus complements Barntrup’s historical, scenic and hiking-related attractions.

Discover more destinations: Blomberg, Rott, Augustdorf, Schlangen, Dörentrup, Lügde, Lage, Leopoldshöhe.

Go to the main travel overview: Lippe.