Paderborn

Paderborn is a rural district in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia located between the Teutoburg Forest and Eggegebirge mountains. It comprises ten municipalities with seven cities, serving as a key administrative and urban center for the region.

The district was formed in 1975 through the merger of the former Paderborn and Büren districts into a single administrative entity. This administrative reform united historically distinct areas under one unified governance structure.

The district serves as an educational and cultural hub, with the university city at its center drawing students and visitors from across Europe. Local traditions reflect a blend of Westphalian craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

The area is well connected by highways and railway lines, making travel between municipalities straightforward. Visitors should note that the terrain varies from flat plains to hilly regions, which may affect route planning and journey times.

The southern part of the district features striking elevation changes, with the Paderborn Plateau ranging from low-lying plains to elevated terrain. This varied landscape creates distinct visual impressions across the region.

Location: Detmold Government Region

Inception: 1975

Capital city: Paderborn

Elevation above the sea: 221 m

Shares border with: Gütersloh, Lippe, Höxter, Hochsauerlandkreis, Soest

Website: https://kreis-paderborn.de

GPS coordinates: 51.71000,8.74000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:41