Between walls and murals: Our street art walk through Paderborn
Do you only think of churches and history when you think of Paderborn? Then prepare to be surprised! This street art tour will show you the city's creative side – perfect for a relaxed stroll with a baby bump, camera, and a thirst for real discovery.
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Paderborn is known to many as a quiet, tradition-conscious city – an archdiocese with impressive cathedrals and historical buildings. But those who take a closer look will discover a modern, creative side that surprises: a street art scene that is truly remarkable.
A relaxed start – perfect for a quick break
We discovered the tour quite by chance, while looking for a relaxing outing that would also be manageable with a baby bump. It's about 2.5 kilometers through the city center, without any significant inclines, with plenty of benches and shady spots – perfect for a warm afternoon.
First impressions and legal freedom
The tour starts at the corner of Neuhäuser Straße and Paderwall. Right at the beginning, the path leads under a bridge, on whose walls the first piece is revealed. Although it's partially covered in graffiti, you can still clearly see how much work went into it. A nice start, even if we briefly wonder if all the works on the tour are so hidden and vandalized.
Just a few steps further on, it becomes clear: this worry was unfounded. The so-called Graffiti Star offers six large walls where spraying is legal – after registration, of course. Experienced sprayers and people who want to try their hand at it meet here. We think that's fantastic: art that isn't forced into strict rules, but is given space.
A mural with impact
Then suddenly we're standing in front of it: a house-high mural that leaves us in awe. A heart from which gnarled trees grow, overlooking the old town and the Pader River. Next to it: the word "Paderborn." The composition is powerful and serene at the same time – and it moves us. Perhaps because it shows how much this city is changing. Perhaps because it reminds us of old sketches in the Blackbook.
Discovering art – often at second glance
The path continues – past a Dalí on a transformer station, a colorful cartoon graffiti, a wall in abstract blue and white. Not all the works immediately catch the eye; some are only discovered on second glance. And that's precisely what makes the tour so exciting: you stroll, stop, and discover. In between: green courtyards, the Busdorf cloister, and classic walls with neatly sprayed typography.
Highlight: The temporary gallery
A real highlight is the long construction site wall – with a portrait, a peacock, and a large "Paderborn" lettering. It's so detailed and lovingly designed that we almost wish this gallery could remain permanently.
A new perspective on the city
The tour ends at the Rose Gate. We treat ourselves to an Asian dinner in the city center – a lovely end to a walk that showed us a completely new side of Paderborn.
The city reveals a side here that many wouldn't expect: creative, bold, and open to change. An atmosphere emerges between street art and urban culture that impressed us – and sparked a little something that makes us want to pick up a pen again ourselves.
Practical tip
The route can be found on the official Paderborn website and is easily accessible via the "Actionbound" app. Komoot is also suitable for recording. Sturdy shoes, a camera, and a little curiosity are all you need for this inspiring city walk.