Lippeaue

The Lippeaue near Lippstadt and Lippetal, through which the River Lippe flows leisurely, offer a unique natural spectacle. Different habitats such as marshlands, forests and sandy heaths come together and the renaturation completed in 2021 has created a fascinating dynamic. Rare plant species exist here in harmony with the fascinating animal world. Breeding birds, grazing cattle and horses, settled white storks, nocturnal rodents and much more can be spotted by attentive nature fans in the Lippeaue nature treasure.

The Lippeaue also offers a remarkable range of activities and excursions. On the one hand, there are spectacular viewing and observation points along the floodplain, such as the Disselmersch observation hut, from where you can see what lives, bustles and blooms in the floodplain. You can also use the seating areas to experience nature and take a relaxing break. There are also exciting cultural and historical features along the Lippeaue and in the surrounding area. Explore the special baroque garden at Schloss Hovestadt, which is freely accessible all year round, or Sändkers Mühle in Heintrop, a technical cultural monument. Another highlight for all railroad fans is the Heintrop museum station. Here you can learn a lot about the long history of the station and explore the line for yourself on the regular trips on offer. The Lippe region is also home to some impressive churches. Two of these are the church of St. Ida in Herzfeld and the parish church of St. Clemens in Hellinghausen. In the former, you can see the sarcophagus of St. Ida and the remains of the church she built. In the parish church of St. Clemens, you can follow in the footsteps of a captivating legend. According to legend, a rich woman's bread turned to stone after she refused a piece of it to her poor sister and her starving children in need. Today you can admire the stone bread as an exhibit in the church.

The Lippeaue and its cultural surroundings offer these and many other wonderful experiences.