Detmold Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Detmold, located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, is a charming city that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the Teutoburg Forest, Detmold provides a picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

One of the main attractions in Detmold is the magnificent Detmold Castle. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 13th century, stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking the city. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, where they can learn about its rich history and admire the stunning architecture. The castle also houses a museum that displays a fascinating collection of art and artifacts.

For those interested in the region's history, a visit to the LWL Open-Air Museum is a must. This unique museum showcases rural life in Westphalia over the past few centuries. Visitors can wander through meticulously reconstructed historic buildings, such as farmhouses, windmills, and workshops, and get a glimpse into the past. The museum also hosts various events and demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience traditional crafts and activities.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the beautiful landscapes surrounding Detmold. The Teutoburg Forest offers numerous hiking and biking trails, which lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden gems. One of the most popular spots is the Hermannsdenkmal, a colossal monument dedicated to the legendary Germanic chieftain Arminius. From the top of the monument, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Detmold also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Detmold State Theater is renowned for its high-quality performances of opera, ballet, and theater. The theater's stunning architecture and impressive acoustics make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the city hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, and local traditions.

When it comes to dining, Detmold offers a range of culinary delights. From traditional German cuisine to international flavors, there is something to suit every palate. The charming old town is dotted with cozy cafes and restaurants, where visitors can indulge in delicious local dishes or enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Alternative names: Population: 74.4 thous. (2019)Area: 4995.77 mi²Elevation: 459 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°56'6"N, 8°52'41"E

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North Rhine-WestphaliaGermany

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Detmold Top Attractions

Detmold Attractions - What to See and Explore

Detmold offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hermannsdenkmal, Detmold Open-air Museum, Landestheater Detmold, Lippisches Landesmuseum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Hilltop memorial to a Germanic chieftain
Hermannsdenkmal
Rising above the lush Teutoburg Forest, the Hermannsdenkmal stands as a towering testament to Germanic pride and a pivotal moment in history. Located near the city of Detmold in Germany, this colossal statue was created by sculptor Ernst von Bandel and completed in...
Open-air museum of historic rural living
Detmold Open-air Museum
The Detmold Open-air Museum, nestled in the charming city of Detmold, Germany, is a cultural gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rural life of the past. As one of the largest open-air museums in Germany, it spans over 90 hectares and features more than...
Concerts and shows • Theater
Landestheater Detmold
Landestheater Detmold is a theatre for operas, operettas, musicals, ballets, and stage plays in Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It began as the Hochfürstliches Lippisches Hoftheater, founded in 1825 by the court of Lippe. The company has five venues in Detmold.

Museum • Specialty museum • Science museum
Lippisches Landesmuseum
The Lippe State Museum in Detmold is the largest and oldest museum in East Westphalia-Lippe. The museum, which is supported by the Lippe Regional Association, is located opposite the Princely Residence Palace of the Lords of the Lippe and the...
51°56'10"N • 8°52'40"E
Fürstliches Residenzschloss
Forts and castles • Palace • Historical place
Library
Lippe State Library at Detmold
Lippe State Library is the universal and regional library for Ostwestfalen-Lippe in Germany. It is based at Detmold.
Nature and wildlife • Park • View point
Adlerwarte Berlebeck
Adlerwarte Berlebeck is a bird park in the Berlebeck district of Detmold. It was founded in 1939 by the couple Kati and Adolf Deppe and is today an institution of the city of Detmold.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Detmolder Sommertheater
Detmolder Sommertheater is a theatre in Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It opened on 26 July 1896.
Church
Christ Church
The Protestant Reformed Christuskirche in Detmold, located on Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz, is a church building built in the neo-Gothic style and consecrated on January 12, 1908, based on designs by architect Otto Kuhlmann.
Church
Church of the Redeemer
The Protestant Reformed Church of the Redeemer in Detmold, also called the Market Church, is a late Gothic church building. It is the only medieval building in the city that has been preserved almost unchanged.
Church
Martin Luther Church
The Martin Luther Church in Detmold on Schülerstraße is a church building built in the neo-Gothic style and consecrated in 1898.
Church
Sankt Michael im Kampe
St. Michael is an Evangelical Lutheran church in the Hiddesen district of Detmold and a member of the Lippische Landeskirche.
Church
Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche Heidenoldendorf
The Evangelical Church of Heidenoldendorf is a church in the Detmold district of Heidenoldendorf and part of the Protestant Reformed Class of Detmold in the Lippische Landeskirche.
51°56'9"N • 8°52'22"E
alte Pauline
Art gallery • Museum
Church
Church of Reconciliation
The Versöhnungskirche is a church on the Hiddeser Berg in Detmold and together with the Christuskirche and the Pauluskirche in Jerxen-Orbke forms the Evangelical Reformed church congregation Detmold-West in the Lippische Landeskirche.
Church
evangelische-reformierte Kirche Hiddesen
The Evangelical Reformed Church of Hiddesen is a church building in the Hiddesen district of Detmold. It belongs to the Evangelical Reformed congregation Hiddesen, which is part of the Evangelical Reformed Class South in the Lippische Landeskirche.
Church
Trinity Church
Trinity Church, together with Martin Luther Church in the city center, forms the Detmold Evangelical Lutheran parish within the Lippische Landeskirche. It is the third and newest Lutheran church in Detmold and the second church in Detmold, after...
Nature • Mountain
Hohenloh
Hohenloh is a suburb in the city of Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 1.6 km east-northeast of the centre of Detmold. It is located on the site of Hobart Barracks, a former military airfield, used before the war by the Luftwaffe and later by Allied Forces.
51°55'52"N • 8°52'25"E
Princess Pauline Foundation
The Princess Pauline Foundation is an independent Lutheran foundation in Detmold, wholly devoted to charitable purposes and to childcare, youth work and care of the elderly. Previously known as the Paulinenanstalt, it is named after its founder Princess Pauline of Anhalt-Bernburg.

Things to See and Do in Detmold by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Detmold.

Culture

Landestheater Detmold
Detmold
Concerts and showsTheater
Detmolder Sommertheater
Detmold
Concerts and showsTheater
alte Pauline
Detmold
Art galleryMuseum

Other categories

Church

Day trips

Detmold – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Detmold, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (Paderborn), Ith, Wewelsburg (Büren).

15 milesSW
Science museum, Universities and schools
Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum, Paderborn
The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum in Paderborn, Germany, stands as a monumental tribute to the world of information technology. Known as the world's largest computer museum, this impressive institution takes visitors on a journey through the history of computing, from the...
31 milesE
Climbing
Ith
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lower Saxony, Germany, the Ith is a prominent ridge that has become a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts. This natural wonder, stretching over 20 kilometers in length and reaching heights of up to 439 meters, offers a unique...
25 milesSW
3-sided, 17th-century castle and museums
Wewelsburg, Büren
Nestled in the quaint town of Büren, Germany, the Wewelsburg Castle is a historical edifice that offers a glimpse into the country's multifaceted past. This triangular castle, dating back to the early 17th century, is renowned for its distinctive architecture and the...
4.8 miS
Monuments and statues
Externsteine relief, Externsteine
The Externsteine relief is a remarkable piece of cultural heritage nestled within the natural rock formation known as the Externsteine, situated in the Teutoburg Forest near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg in Germany. This ancient relief is an enigmatic carving that has...
25 milesSE
, Forts and castles, Monastery
Schloss Corvey, Höxter
Nestled in the scenic town of Höxter, Germany, Schloss Corvey stands as a remarkable testament to the region's rich monastic history. This former Benedictine abbey, with origins dating back to the 9th century, is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural...

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Best Time To Visit Detmold

Learn when is the best time to travel to Detmold weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and April. Most of it rains in January, July and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Detmold?

The top attractions to visit in Detmold are:

What is the best time to visit Detmold?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.