Online-Card - Warburg

Warburg , a 975-year-old town of the Hanseatic League, is situated near  the river "Diemel", in an area of outstanding natural beauty called  "Südegge-Diemeltal". This historically important place is within reach of the Hessian border and of the southeast sector of Northrhine-Westphalia.  

Geographically, Warburg can be regarded as being situated in the centre  of Germany and not far away from the major cities "Kassel"(34 km) and "Paderborn"(44km).

Medieval town walls, along with well-preserved towers and gates, still dominate Warburg's historic townscape, giving 21st Century  visitors an amazing insight into the architecture of the 14 th and
15 th centuries.

The first reference to a castle on the "Wartberg" is made in  1010. Under the protection of Count Dodiko and later the Bishops  of Paderborn, two self-governing towns developed.

The old part of Warburg ("Die Altstadt") on the river Diemel and the new settlement ("Die Neustadt") just uphill.

At the end of the 13th century both towns were protected by huge walls and towers.

A great part of these medieval walls,  five towers and two city gates are still characteristic of Warburg´s face.

The development of Warburg´s early economic power was initiated by its membership in the Hanseatic League in 1364.

The year 1436 saw a crucial change in Warburg´s history as the two independent cities became administratively united, which was formalized in the famous document "De Grote Breff".

The outstanding significance of Warburg´s historical centre has its cause by the former  co-existence of two independent administrations.The view from the south is  without doubt one of the most impressive you can have in all of Westphalia.

After 1945 the town developed into a centre of commerce and administration, highlighting its regional importance.

Warburg´s historical development is on display in the local museum ( "Stern") with its great number of  old city documents.  A visit/trip to the "Stern" is very important for every historically interested visitor.

Even today the market places are centres of commerce, communication  and other activities. In Warburg characteristic customs are kept alive.

The following festivals are landmarks in our annual calendar:
Maimarkt  (beginning of May), Kälkenfest (in August), Oktoberwoche  (beginning of October) and Christmas Markets, not to mention the numerous, traditional Schützenfeste.