Altenau-Radweg

28.09 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Regional bike tour
  • 2:20 h
  • 28.09 km
  • 80 m
  • 328 m
  • 127 m
  • 372 m
  • 245 m
  • Start: Lichtenau-Blankenrode, Altenau spring
  • Destination: Nordborchen, Altenaum estuary
A cycle tour on the Altenau cycle path is more than just sporting activity. It is the experience of one of the most beautiful valleys in the Paderborn region and an intensive encounter with nature.

The Altenau cycle path is perfect for a varied family excursion on two wheels. Away from major roads, the route leads through the idyllic Altenau valley with its green meadows, small villages and the babbling Altenau river as a constant companion. There is plenty to discover along the way: historic village centers, impressive churches, quaint half-timbered houses and exciting traces of the past that tell of the valley's long history.

The cycle path follows the course of the Altenau for around 28 kilometers from its source in Blankenrode to where it flows into the Alme near Nordborchen. Numerous rest stops, cozy cafés and family-friendly excursion destinations ensure that young cyclists also get their money's worth along the way. A particular highlight is the imposing Dalheim
Dalheim monastery complex, which is well worth a detour.

+++ Current information +++

Closure of the cycle path due to construction work until probably the end of 2027:
A new waste water collection pipeline is being built between Etteln and Kirchborchen. In future, this pipeline will be used to transport wastewater from Etteln to Kirchborchen and from there to the sewage treatment plant. The project will begin in mid/end June 2026 and will last until the end of 2027. Unfortunately, this will also affect the popular Altenau hiking trail. A detour is signposted.

Further information on the detour:
https://www.borchen.de/de/gemeinde/bauen-wohnen/Neue-Schmutzwasserleitung-etteln.php

Map and GPX data on the detour:
https:// umap.openstreetmap.de/de/map/umleitung-altenau-radweg-20262027_141674#13/51.646359/8.717480
Altenau Radweg | Logo

Good to know

Pavements

Street (31%)
Asphalt (15%)
Gravel (54%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The Altenau Cycle Path is marked at many prominent points with its own route signs: an oval signpost with a stylized blue river and green print on a white background. The route is marked with green arrows in both directions.

The easiest way to cycle the Altenau cycle path is downstream from the source in Lichtenau-Blankenrode to Nordborchen and possibly further along the Alme to Paderborn: Blankenrode - Husen - Atteln - Henglarn - Etteln - Kirchborchen - Nordborchen

Route markings

The trail is marked throughout ("Altenau Weg"; green lettering on a white background)

Tour information

  • Familiy-Friendly

  • Stop at an Inn

  • Suitable for Bike

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting there
A 44, exit Lichtenau/Meerhof, continue towards Lichtenau, then turn right towards Blankenrode
Parking
Parking lot in Lichtenau-Blankenrode (Hardhauser Straße), in the immediate vicinity of the Altenau springs
Public transportation
Bus stop: "Li-Blankenrode" (bus routes 487, 488, 489)

Timetable information:
Paderborn/Höxter local transport association (nph)
Phone +49 5251 2930400 | www.fahr-mit.de

Additional information



Documents

License (master data)

License: Attribution, ShareAlike

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

If you still have time at the end of the route, you can switch to the Alme cycle path (the Altenau flows into the Alme in Nordborchen) and cycle comfortably to Paderborn-Schloss Neuhaus.

Safety guidelines

Always pay attention to the road safety of your bicycle. For your own safety and as a role model, we recommend wearing a bicycle helmet.

Map

Cycling map:
"Die schönsten Radtouren im Paderborner Land"
Scale 1:50,000 | ISBN 978-3-96990-031-4
Publisher: BVA Bike Media GmbH

Download: Flyer Altenau-Radweg >>

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Our recommendations

Ein Teller mit Schnitzel, bedeckt mit heller Sauce, Brokkoli-Gemüse und einem Salatblatt.
Birkenhof Atteln
restaurant
Zwei Personen sitzen an einem Holztisch im Freien; im Hintergrund grüner Garten mit Spielgeräten.
Schild der "Genusswerkstatt Mallinckrodthof", angebracht an einer Fachwerkfassade, zeigt den Namen.
© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus / D. Ketz

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