--- title: "Paderborner Kümpe" url: "https://en.teutoburgerwald.de/region/excursion/poi/paderborner-kuempe" description: "For over a thousand years - until 1929 - the water of the Pader was indispensable for the people of Paderborn. Drinking water, service water and, above all, water for firefighting: the constantly flowing springs supplied it in abundance and shaped everyday life in the city.In the Middle Ages, however, Paderborn was repeatedly ravaged by devastating fires. Half-timbered houses burned quickly - faster than fire-fighting water could be brought in. The fire disaster of 1506 in particular, in which around 300 houses were destroyed, prompted the city council to fundamentally reorganize the fire-fighting water supply.In 1523, a so-called \"Wasserkunst\" was built on the Börnepader - a technical masterpiece of its time. A water wheel used the power of the River Pader to \"artificially\" transport water uphill to higher parts of the city using a piston pump. There it was collected in large stone basins: the Kümpe. From here, the citizens could draw water for extinguishing fires, but also for their daily needs.From the highest Kump am Kamp, the water was distributed via a system of pipes to other Kümpe - including on the market square, in front of the town hall, on today's Marienplatz and on Westernstraße near the Franciscan monastery. Ecclesiastical institutions even had their own waterworks, such as the Jesuit College (from 1604) and the Capuchin monastery (from 1626).With the expansion of a modern network of pipes from 1887 and new hygiene requirements - triggered by cholera and typhoid epidemics in the 19th century, among other things - the historical water supply became increasingly less important. In 1929, the Sennewasserwerk finally replaced the old waterworks.Today, the redesigned Kümpe fountains are a reminder of this special phase in the city's history - visible signs of how innovation and necessity have shaped Paderborn.Preserved Kümpe in the city centreRathauskumpLocated directly in front of the historic town hall, the Rathauskump has marked a central point of city life for centuries. In the past, it was used to supply water to the surrounding buildings and markets, today it is a prominent landmark and popular meeting place.Liborikump The highest situated kump on the Kamp was the first collection point for pumped water. From here, it was distributed further into the city Kump FranziskanerkircheSituated in a somewhat quieter location, it is a reminder of the extension of the historical supply network to the western areas of the city." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3699088/3e349dff94af8b71b176e0708fabe9dec85e65dd222f9dd59e846dedc715231a/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Teutoburg Forest > Discover the region > Excursion > POI" --- Share Paderborner Kümpe ================= - Fountain - Body of water In the middle of Paderborn's city center, you come across them again and again: the so-called Kümpe. These stone water basins are more than just decorative fountains - they are visible evidence of a time when water was at the heart of urban life. For over a thousand years - until 1929 - the water of the Pader was indispensable for the people of Paderborn. Drinking water, service water and, above all, water for firefighting: the constantly flowing springs supplied it in abundance and shaped everyday life in the city. In the Middle Ages, however, Paderborn was repeatedly ravaged by devastating fires. Half-timbered houses burned quickly - faster than fire-fighting water could be brought in. The fire disaster of 1506 in particular, in which around 300 houses were destroyed, prompted the city council to fundamentally reorganize the fire-fighting water supply. In 1523, a so-called "Wasserkunst" was built on the Börnepader - a technical masterpiece of its time. A water wheel used the power of the River Pader to "artificially" transport water uphill to higher parts of the city using a piston pump. There it was collected in large stone basins: the Kümpe. From here, the citizens could draw water for extinguishing fires, but also for their daily needs. From the highest Kump am Kamp, the water was distributed via a system of pipes to other Kümpe - including on the market square, in front of the town hall, on today's Marienplatz and on Westernstraße near the Franciscan monastery. Ecclesiastical institutions even had their own waterworks, such as the Jesuit College (from 1604) and the Capuchin monastery (from 1626). With the expansion of a modern network of pipes from 1887 and new hygiene requirements - triggered by cholera and typhoid epidemics in the 19th century, among other things - the historical water supply became increasingly less important. In 1929, the Sennewasserwerk finally replaced the old waterworks. Today, the redesigned Kümpe fountains are a reminder of this special phase in the city's history - visible signs of how innovation and necessity have shaped Paderborn. ### **Preserved Kümpe in the city centre** *Rathauskump* Located directly in front of the historic town hall, the Rathauskump has marked a central point of city life for centuries. In the past, it was used to supply water to the surrounding buildings and markets, today it is a prominent landmark and popular meeting place. *Liborikump*  The highest situated kump on the Kamp was the first collection point for pumped water. From here, it was distributed further into the city *Kump Franziskanerkirche* Situated in a somewhat quieter location, it is a reminder of the extension of the historical supply network to the western areas of the city. Read more Good to know ------------ Payment methods no entrance possible This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Guided tour/tour - Children’s programme - Guided tour/tour - Food & Beverage - Café - Restaurant - Restaurant - Accomodations - Hotel - Hotel garni - Holiday flat - Package - Group Offer/Family Offer - Group Offer/Family Offer - Place of interest - Town hall/citizens’ services - Permanently closed - Historic site - Permanently closed - Church - Tours 33.36 km - Regional bike tour 3.26 km - Regional hiking trail 19.92 km - Regional bike tour Contact Rathausplatz 33098 Paderborn