The Pader for Europe
Under the title "City. People. River. – The Pader for Europe", the city of Paderborn was awarded the European Heritage Label 2025 with the unique urban river landscape of the Pader.
The Pader
Habitat from humans to kingfishers
Source of life, heritage of water culture, a spectacular headwaters and an impressive history: the Pader - the shortest river in Germany - is only 4.6 kilometres long and offers material for facts and stories of all kinds. Paderborn's water history is unique. And it is the basis for the people, culture and nature - both in the city itself and as an example for Europe.
On this website you will find all information about the application process, information about current events, lots of interesting facts and sustainable ideas about the Pader - the shortest river in Germany with a lot of history. Join Paderborn in celebrating the European Heritage Label!
The Pader: Voices from Europe
Diverse, life-giving, inviting—small, clear, cultural: the Pader is all of these things. Germany's shortest river inspires, impresses, and shapes people from all over Europe. We have captured voices from Greece, Italy, Poland, and elsewhere: voices from very different perspectives and age groups.
Immerse yourself in the international world of the Pader and learn about the importance of this wonderful river for Paderborn and all of Europe.
Our application
With its unique urban river landscape, the city of Paderborn has successfully applied for the European Heritage Label 2025 as part of Europe's important water culture heritage!
Paderborn's water heritage tells the story of how water has been utilised in the city for centuries and the technical innovations that this has led to throughout Europe.
Our partners
We would like to thank all supporters of the application project. The numerous accompanying activities, events and measures make the project "City. People. River. - The Pader for Europe" a very special one.
Experience the Pader
Here you can gain an insight into the very different formats. They offer great value for the development of further ideas for the Paderborn Laboratory and the European Water Culture Learning Sites.
To the topic overview
The learning sites
Discover the special learning sites of European water culture along the Pader on the interactive map. From the headwaters to the Pader-Lippe confluence, the 13 stations can be experienced virtually.
Enjoy a tour of Paderborn
