Phoenix des Lumières – Digital art center in Dortmund

The Dortmund centre presents new exhibitions on the 24th of January. As part of the Phoenix West cultural centre on a old iron works. The blast furnace was converted into a public space. 

Since 2023 it has served as a giant canvas for spectacular exhibitions. 

Now in its second year you will be able to find brand new exhibitions. Walk through ancient Egypt. See nature up close alongside the works of French oriental artists. 

The exhibitions are giant projections in the main hall. 

Watch the video below to get a better idea of how the exhibitions look.

Adult tickets are €16.00

5-17 Years €10.00 

Family ticket 2 adults and two children 5 -17 years €42 

You can book tickets and see more information here

World Cup Ski Jumping 2025 Willingen

31st Jan - 2nd Feb - Willingen World Cup Ski jumping. Join the 20,000 strong crowd each day. Take the opportunity to watch this unique sporting event whilst you are in Germany. 

Tickets are available from 20€ - 85€ 

Click /tap the  image to expand the size.

Winterberg outdoor events Jan - Feb 2025

The hills of the Hochsauerland region are a hub of outdoor activities each winter.

(c) Community of Willingen

Skiing may not be everybody's idea of a good time. You can enjoy the scenery at a much slower pace. There is no need to get trapped indoors this winter. 

Winterberg and Willingen are part of the Hochsauerland. which is a region of hills dotted with ski resorts and villages.  The hills are over 800m in some areas. This offers great scenery and activities. 

Below are a few of the specific offers which you can buy tickets for. 

• Moonlight hikes - guided German language Hike for 2 hours in the snow. Price includes snow shoe hire
• Pony days - you can wither "rent" a pony for a short hike or children are welcome to ride.  pay for 30 or 60 mins timeslots. various dates 
• Beer hikes  A  guided walks which lets you learn about and try the famous Winterberg Landbier 

Hikes are dependant on the weather, your guide will make contact prior to start times to advise any issues.

Free Hiking & Maps 

From easy 1.2 km hikes with no steep hills to a 9.2 Km hike on 800 m hills.  The region has lots to offer.

Visit the following website link to see more details and maps for each hike. The website has details of each route and relative difficulty. 

Ski Lessons in Hochsauer Land

Winterberg, Willingen are great ski resorts for those starting out on the slopes.  

Here you can find the details of Ski schools in the area which offer lessons in English. 

Always contact the school to confirm they still have English speaking instructors available.

You will find courses for lots of ages  Adults, Children, Tots. in addition learning skiing or snowboarding. 

Winterberg

• https://www.ski-winterberg.de/
• https://www.skischule-winterberg.com/en/
• https://skischule-winterberg.kursbiachle.de/shop/simple-assistant
• https://www.poppenberg-winterberg.de/en/winter/ski-school/

Willingen

• https://otc-willingen.de/
• https://www.dsv-skischule-wiwa.de/de/
• https://ski-willingen.de/
• https://sportwelt-ettelsberg.de/

Check the local weather in the resorts here:

• https://www.accuweather.com/en/de/winterberg/59955/weather-forecast/170519
• https://www.accuweather.com/en/de/willingen/34508/weather-forecast/178593?city=willingen

Check out the live webcams set up on the slopes for each resorts:

• Winterberg
• Willingen

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24^th January 2025

Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3^rd Sector stands. 

The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.

Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:

• Serving Members of the Armed Forces
  
• Veterans
• Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

News from Winterberg - Could be good snow this weekend

The desire for snow and winter sports is growing week by week. And this news comes at just the right time: the weather services are predicting snowfall over the weekend. This week, the range of activities is growing slowly. But if the weather forecasts are correct, there could be a larger range of winter sports available for the first time on the third weekend of Advent.





A wintry white mountain world: This is what it will look like again this weekend, as shown in this archive photo. It is now becoming increasingly wintry and the range of winter sports on offer is growing.




Ski and snowboard
There are currently three lifts running in the Winterberg ski lift carousel. If possible, the Büre-Herrloh lift will create the connection between Poppenberg and Rauher Busch from Saturday. If the snowfall on Saturday is heavy enough, one or two more lifts could be added. The open slopes then promise good to very good winter sports conditions.

lift operation




Tobogganing /Sledging
The toboggan lift in the Ruhrquelle ski area is expected to be operational again from Saturday if possible and will then be open daily. If there is enough snowfall, a toboggan lift could be added on Saturday or Sunday at the Kappe and on the Astenstraße in the Winterberg ski lift carousel, one in the Neuastenberg ski village and possibly one in Olpe-Fahlenscheid. 

If the snowfall arrives in sufficient volume , tobogganing in the countryside will also be possible without a lift.

Tobogganing



Winter hiking
The weekend promises real snow experiences, albeit with unsettled weather. After a stormy Friday, the wind is easing. However, there is still a "decent breeze" blowing in the mountains. To warm up, we recommend visiting a hat. In Willingen, the walk up the mountain is particularly pleasant. There is a cable car for pedestrians. On the mountain peaks, it should also be possible to take a sledge with you on paths that are not pushed.

Winter hiking



Prospects
If the snowfall currently predicted for this weekend does happen, the first major winter sports offer of the new season could be available. 

Dec 2024 Event calendar

• 14th or 21st Opening Party Ski Area Bödefeld Hunau
• 12th, 20th 21st FIL Junior World Cup, LugeVeltins Ice Arena Winterberg
• 12th & 30th: Torchlight hike from the valley station of the Ettelsberg cable car in Willingen
• 31st: New Year's Eve floodlit skiing in Neuastenberg ski village

Schloss Neuhaus Winterzauber

The Schloss Neuhaus Christmas event is on this weekend.

From the 6th -8th December the castle, courtyard and gardens are transformed

This is a market which fully makes use of the castle and the garden to host stalls with boutique handmade Christmas themed craft gifts.

A smaller event right on our doorstep which is always a treat after dark and the lights come on. The event is open on the following times, entry is free.Opening hours:

• Fri December 6th: 3 pm - 9 pm
• Sat December 7th: 1 pm - 9 pm
• Sun December 8th: 11 am - 7 pm

Flying Santa - Where he can be seen this year

Watching Santa travel across the world on Christmas eve has become a tradition for many families. 

Whilst we wait for NORAD to confirm when and where Santa's sleigh will be visible on Christmas Eve.  Here are two options to catch sight of Santa right here in Germany and not too far away. 

Bochum and Herford both show full a full flying Santa experience at their Christmas markets. 

Suspended above the markets  Santa and the reindeer fly across the town squares, with music and lights to complete the show. 

Bochum

A 1hr 35 min drive from Sennelager you can see Santa on his flying sleigh daily at 17:00 & 19:00 on Dr.-Ruer-Platz. There are additional flights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

© Ingo Otto / WAZ FotoPool

Herford

A 37 min drive from Sennelager. Herford offers a twice daily Santa flying at 17.00 & 19.00.

More Christmas Markets for 2024

Here are more Christmas Markets to visit this year. The list below provides links to the event websites. The direction links open Google Maps. 

We have listed the markets below ordering them by drive time from Sennelager with the closest first. 

We are spoilt for choice with cities like, Munster, Osnabruck and Hamlin nearby. Picture perfect old towns like Soest and the medieval centre of Tecklenburg. 

You can look further east to check out the Harz mountains towns of Goslar and Quedlingburg. 

Though the list and directions are based on driving. You can catch the train also to most of these markets, use this link to check journey times, routes and ticket prices.

There are thousands of markets to see in Germany. This list covers some of the mid size cities and towns you can find. 

Website and Google map link for the markets are below.

Markets less than 1 hours drive from Sennelager. 

Paderborn  https://maps.app.goo.gl/p8ahvLD6w6j9WvVy6

Bad Lippspringe  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rj3oY6NH8cc9S6Sc6

Delbruck  https://maps.app.goo.gl/CkiGdYeZcFnS6Wia9

Oerlinghausen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hty9wT1vCbJusHCu9

Augustdorf  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hkbbt9wTZPzRqQrGA

Bielefeld  https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGF3ckazqYk16h279

Guttersloh  https://maps.app.goo.gl/G2PL9gPgPCVo44nV6

Bad Driburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/k4L7GoEJpgEksBxC9

Blomberg https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FLZq8mt1WHjoUXK9

Herford  https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBHrJQhszrp26rCc7

Bad Salzuflen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRZHeGrAMFKfMYvF7

Detmold  https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Xo3YkTDG7iFT5Cg7

Lippstadt  https://maps.app.goo.gl/av9AiqbeaP2TyjMs6

Bad Saasendorf  https://maps.app.goo.gl/EvdJWHV4TWbMbnZK6

Bad Oenyhausen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmnAEdgwjcxBhYUs7

Soest  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vq5QKSSs2CAgErUMA

Lemgo  https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1dJ2kwZMkGYXNzZ9

Bad Pyrmont  https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TjWNcVJRXUvbfss5

Osnabruck  https://maps.app.goo.gl/KbP88rhkA5bmCK27A

Minden  https://maps.app.goo.gl/rP3Nn35PsfQ8fbNd7



Markets  within 1-2 hours drive 

Tecklenburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGvuu8WwJ3WAxHqw5

Hamlin  https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VG3eFjognzBoKgK7

Fritzlar  https://maps.app.goo.gl/SVN4xpc9JmNmbD7RA

Munster https://maps.app.goo.gl/Su6jsHt7jGcYJPQ98


Christmas markets within 2-3 hours drive of Sennelager

Braunschweig  https://maps.app.goo.gl/zp9QR2KLrN3opJ7x5

Goslar  https://maps.app.goo.gl/4GAeKiDZXFkZbb3w8

Moyland  https://maps.app.goo.gl/DJpxT8Hqri4qpWAe9

Schloss Merode  https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYspmXRSQZeX8Tvy9

Weringerode  https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYiUTqdbMRC1dP346

Aachen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/iz9QV4dG3PupJ85B7

Quedlingburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMTVeoD3vuXJs7ELA

Erfurt  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gw9SfZuS7peLbzs28

Koblenz  https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBCK9asTjZP5fmcx6

Monchau  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QbBmSeLBnyj5Myha6

Wurzburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RoSPCPbd3R279L4z7

Rudesheimer  https://maps.app.goo.gl/kK8U3gWbkG66Nsnx6

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber  https://maps.app.goo.gl/c4Mp37gn595da7WW7

Freiburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/mT96RHjCeA95L6QV9

Christmas Markets 2024 - The Big Cities

The cities of Germany offer the best variety in food, gifts, crafts and entertainment.

In the blog we cover the Christmas markets in the largest German cities. If you are new to Germany or are looking for new places to see this year. Read on and find out why people travel from all over the world to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Germany.

You can visit Dortmund and find the largest Christmas Tree in the world. See the 100 markets of Berlin.  Visit The magic of Cologne and experience the Red market at the Dom. In Leipzig kids have the chance to see Santa arrive by steam train.

Every German city has unique flavours and traditions to enjoy. Don't miss the opportunity to get your souvenir mugs and glasses.

In the table Below are website links for each city. Use the Google map links for directions from Sennelager. 

Paderborn Christmas Market 2024

From Friday, November 22nd to Monday, December 23rd, it will be Christmas again in the entire city center. 

What's in the Market?

At 75 stalls there are a wide variety of delicacies, but this Advent there is also a particularly large selection of handicrafts, Christmas decorations and toys. Whether gifts made of wood, wool or leather, cookie cutters for Christmas baking or Bunzlau ceramics - there is something for everyone at the approximately 17 handicraft huts.

Watch the Markets in Paderborn live 

Christmas events for this weekend

We are nearly at the opening day for all the Christmas markets in Germany or Weihnachtsmarkt. If the wait is proving too long for you. Have no fear there are plenty of Winterzauber or winter magic events to join this weekend. 

Here is the map for all this weeks locations and the link if you are on a MODNet device.

Drive times:

• Gut Kump             56 mins 
• Osnabruck            65 mins 
• Kassel                   83 mins 
• Essen                      97 mins
• Wuppertal             104 mins 
• Ulm                       306 mins 

What's On:
14th -17th Nov Gut Kump offers a traditional craft market in the garden grounds of the house 14.00€ pp.





13th Nov -21st Dec Osnabruck Winterzauber - A min market with food, drink and live entertainment. A weather proof roof has been errected to help keep visitors dry. Christmas singing, karaoke , childrens events and more have been arranged. You can reserve a table on the website for 10€.


14th - 16th Nov - Winterzauber Kassel - Sample an atmospheric Christmas craft market. performer help to keep the Christmas atmosphere 10€ pp.




15th Nov - 23rd Dec - Essen International Christmas MarketExperience magical and glamorous Christmas moments at one of the most beautiful markets in this country.





15th Nov - 19th Dec - Wuppertal Winterzauber
You can book a table in the Specially built Alpine Hut restaurant. then enjoy the ice rink and curling lanes. Check out prices and times on the website.






31st Oct - 5th Jan - Ulm The Party Village near Stuttgart is once again in business. In the style of a Christmas hut village, you will find rustic alpine huts, a ski bar and igloo bubbles on a total area of ​​2,500 square meters - located in the magical atmosphere of a winter forest. Each alpine hut has its own offer and therefore its own individual atmosphere.

What's On

Here is your handy calendar for what's on in our area and all of Germany.

We keep this page updated so make sure to bookmark the URL and check the details each week.

31st Jul - Dec 2024 - Wildcat feeding sessions - NABU Wildcat centre Harz mountains


The wildcat enclosure in Bad Harzburg offers visitors a unique insight into the life of the shy animals. During feeding times, all wildcats are likely to be seen.

Every Wednesday at 4pm - Games Zone at Paderborn City Library - Young people can take part in gaming events.

14th - 16th Nov Winterzauber Kassel - Two weekends this year to enjoy the Winterzauber. 

15th Nov Essen International Christmas Market

Stroll through the park and the Orangierie to enjoy this early Christmas treat which guarantees to bring all the Christmas feels, tickets Euro 12pp. Kassel is a 1hr 10mins drive from Sennelager.

22nd Nov - 23rd Dec - Weihnachctsmarkt Paderborn

30th Nov Winterberg ISBF Europa Cup Skeleton 2024 - Watch some of the fastest and bravest athletes in the world speed down the Veltins Eis Arena track.

8th Dec Wheinachtszauber Schloss Neuhaus

11th Dec - 8th Jan - Paderborn Christmas Circus the ever popular circus is back in 2024 with more shows added this year to cope with the demand. Two performances daily. Book tickets online early to avoid disappointment

26th - 31st Dec - Urbantix - Essen - The massive celebration Of BMX, street dance and performance comes to Essen. tickets for each day are on sale now.

Santa Trains in Germany 2024

Looking for a steam train with a special visit from Santa / St Niklaus?

These trains tend to sell out fast so if you want to get tickets book early.

Germany offers some great opportunities. One rule you have to remember is book early tickets on most trains will sell out in September / October.

You will need to visit websites and set reminders for the days ticket sales start. 

1, Eisbhan Tradition -This service travels from Hovelhof just 10min away from Normandy Bks. THis year the train will run on the 8th Dec and leaves Hovelhof at 11.45am  and 15:15. You can either ride the return journey or stop in Gutersloh and enjoy the Christmas market for a few hours and catch the 17:00 train back.

2, Brockenbhan - The Harz Mountains are one of Northern Germany's most loved attraction. Chocolate Box towns and the Brocken. One Santa train service and one Advent Train run each year. 

Halloween Events 2024

For the Kids

31st Oct Maize Maze + Halloween kids party plus torches and bonfire parade (weather permitting)

The maze is on a family farm 15 mins away in Schlangen . Tickets can be purchased on the day €3.50 party begins at 16:00) but you can arrive earlier.

12th -13th & 19th -20th Oct - "Kidsoween". Tickets for the special kids event at Fort Fun are on sale now. Fort Fun is famous for their Adult themed horror events at Halloween. Kids are not forgotten though, on four special days the park puts on family focused Halloween days.

You can book tickets here

Where to Pick Fruit in Paderborn

With September approaching Apples and Pears will soon be ready for harvesting. 

Each year at this time the Paderborn office responsible for looking after green spaces allows the public to harvest fruits from trees in and around the city. 

You can find Apples in the following location 

• The junction Am Almerfeld/Wewerstraße, on Seskerbruch Straße, in Benhausen
• On Dörener Holzweg, in Marienloh
• On Bückler Weg
• In Neuenbeken on Bukhove (at the sports field)

If you want to pick pears

• George-Marshall-Ring (K 29) between Benhauser and Detmolder Straße,
• Benhausen on Hinter den Zäunen,
• Klausheider Straße north of Sande 

Ripe plums can be found at

•  Postweg in Benhausen 
•  Leste- and Steinweg in Wewer.

Winterberg Hiking Experience

From 5th Aug - 11th Aug 2024 Winterberg hosts a chance to learn about hiking in the area. 

This promises to change opinions on hiking during the week you will find; 

• Alpaca Hike 
• Beer Hike 
• Hike to the Skywalk
• Foraging walks 
• Foraging with cooking class
• Mountain lake with cocktails hike 

The the above hikes are accompanied with German language. Take the chance to try something different. Visit the Wanderwoche website to book places

Libori 2024

What is Libori?

Libori is part religious spectacle part secular festival celebrating the patron saint of Paderborn Liborius

You will find Food, drink, lots of live entertainment in the heart of the city starting on the 27th Jul. The event finishes with a firework show on the following Friday. 

One million people are expected  to visit Paderborn over the nine days of Libori.

Why Do We Celebrate?

In the year 799 the Holy Roman Emperor granted the full status of diocese to the city. This allowed for the eventual construction of a cathedral.

In 835 the Bishops of Le Mans and Paderborn were friends. At this time Paderborn was a city without a Patron saint. 

To remedy the situation the Bishop of Le Mans offered to his friend the relics of St Liborius who was the the first bishop of Le Mans.

The people of paderborn gathered to the welcome the monks who had walked with the relics all the way from France. This gathering is said to the start of the festival and fair we enjoy today.


Opening Ceremony Schedule for Saturday 

• Sat 27th Raising of the Golden Shrine at 1500 - Paderborn Dom A ceremony where the relics are raised from the DOM Crypt.
• Sat 27th Funfair opens 1400
• Sat 27th 16:30 the Mayor Michael Drier opens the secular celebration by tapping the giant beer barrel.
• Sun 28th The Golden Shrine is processed through the City after mass at the Dom

Libori 2024

Here are some key pieces of info for this years celebration including links..

First do not miss out on any of the events. you can download the German language Libori program here or collect a hard copy from the tourism office in Paderborn.

This year visitor numbers are expected to be high. Organisers have decided to move the closing fireworks event from the Paderquelle to the Leokonvikt on Leostrasse.

"At the new location, fireworks up to 150 meters high are possible. The entire southern part of the city becomes a grandstand and the walk through the Libori fair becomes a fireworks experience," says Paderborn's city marketing manager Jens Reinhardt. 

The fireworks start on Sunday, August 4th from around 10:30 p.m. 

Paderborn Stadt has created an interactive map to help show the best viewing spots 

Rhinekirmes Fireworks 19th July 22:30

 

Photo: Endermann, Andreas

The firework spectacular which closes the Rhine fair each year. will be on tomorrow night  at 22:30 Friday,  the Oberkassel Bridge and the Rheinknie Bridges  will be closed for safety reasons.

The picturesque backdrop for the firework is the fairground Oberkassel meadow on the left bank of the Rhine and the Düsseldorf old town directly opposite on the right bank of the Rhine. You can read more about the event here.