Paderborn is named after the Pader River and springs that originate here. These are Germany’s highest-yielding springs that bubble up out of the ground, creating a river that flows into the Lippe. There are more than 200 springs that release 9000 liters of water/second, or enough every second to fill 40 bathtubs! The water comes from mountains in the area, traveling underground for 4 days, before coming up in Paderborn.
The water is clear and beautiful, but it has some chemicals in it that make it not safe for drinking. There are 6 different main streams that flow through the town from the springs to the river, which only runs a short distance (I think about 5 km) before flowing into the Lippe, which later flows into the Rhine.
The city of Paderborn was founded in the 1200s, over the springs. Through the centuries, there have been lots of mills here and also breweries. At first they didn’t settle in the marshy wet areas, but it’s filled in and now there are beautiful walkways and nicely landscaped areas where the water and ponds are with lots of wildflowers and ducks.
Paderborn was almost completely destroyed in the spring of 1945 by bombing raids. It was after that during the reconstruction that the beautiful recreational areas were created. It’s now listed as a garden monument.
After this wonderful day in Paderborn, John and I said our farewells to the group of our new friends so we could head back to Frankfurt this evening. My favorite parts of this reunion were hearing stories from Volker and Andy and the others about how knowing our family history changes us and brings families together. That’s the whole reason I do what I do. I left with my heart feeling very full.
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 