Maibaum- und Radelfest Hövelhof

Spring at the Castle — Maypole and Cycling

When spring begins in the southern Paderborn district, the fourth Sunday in April traditionally belongs to the Maibaum- und Radelfest Hövelhof. On April 26, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, the Schlossgarten Hövelhof transforms into a festival ground, combining craft traditions and cycling culture. In 2026, the festival coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Paderborner Land-Route — the 250-kilometer themed cycling route through the Paderborner Land.

Maypole, Crafts, and Ceremonial Keg Tapping

The Maypole tradition in Hövelhof is upheld by local craft businesses. On the festival grounds, journeymen and masters are traditionally honored, after which the mayor kicks off the afternoon with the Festbieranstich (ceremonial keg tapping). At the Jagdschloss, a bronze caster demonstrates the ancient technique of bell bronze casting live — visitors can have exclusive keychains with local motifs cast.

Fietsorkest and Artistic Cycling Acrobatics

The Dutch Fietsorkest (a bicycle-powered music ensemble from the Netherlands) provides musical accompaniment to the festivities — the band moves through the village on wheels, creating a unique open-air atmosphere. Additionally, the artistic cyclist Hironimus amazes with tricks and stunts on two wheels.

20 Years of Paderborner Land-Route — Themed Cycling Tour through OWL

The Paderborner Land-Route was opened in 2006 as a 250-kilometer circular route. It connects historical sites, monasteries, natural highlights, and landscape parks in one of Ostwestfalen-Lippe's most beautiful cycling regions. Hövelhof, as a Senne municipality, is located right on the route — and celebrates its anniversary with a special focus on cycling. On the festival day, guided bike tours, regional information stands, and special uniforms from the Teutoburger Wald Tourism Association will be presented.

Sunday Shopping and Family Program

In parallel to the festival program, Hövelhof's downtown shops will be open between 1 PM and 6 PM. For families, there will be bouncy castles, creative play stations with large building blocks, face painting, mini Maypole crafting activities, and carousels. Food and drinks will be provided by Hövelhof clubs and restaurateurs, offering bratwurst, fries, cake, coffee, and regional beverages.

Hövelhof — The Senne Municipality in the Paderborner Land

With nearly 16,000 inhabitants, Hövelhof is the only municipality in Germany that combines two landscape areas: the Senne in the west and the hilly Paderborner Land in the east. The town center around the Jagdschloss, the former tobacco processing center, and the train station on the Sennebahn line to Bielefeld characterize the townscape. The Radelfest is considered the most important event in the spring calendar.