STRONG REGION. OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES.

More than 2 million people live in one of Germany’s strongest and most innovative economic locations: East Westphalia-Lippe (OWL). OWL comprises Bielefeld and the districts of Gütersloh, Herford, Höxter, Lippe, Minden-Lübbecke and Paderborn.

Stretching over 6,500 km² of varied natural landscapes, it is also enriched by vibrant, growing towns with an interesting range of cultural events.

The some 150,000 business located there employ around one million people. The region generates gross domestic product of approximately 60 billion euro per year.

Home to around 73,000 people, Detmold is one of OWL’s major university towns. Around 55,000 young people study at it its thirteen universities, making a vital contribution to research and development in the region.

OWL has much to offer for a good work-life balance and is one of the largest leisure and recreational regions in North Rhine-Westphalia.

We give you nine convincing reasons why you should take a closer look at our region.

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PLENTY OF SPACE:
TO DEVELOP.

More than two million people live in the six districts of Gütersloh, Herford, Höxter, Lippe, Minden-Lübbecke and Paderborn, as well as the city of Bielefeld. Only the Rühr region and the Cologne/Bonn business region have more inhabitants. However, OWL offers much more space to live than the other regions. Paderborn district is the youngest in all of NRW, after Münster.

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GET OUT.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO EXPLORE.

On the water, on land and in the air. 25,000 flights take off every year from the world’s largest glider airport in Oerlinghausen, nine rivers are accessible by canoe, and four high-ropes courses offer the chance to climb away from it all. Or reach new heights with a hot air balloon ride over OWL. Get up! Your next adventure awaits!

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STAY ON THE BALL.
OR ON THE POLE.

OWL outdoes itself from a sporting point of view, too. Top football clubs Arminia Bielefeld and SC Paderborn 07 attract thousands and have often proved their longevity in the Bundesliga. TBV Lemgo and HSG Blomberg-Lippe have been playing their way into their fans’ hearts for more than 100 years and are among the very best in handball. Participants from all over the region make a good impression every year at the OWL athletics championships.

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AT A STROKE.
LOTS OF GOLF.

With more than 17 golf courses, the region offers countless opportunities for enthusiastic golfers to perfect their handicap while relaxing in the great outdoors. All within a radius of 50 kilometres.

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EAT. SLEEP.
REPEAT.

The region is the perfect place for a culinary tour of discovery. Hearty rural dishes, fine vegan creations and international specialities attract fans of good food to the region’s countless attractive restaurants. Taste OWL! The region has plenty of gastronomic treats to offer.

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DEFINITELY.
THE PLACE TO BE.

Night owls, partygoers and festival fans will find exactly what they’re looking for in OWL. The region’s cosy bars, clubs and trendy pubs ensure unforgettable evenings that can easily go on into the early hours. Popular music events such as the Parklichter, Campus-Festival and the Asta summer party at the universities attract big audiences with big-name acts. Town festivals such as Leineweber and Libori have cult status and attract thousands of partygoers every year.

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OPEN AIR.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY CINEMA.

The Waldbühne at the foot of the Hermannsdenkmal monument offers a truly special experience. Around 10,000 film fans attend the open air cinema nights during the summer months. The Waldbühne also provides a backdrop for musical events. And because laughter is famously the best medicine, comedy events like “NightWash” are an integral part of the cultural calendar.

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SLOW DOWN.
RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR.

Chill out! The Teutoburg Forest is also known as “Germany’s healing garden” and is one of the country’s most popular destinations, with 6.9 overnight stays every year. Modern spas, invigorating mineral waters, extensive parks and green spaces are the ideal place to get away from everyday life. Those who prefer to get active in the great outdoors can get their pulse racing on 10 signposted mountain bike trails, 32 long-distance cycle routes and a Top Trail hiking route.

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GET CARRIED AWAY.

In a convenient central location, the region offers plenty of advantages when it comes to mobility. The important national and international highways A2, A30, A33 and A44 (link to A7 and A1) offer fast connections in all directions. Waterways, fast train services and the regional airport at Paderborn-Lippstadt also provide good transport options. Nothing stands in the way of a spontaneous getaway.