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Paderborn

The Red Thread of Innovation: Paderborn's Silicon Valley

3.8 km120 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step beyond the medieval cathedrals and uncover the hidden digital heartbeat of Paderborn. This immersive walking tour reveals how one visionary entrepreneur, Heinz Nixdorf, transformed a quiet Westphalian town into a global IT powerhouse. You will explore the architectural monuments of a bygone corporate empire, walk the cutting-edge campuses where tomorrow's AI is being forged, and unravel the complex legacy of a man who believed technology should serve the people. Join us on a journey through ambition, tragedy, and the enduring power of human infrastructure.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF)

The world's largest computer museum, housed in the former headquarters of Nixdorf Computer AG.

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF)

Pic by Thomas Vogt on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.49 km • 8 min
2

STOP 2

Heinz Nixdorf Institut (HNI)

An interdisciplinary research institute bridging academic research and industrial application.

0.01 km • 0 min
3

STOP 3

Paderborn University - Campus Fürstenallee

The computer science and engineering campus, showcasing Nixdorf's influence on local education.

0.25 km • 4 min
4

STOP 4

Fraunhofer IEM

A modern research institute focusing on mechatronic systems and autonomous technology.

0.27 km • 4 min
5

STOP 5

Software Innovation Campus Paderborn (SICP)

A collaborative tech park ecosystem where academia and businesses co-create software solutions.

2.80 km • 43 min
During your walk

Interlude

A deep dive into the post-WWII economic miracle that fueled Nixdorf's rise.

6

END

Ahorn-Sportpark

A massive public sports facility built by Nixdorf, highlighting his belief in physical fitness and community welfare.

Ahorn-Sportpark

Pic by Zefram on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Tech enthusiasts, architecture lovers, history buffs, and urban explorers fascinated by the intersection of society and innovation.
  • Best time Weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM to truly feel the bustling, innovative energy of the university campuses and research institutes.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as we will be covering several university campuses and a large sports park.
  • Museum visit Consider allocating an extra two hours before or after the tour to fully explore the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum.
  • Campus dining The university cafeterias along the route are great spots to grab a coffee and observe the local student life.
  • Weather prep Westphalian weather can be unpredictable; an umbrella or light rain jacket is highly recommended.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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