Three Hares Window
A unique Gothic window in Paderborn, famous for its optical illusion of three hares sharing two ears. A must-see symbol of the city!
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Three Hares Window
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Gothic window in Paderborn, famous for its optical illusion of three hares sharing two ears. A must-see symbol of the city!
"A very beautiful, unusual Gothic window that you have to see if you visit Paderborn!"
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique design of the Three Hares Window. It's a quick stop that makes for a memorable photo!
📍 Easy to Find
Located in the heart of Paderborn, it's a must-see on any city walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Hares Window
Paderborn City Center
A fascinating Gothic window with a unique optical illusion: three hares sharing two ears. A true Paderborn icon!
Symbolic Significance
Adjacent Courtyard
Learn about the window's symbolism and its connection to local history, including the burial site of Bishop Wilhelm Tuschen.
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A Symbol of Paderborn
Quick & Easy Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique design of the Three Hares Window. It's a quick stop that makes for a memorable photo!
📍 Easy to Find
Located in the heart of Paderborn, it's a must-see on any city walk.
💡 Historical Context
Read up on the symbolism before you go to appreciate its deeper meaning.
💖 Friendship Symbol
Some see it as a symbol of friendship, making it a sweet spot to visit with loved ones.
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Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the unique design of the Three Hares Window. It's a quick stop that makes for a memorable photo!
📍 Easy to Find
Located in the heart of Paderborn, it's a must-see on any city walk.
💡 Historical Context
Read up on the symbolism before you go to appreciate its deeper meaning.
💖 Friendship Symbol
Some see it as a symbol of friendship, making it a sweet spot to visit with loved ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Three Hares Window as a beautiful and unusual Gothic architectural feature, a unique symbol of Paderborn. Some find it a quick and worthwhile stop, appreciating its historical context and artistic merit. However, a few reviewers consider it 'overrated,' suggesting it might not meet expectations for those seeking grander attractions.
"Had an amazing guide during my tour and enjoyed seeing this symbole of Padaborn imensly."
Yin “n” You
"Overrated."
Thore Schieberle
"A very beautiful, unusual Gothic window.
It should not go unmentioned that Dr. Wilhelm Tuschen (* May 22, 1903 in Hörde near Dortmund; † June 21, 1961 in Andernach), formerly Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paderborn, is buried in the small courtyard in front of this window.
Quote from Wikipedia:
"After graduating from high school, Wilhelm Tuschen first completed a banking apprenticeship and then studied law for three semesters. From 1924 onward, Tuschen was a member of the Catholic student fraternity K.D.St.V. Hohenstaufen Freiburg. From 1925 onward, he studied Catholic theology in Paderborn and Freiburg. He received the sacrament of priestly ordination on April 5, 1930. Until 1944, he served as a vicar in Herne and Dortmund, interrupted by a stint as a pastor in Latin America in 1934/35.
After a brief period as a pastor, he became rector of the Paderborn seminary in 1947. In 1951, he received his doctorate in theology from Freiburg with a thesis on the prophet Amos and was appointed vicar general by Paderborn Archbishop Lorenz Jaeger, effective January 1, 1952.
On August 21, 1958, Pope Pius XII appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Paderborn and Titular Bishop of Antipyrgos. Tuschen received episcopal ordination from Archbishop Jaeger on September 29 of the same year. Co-consecrators were Bishop Franz Hengsbach of Essen and Bishop Heinrich Maria Janssen of Hildesheim.
The sculptor Hildegard Domizlaff created the ring and crosier for Auxiliary Bishop Wilhelm Tuschen on the occasion of his episcopal ordination. After his early death, Paul Nordhues, Auxiliary Bishop of Paderborn, received the ring and crosier.
Wilhelm Tuschen died in 1961 and was buried in the Chapter Cemetery in Paderborn."
Dr. Hagen Reichert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Three Hares Window is conveniently located in the city center of Paderborn, making it easily accessible on foot. If you're arriving by public transport, most bus lines will take you close to the city center. Parking is available in nearby garages if you're driving.
Yes, it's centrally located and can be easily combined with a visit to other Paderborn landmarks like the Paderborn Cathedral or the Schloss Neuhaus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Three Hares Window is a public architectural feature and can be viewed freely without any admission fee. It's a great free sight in Paderborn!
As it's an outdoor architectural element, there are no specific opening hours. You can visit the Three Hares Window at any time of day or night.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the Gothic window. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can also provide beautiful, soft lighting.
Experiment with different angles to capture the unique optical illusion of the hares. Getting closer allows you to focus on the intricate stonework.
🎫 💡 History & Symbolism
The window is a symbol of Paderborn, featuring three hares with a clever optical illusion where they appear to share two ears. Its exact historical meaning is debated, but it's a fascinating piece of Gothic art.
Yes, Auxiliary Bishop Wilhelm Tuschen is buried in the courtyard in front of the window, adding a layer of historical significance to the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip for families: Turn it into a mini-scavenger hunt to find the hares and count their ears. It's a simple yet engaging way to make the visit memorable for children. The central location also means you can easily combine it with a playground visit or a treat stop afterwards.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Recommendation: Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding streets to discover more of Paderborn's charm. The window serves as a perfect landmark to orient yourself and a memorable highlight of a short visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic Three Hares Window
Beyond its visual appeal, the window holds a deeper connection to the city's history. It is located in a small courtyard where Auxiliary Bishop Wilhelm Tuschen is buried. This adds a layer of solemnity and historical depth to the site, inviting contemplation on both art and life. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the intricate stonework and the enduring mystery of the hares' symbolism.
While the exact origin and meaning of the three hares motif are subject to interpretation, it's widely recognized as a symbol of Paderborn. Some theories suggest it represents the Holy Trinity, while others link it to ancient symbols of fertility or the interconnectedness of life. Regardless of its precise origin, the Three Hares Window remains a must-see for anyone visiting Paderborn, offering a unique blend of art, history, and local identity.
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