Historic Lippe-Prussia border stone may finally return home after decades away

A forgotten piece of history could reclaim its place along Germany’s shifting borders. But bureaucracy—and funding—stand in the way of this stone’s half-hour journey home.

, and Administrator

2025 December 15 . 7:27 PM

1 min read

In foreground of the picture there is a stone, on the stone there is text. At the top it might be a... — In foreground of the picture there is a stone, on the stone there is text. At the top it might be a statue. On the right there are dried twigs, soil and plant. In the center of the background it is road.

Historic Lippe-Prussia border stone may finally return home after decades away

A historic border stone between Lippe and Prussia could soon return to its original location. The stone, once marking the boundary between the Principality of Lippe and Prussia, was moved due to road construction and now stands in Bielefeld’s Ubbedissen district. Local residents from Asemissen, part of Leopoldshöhe in Lippe, have pushed for its return.

The stone is one of many historical boundary markers scattered along the former border in North Rhine-Westphalia. Most of these stones are found in the Ostwestfalen districts of Herford, Lippe, and Höxter, including well-known examples like Stein Nr. 15 near Schieder and Bad Salzuflen.

Bielefeld officials have stated they have no objection to returning the stone. Lippe authorities even estimate the move could take as little as half an hour. However, the process faces hurdles, as the stone is a protected monument, requiring expert assessments before any relocation.

The Petitions Committee will review the case in February. A key question remains unanswered: who would cover the costs of moving the stone. Despite local support, the financial and administrative details still need resolution.

The stone’s future will be decided after further discussions and expert evaluations. If approved, it would mark a rare return of a historic boundary marker to its original position. The outcome could also set a precedent for similar cases involving protected monuments in the region.