The Lippe is a river in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is a right tributary of the Rhine, approximately 220 kilometers (140 miles) long.
The Lippe rises near Bad Lippspringe at the edge of the Teutoburg Forest. It flows westwards through the Ruhr area, passing through or near cities such as Paderborn, Lippstadt, Hamm, Lünen, Marl, and Wesel, where it joins the Rhine.
Historically, the Lippe served as an important transportation route. The Romans used it as a supply line, and in later centuries, it was used for shipping coal and other goods. Parts of the river have been canalized to improve navigability.
The Lippe's ecosystem has faced significant challenges due to industrial activity in the Ruhr area. However, extensive efforts have been made to restore the river's ecological health, including improving water quality and reintroducing native species. Restoration projects continue to focus on creating a more natural river landscape and enhancing biodiversity.