Castles and palaces worth seeing

The typical Münsterland park landscape, magnificent palaces and castles and a relaxed beach feeling - an unusual combination, but that's exactly what awaits you on this 34-kilometre cycle route in southern Münsterland.

Historical beauties

The tour starts at the tourist information centre in Lüdinghausen, the town of moated castles. Here you will find two of them: the Lüdinghausen Castle and the Vischering Castle. After admiring these beautiful buildings, continue along the Stever towards Nordkirchen. The next highlight awaits you in the municipality: the Nordkirchen Castle, which is also known as the "Westphalian Versailles" due to its splendour.

Swimming fun in Selm

You continue on idyllic paths away from the main roads towards Selm. On the way, you will pass various farms and farm shops before reaching Lake Ternsch. This 15-hectare bathing lake is not only great for swimming, but also for relaxing, walking or stand-up paddling.

On the way back to Lüdinghausen, you cycle along the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Once you arrive in Lüdinghausen, it's worth visiting the old town centre with its many shops, cafés and restaurants.

Let yourself be inspired

Old town of Lüdinghausen
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Lüdinghausen Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Vischering Castle Museum
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Town centre of Nordkirchen
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Nordkirchen Castle with castle park
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Lake Ternsch in Selm
© Stera Photo

Highlights on the route

1
Lüdinghausen Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Sebastian Lehrke
Lüdinghausen Castle

Surrounded by a picturesque park, Lüdinghausen Castle is located in the heart of the town, not far from the market square. The Renaissance castle looks back on an eventful history: it was once a knight's seat, property of the Münster cathedral chapter, agricultural school and much more. Today it is a venue for exhibitions, concerts, readings and festivals. The Friends of the Castle also make it accessible to the public, for example on the Castles and Palaces Day or at the evening market.

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2
Vischering Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Vischering Castle

Vischering Castle is considered to be the ideal moated castle in Münsterland and is known throughout the region as an excursion destination and photo motif. Today, the castle is home to a modern interactive museum that tells the story of the castles and palaces in the region as well as the history of the Droste zu Vischering family. You can also enjoy a wonderful picnic in front of the castle.

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3
Nordkirchen Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Steinweg
Nordkirchen Castle

Nordkirchen Castle is one of the most famous excursion destinations in Münsterland and is an impressive example of great (baroque) architecture. Dating back to the 18th century, the castle with its spacious park is now owned by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which runs the University of Finance here. In addition to countless tourists, the estate also attracts hundreds of wedding couples who say "I do" here every year. In addition, many cultural events take place in and around the palace.

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4
Lake Tern
© Stera Photo
Lake Tern

On the outskirts of Selm, you will find this green oasis that offers relaxation and plenty of opportunities for sporting activities. In summer, you can enjoy swimming in the lake, stand-up paddling or simply floating on an air mattress. Make yourself comfortable on the sandy beach or on the large sunbathing lawn with your loved ones. The beach café also offers snacks and drinks.

Cycle tour at a glance

  • approx. 34 km
  • Circuit
  • easy
  • Day tour
  • Castles/Nature
  • Lüdinghausen
  • Nordkirchen
  • Selm

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By bus and train to the cycle tour

Bus und Bahn im Münsterland
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Preserving the good together! Use the train for your journey and protect the climate and the environment. In Münsterland, this is often much better than you think.

  • Lüdinghausen railway station is very suitable for your journey.
  • The station is served by regional trains from Enschede, Gronau, Ahaus, Dortmund and Lünen.
  • The X90 express bus connects Lüdinghausen bus station with Münster and Olfen.

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