Baroque meets modern

Experience Münster and its castles

Contrasts meet in Münster: urban flair meets tradition and history. On the one hand, there is the restored old town with its historically significant buildings: graceful castles, churches and monuments. On the other hand, the mini-metropolis is a cycling and university city with a diverse and modern cultural scene. In just three days, you can explore some of the most beautiful corners of the city and its surroundings - and do so sustainably without a car. So if you are visiting Münster as part of a short holiday, the following activities and attractions should definitely be on your to-do list.

House Rüschhaus near Münster
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Prinzipalmarkt in Münster
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Hülshoff Castle in Havixbeck
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting

The treasures of Münster's centre

The "capital of Westphalia" has a lot to offer tourists: In the city centre, for example, you will find the Prinzipalmarkt with its characteristic gabled houses and archways, the historic town hall, St. Paul's Cathedral or the Kiepenkerl, the monument to the wandering traders. Stroll through the arcades; the top address for all shopping fans. For lunch, you can choose from a wide variety of restaurants: from burgers and tarte flambée to schnitzel and apple strudel.

The promenade, Münster's 4.5 km long "green belt", runs around the old town and invites you to go jogging, cycling and walking. You can also discover other exciting districts such as the harbour or relax with a picnic on the shores of the Aasee. As you can see, 72 hours in Münster can be more than well filled.

The Aasee in Münster
© Münster Marketing/ Dagmar Schwelle
The city centre of Münster
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
The port in Münster
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting

From castle to castle by bike

The Münsterland without a bicycle? Unimaginable! To really immerse yourself in the local way of life, the best way to explore the region is by bike. The 100 castles route is particularly recommended for this. In addition to cycling, the region is also known for its magnificent buildings. Here, one noble residence follows the next. The route takes you along these houses and the idyllic landscape of the region. The question now is: Which castles will you visit? The Erbdrostenhof Münster? The House of Langen? Or will it be the imposing Hülshoff Castle with its large moat? A difficult decision, because they are all worth a visit. In the following you will find a suggestion of what your tour could look like:

1
Münster Castle
© Münster Marketing/ Dagmar Schwelle
Münster Castle

The prince-bishop's palace in Münster, which is both the start and end point of your cycle tour, was built in 1767 and is now the seat and landmark of the Westphalian Wilhelms University.

Tip: Take the opportunity to take a look at the castle's botanical garden. A wonderful oasis of tranquillity with a castle garden café.

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2
House Rüschhaus
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
House Rüschhaus

In the midst of woods, you pass the late Baroque architecture of Haus Rüschhaus. The author Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived here with her mother and her sister Jenny after the death of her father and liked to retreat to write. Among other things, "Die Judenbuche" was written here.

Tip: The garden at the back of the house invites you to stroll and relax.

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3
Haus Vögeding is located on the 100 Castles Route in Münster
© Münsterland e.V.
House Vögeding

This mighty 14th-century castle complex is nestled between its two famous neighbours, Hülshoff Castle and Haus Rüschhaus. Like these two buildings, Haus Vögeding also has a connection to Annette von Droste-Hülshoff: the poetess liked to take a glass of milk here to fortify herself on her walks. A visit is only possible from the outside.

Tip: The estate is located on the Lyrikweg (Poetry Trail), which follows the walks of the famous poetess.

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4
Hülshoff Castle - A gem in Münsterland
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Hülshoff Castle

The imposing castle complex of Hülshoff Castle! One of the most popular destinations in Münsterland. Picturesquely surrounded by expanses of water, Hülshoff Castle is an imposing sight without being bulky. It is well worth taking a walk around the castle along the footpaths that have been laid out. Ever new perspectives reveal the full beauty of the historic building. The castle was also home to Annette von Droste-Hülshoff for a long time. That is why you will find the Droste Museum here today.

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5
Picnic at Hülshoff Castle
© Münsterland e.V./ Romana Dombrowski
Hülshoff Picnic

The gastronomy at Hülshoff Castle awaits you with a lovingly packed picnic basket! The picnic includes high-quality picnic equipment with a cosy blanket, glasses, cutlery and plates. Simply pick up the basket and choose your very own picnic spot on the lawns of the parkland around Hülshoff Castle.

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Whether leeze, bus or ship

You want to leave your bike behind during your short holiday? No problem! With the hop-on-hop-off buses, you can also explore the city centre flexibly and comfortably by bus. They take you to interesting sights in the city centre, including the Pablo Picasso Art Museum, the City Theatre or the historic City Hall with its famous Peace Hall. Or you can enjoy Münster on a boat tour on the Aasee.

Das Historische Rathaus am Prinzipalmarkt
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Der Friedensaal gibt Einblick in den Westfälischen Frieden
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Blick vom Prinzipalmarkt auf St. Lamberti
© Münsterland e.V.

Tips for your trip

Tips on where to stay

In Münster you will find countless accommodation options - from cosy guesthouses to stylish 4-star hotels. >>to the accommodation in Münster

Tips on food & drink

The Deckenbrock family is the fourth generation to run the traditional restaurant Kleiner Kiepenkerl. The half-timbered house near Prinzipalmarkt is not only one of the city's most popular photo motifs, but also the preferred destination for connoisseurs of Westphalian cuisine.

For a short break in the afternoon, the Café 1648 at the top of the high-rise building in Stadthaus 1 is the place to go. Here you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panoramic view over the roofs of Münster.

Tips on how to get there

Travelling by train:

Münster can be reached by train from all major cities. Regular ICE and IC connections link Münster with Germany's largest cities. The bus station and Münster's bicycle station are located directly in front of the station. If you are travelling with your own bike, you can park it here. If not, you can rent a bike here. In addition to the "bike station" at the station, there are many other providers that you can find on this page.

Arriving by car

Münster can be reached by car via the A 1 (Cologne-Hamburg) and A 43 (Wuppertal-Münster) motorways. There are several P+R car parks on the outskirts of the city. In the city centre, a parking guidance system will direct you to the various multi-storey car parks and car parks.

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