Nestled in the landscape of the Münsterland, about 10 kilometres west of Münster, lies the moated castle of Hülshoff amidst green parkland in Havixbeck. The picturesque moated castle is the birthplace of the great German writer Annette von Droste-Hülshoff (1797-1848) and the place where she spent her childhood and youth. This is another reason why the castle has an international status.
Today, the moated castle houses, among other things, the Droste Museum, which provides an insight into the life of the poetess and the nobility of the time, and a café-restaurant. The surrounding park offers an attractive excursion destination in summer. Since 2018, the castle has also been home to the Center for Literature (CfL), which hosts innovative cultural formats. Through the establishment of the CfL, Burg Hülshoff is becoming a home for the arts and people from local to international are being brought together.
The permanent exhibition gives you an exciting insight into the life of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and the nobility of the time. In the special exhibition "The Biedermeier Phantasm | Deep Fake", analogue meets digital. Via tablets, the world of the poet is superimposed on our world. What in this museum is real and what is a fake, which piece of furniture actually dates from Drostes time and which was bought later?
The barrier-free outdoor museum connects the two places where the poet lived over a distance of about 7 km and, following the historical traces, tells of the changes in the landscape and the themes that moved Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
The experience for the whole family also includes a children's tour with interactive elements. The walking map is available free of charge at Hülshoff Castle or at the Rüschhaus. The Lyrikweg app (free for Android and iOS) includes additional virtual stops and the texts of current authors to listen to.
Between Hülshoff Castle and Haus Rüschhaus, the Droste landscape with its 20 information stations can be explored at one's own pace and interest on the poetry trail on foot or by bike. In between, meadows and newly created rest areas invite visitors to picnic.
The Poetry Trail works just as well as a whole as each station on its own - various media are available for planning.
The "Lyrikweg" app contains all the exhibition texts for reading and listening, contemporary audio pieces, podcasts and visual material. Installed on a mobile device in your own WLAN, the app works on the trail even without a mobile network. For better listening quality, the use of headphones is recommended.
The two books accompanying the exhibition can be purchased in the museum shops at Hülshoff Castle and Haus Rüschhaus during opening hours. The hiking book for 20 euros and the children's book Annette, Querkus und die Wilden Worte for 10 euros. A free hiking map is also available.
Parking spaces are available directly at the castle.
Information for cyclists: Hülshoff Castle is located directly on the 100 Castles Route.