Ahaus Castle

The castle is located in the heart of the city, only a few metres from the popular pedestrian zone and gives Ahaus a special charm. This makes the castle not only a landmark of the town, but also its centre.

Directly attached to Ahaus Castle is the school museum. The gatehouse museum is also worth seeing. In addition to everyday objects, it displays luxury items from prince-bishops' possessions as well as evidence from Ahaus factories in changing exhibitions. Medieval and modern life in Ahaus is characterised by an exciting interaction, which can be seen in many ways in the exhibition.

Another highlight is the castle concerts that have been held in the Fürstensaal since 1952. They have carried the name of Ahaus far into the country.

From hunting residence to cultural venue

Ahaus Castle is the former hunting residence of the Prince-Bishops of Münster in Ahaus. As early as the beginning of the 11th century, a castle stood on the site of today's baroque building, which belonged to the noble lords of Ahaus and passed into the possession of the prince bishop of Münster in 1406.

Between 1688 and 1695, the Capuchin monk Ambrosius von Oelde built the hunting lodge by order of the prince-bishop Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg. From 1765 to 1767, the Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun added a central risalit with a large flight of steps to the garden front after the destruction in the Seven Years' War.

Tobacco factory, destruction and reconstruction

In the 19th century, the castle housed a tobacco factory, among other things. In 1945 it was hit by a bombing raid and burnt out completely. The baroque furnishings of the rooms, which had been preserved until then, were lost. The district of Ahaus bought the ruins and had them rebuilt. Today the castle is owned by the district of Borken and houses the Ahaus Technical Academy. The district court of Ahaus is located directly next door. As the most important monument in the town of Ahaus, the castle is also the centre of cultural life.

Listening Journey | Ahaus Castle

Would you like to learn more about the castle? Dr. Volker Tschuschke, the district's municipal historian, takes you on an exciting audio journey through history and tells you captivating anecdotes from castle life in days gone by: exhilarating baroque festivals, princely concerts and contemporary theatre. Schloss Ahaus was a real bon vivant!

Münsterland Castles in the Air | Ahaus Castle

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Map | Ahaus Castle

Service & Offers

  • Guided tours
  • Museum in the house
  • 100 Castles Route
  • Park at the house

Ahaus Castle

Öffnungszeiten vom 01.01. to 31.12.
  • Monday
    closed
  • Tuesday
    closed
  • Wednesday
    closed
  • Thursday
    closed
  • Friday
    closed
  • Saturday
    closed
  • Sunday
    closed

Eine Innenbesichtigung von Schloss Ahaus ist nur nach Absprache mit der örtlichen Tourist-Information möglich.

Prices outdoor facilities

  • Free admission:
    0,00 €

A tour of the outdoor facilities is free of charge.

Events at Ahaus Castle

Properties
Types
4 Matches.
Aug
14
Fri
After-work market at Mahner
14.08.2026, 16:00 14.08.2026, 21:00
Ahaus Marketing & Tourism, Ahaus
Organiser: Ahaus Marketing & Touristik GmbH
Gastronomy
Market
Music

As the day draws to a close and the evening sun bathes the church at Mahner in warm light, the evening market invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. From 4 pm, the stalls fill with tempting aromas: savoury meets sweet, and little treats sit alongside proper favourites. Live music fills the air, enveloping the square in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere – perfect for leaving the working day behind. Whether with colleagues, friends or family: this evening is all about taking time out, indulgence and good company.

Time
14.08.2026, 16:00 14.08.2026, 21:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt

Die Teilnahme ist kostenfrei 

  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Sep
11
Fri
Ahaus funfair
11.09.2026, 15:00 14.09.2026, 21:00
Fairground Ahaus, Ahaus
Organiser: Ahaus Marketing & Touristik GmbH
Party
Market

On Friday, 11 September, the traditional event for the whole family starts again at 3 pm on the Ahaus fairground and in the town centre and lasts until 9 pm on Monday, 14 September.

A total of 85 funfair providers will ensure lots of fun, exciting rides and colourful hustle and bustle. One thing is certain: Those who like fast and furious rides and love thrills will get their money's worth at the Ahaus funfair.

Special highlights:

Friday, 11.09.2026 - Family Day, with greatly reduced prices
Monday, 14.09.2025 from 9 am - 2 pm Krammarkt
Monday, 14.09.2025 from 5 pm - 9 pm "Happy Hour"

Time
11.09.2026, 15:00 14.09.2026, 21:00
Location
Opening hours
Opening hours
  • Monday
    13:00 Uhr bis 21:00 Uhr
  • Tuesday
    closed
  • Wednesday
    closed
  • Thursday
    closed
  • Friday
    15:00 Uhr bis 23:45 Uhr
  • Saturday
    14:00 Uhr bis 23:45 Uhr
  • Sunday
    11:00 Uhr bis 22:00 Uhr
Prices
Eintritt frei
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Oct
04
So
Fanfares Flames Fireworks
04.10.2026, 13:00 04.10.2026, ca.18:00
Ahaus, Ahaus
Organiser: Ahaus Marketing & Touristik GmbH
Market
Music

The traditional event "Fanfares, Flames, Fireworks", which has been taking place in Ahaus for 72 years, is once again offering a varied programme this year. The intercultural theme takes centre stage. Numerous stands and activities are spread throughout the pedestrian zone.


In addition to the intercultural market, there are numerous entertainment options: Children can look forward to carousel rides, duck fishing and a bouncy castle, while the tent with building blocks and the famous Ahauser castle dragon "Leopold" will provide additional entertainment. K


Shopping enthusiasts can stroll around the open shops from 13:00 to 18:00 and also experience the ultimate warehouse shopping adventure in the Kulturquadrat. There will also be plenty to eat and drink: from classic chips and currywurst to crêpes and ice cream specialities, there will be something for every taste.


In the evening, Sümmermannplatz will be transformed into a stage for an impressive light show accompanied by DJ music from 18:30. The grand finale is a firework display synchronised with the music, which starts at around 7:45 pm and invites spectators to dance and enjoy themselves.

Time
04.10.2026, 13:00 04.10.2026, ca.18:00
Location
Opening hours
Öffnungszeiten vom 05.10.2025 to 05.10.2025
  • Monday
    closed
  • Tuesday
    closed
  • Wednesday
    closed
  • Thursday
    closed
  • Friday
    closed
  • Saturday
    closed
  • Sunday
    13:00 Uhr bis 20:00 Uhr
Prices
Eintritt

Die Veranstaltung ist kostenfrei. 

  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Nov
06
Fri
Ahaus lights up at the weekend
06.11.2026, ca.17:00 08.11.2026, 18:00
Ahaus, Ahaus
Organiser: Ahaus Marketing & Touristik GmbH
Party
Music
Market

The "Ahaus lights up weekend" with a market of lights - under this motto, the idyllic town is transformed into a sea of lights. The sparkling magic of the pre-Christmas period invites you to stroll and marvel. The three-day market of lights in the city centre is the perfect destination for this! In the midst of festive splendour and a cosy atmosphere, exhibitors have the opportunity to present their products in charming huts.

Time
06.11.2026, ca.17:00 08.11.2026, 18:00
Location
Opening hours
Öffnungszeiten vom 07.11.2025 to 09.11.2025
  • Monday
    closed
  • Tuesday
    closed
  • Wednesday
    closed
  • Thursday
    closed
  • Friday
    16:00 Uhr bis 21:00 Uhr
  • Saturday
    10:00 Uhr bis 21:00 Uhr
  • Sunday
    13:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr

Freitag: 
- Einschalten der Weihnachtsbeleuchtung um 17:30 Uhr durch die Bürgermeisterin am Mahner
- Lichtprojektionen und farbenfrohe Beleuchtungen in der Innenstadt
- DJ Schlegel legt auf, ab 17:30 Uhr bis 21:00 Uhr, an der Kirche am Mahner
- „Lichtermarkt“ von 16:00 bis 21:00 Uhr rund am Oldenkottplatz und auf dem Sümmermannplatz

Samstag:
- Laternenumzug 17:30 Uhr 
- Feuertonnenfestival 18:30 - 21:00 Uhr
- „Lichtermarkt“ von 10:00 bis 20:00 Uhr geöffnet

Sonntag:
- Verkaufsoffener Sonntag 13:00 - 18:00 Uhr
- „Lichtermarkt“ von 13:00 bis 18:00 Uhr geöffnet

Prices
Eintritt frei

Kostenfreier Eintritt an allen Tagen

  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
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The MünsterlandBlog

Palace concert at Ahaus Palace
© Münsterland e.V.
We have tested a castle concert for you

Our colleague Victoria spent an evening in the castle: She takes you along to her visit of a castle concert by "ensemble 4.1", a group consisting of five musicians. She describes in detail the atmosphere during the concert, the acoustics and how she felt about the pieces. Perhaps the article on the MünsterlandBlog will inspire you to visit a concert?

Places of interest around Ahaus Castle

Properties
Types
I am an orange castle

You can experience a lot with me: Events, gastronomy, green spaces and other exciting things to explore. Curious?

Your questions about Ahaus Castle

There are several paid parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of Ahaus Castle and in the neighbouring town centre. The car parks can be paid for using the EasyPark app.

The exterior can be visited at any time. There is a freely accessible path around the castle. A tour of the interior is only possible by prior arrangement as part of a guided tour organised by the local tourist information office.

You can picnic in the neighbouring park or during the Münsterland Picnic Days in June.

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