Hülshoff Castle

Hülshoff Castle near Havixbeck is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the Münsterland region. When you visit, you’ll be greeted by the extensivegrounds. Well-tended flowerbeds alternate with spacious lawns. Before long, the castle catches your eye. Picturesquely surrounded by water, Hülshoff Castle presents an imposing sight without appearing cumbersome.

One castle – many perspectives

It’s well worth walking around the castle along the laid-out footpaths. Ever-changing perspectives reveal the full beauty of this historic building. Finally, you’ll reach the castle’s inner courtyard, from which you can access both the Droste Museum (currently undergoing renovation) and the castle restaurant. The museum not only recounts the life of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, but also offers an insight into aristocratic life of that era.

The restaurant in the castle’s vaulted cellar is open daily from April to November. In fine weather, you can also relax and enjoy the culinary delights in the inner courtyard.

A Castle in Transition - The Center for Literature

As the birthplace of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, literature has always played a special role. With the Center for Literature, the castle will in future become a centre for research and further development of literature, focusing on dialogue with other arts. The exciting projects will become visible in numerous events and make Hülshoff Castle a cultural jewel in Münsterland.

Hülshoff Castle is a typical Westphalian moated castle, which is mentioned in documents as early as the 11th century as the Oberhof ,,Zum Hülshof". In 1417, the ancestors of the poet acquired the knight's seat. The manor house was built under Heinrich I von Droste zu Hülshoff between 1540 and 1545 and is today the oldest part of the castle.
To this day, it presents itself as a closed Renaissance complex whose high three-tiered gables are unadorned. The interior of the manor house was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century. In the 19th century, the last major alteration was the addition of the castle chapel in neo-Gothic style.

Hülshoff Castle is directly connected to the Münsterland cycle path network and can be easily reached via the north and south routes of the 100 Castles Route.

The best experiences at Hülshoff Castle

Droste Museum Droste Museum in Havixbeck
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
In Havixbeck
The museum provides visitors with lively insights into the lifestyles of the Münster nobility, especially of course into the life of Droste.
Learn more
Park landscape Park at Hülshoff Castle
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
At Hülshoff Castle
Mighty beech trees, exotic plants and well-tended flowerbeds in a large, green landscape. The park at Hülshoff Castle invites you to dream and discover...
Learn more
Lyric path Way to Hülshoff Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
On Drostes Paths
The Poetry Trail between Hülshoff Castle and the Rüschhaus is an explorative outdoor museum in the footsteps of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
Learn more
Baroque meets modern Hülshoff Castle near Münster
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
Experience Münster and castles
Spend three days in Münster strolling and sightseeing. Enjoy the Münsterland park landscape with its palaces, castles and manor houses during a bike tour in the surrounding countryside.
Learn more
Picnic Hülshoff Castle Picnic Hülshoff Castle
© Münsterland e.V./R. Dombrowski
In Havixbeck
A picnic on the lawns of the parkland around Hülshoff Castle is simply marvellous. Take in the picturesque castle backdrop.
Learn more
The treasures of the region Nordkirchen Castle
© Münsterland e.V./ Philipp Fölting
The Good Life in Münsterland
Get to know the highlights of Münsterland by bike and spend two nights in Münster. Enjoy the Münsterland park landscape and the hustle and bustle of the "capital of Westphalia".
Learn more

4 Tips for Hülshoff Castle

Hülshoff Castle is the perfect stopover for a cycling tour on the 100-Castles Route.
In fine weather, the restaurant in the castle's inner courtyard is a tempting place to visit.
The Haus Rüschhaus can be reached quickly by car or bicycle. There is a car park right next to the castle.
In the park, you will find dreamy spots for your picnic with fantastic views of the historic building
.

Places of interest around Hülshoff Castle

Your question about Hülshoff Castle

Is there a car park at Hülshoff Castle?

Yes, there is a free car park at Hülshoff Castle.

Can Hülshoff Castle be visited?

Yes, it is possible to visit the exterior of Hülshoff Castle during the park's opening hours.

Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to visit the interior. The Hülshoff Castle Museum will remain closed until 1 July 2026.

Can the park at Hülshoff Castle be visited?

Yes, it is possible to visit the exterior of Hülshoff Castle during the park's opening hours.

Is there a picnic area at Hülshoff Castle?

Yes, the lawns in the park are wonderful picnic spots with a view of the castle. The restaurant at Hülshoff Castle offers a deliciously filled picnic basket for your picnic if you book in advance.

Can I cycle in the park at Hülshoff Castle?

No, cycling is not permitted in the park at Burg Hülshoff. However, there are bicycle stands at the park entrances.

How far is Haus Rüschhaus from Hülshoff Castle?

The best way to do this is on foot along the 7 km long Lyrikweg. It leads from Hülshoff Castle past several adventure stations to Haus Rüschhaus.

By bike, the distance via the junction network is 4.7 km. From the start at junction 44, follow junctions 43 and 7 to Haus Rüschhaus.

Hülshoff Castle

One castle – many perspectives

A Castle in Transition - The Center for Literature

Münsterland bewegt | Hülshoff Castle

The best experiences at Hülshoff Castle

Map | Hülshoff Castle

Service & Offers