Kolvenburg

Many of the castles and palaces in Münsterland grew over centuries to become the impressive and beautiful buildings they are today. This is also true of the Kolvenburg in Billerbeck, which tells a very eventful story.

Typical dwelling house of the lower nobility

The former small moated castle, now a listed building, dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries - but its roots go back much further: the building history of today's complex began around 1300, when the Knights of Billerbeck erected a permanent tower bridge over the previous building. The von Colve family, which gave the building its name, then took over the complex. Many of the numerous alterations that turned the former fortified complex into a typical residence of the lower nobility can still be seen today in the interior of the Kolvenburg. Extensively renovated, the Kolvenburg was finally opened in 1976 as the cultural centre of the Coesfeld district.

Concerts and art exhibitions in a historical ambience

Today, the Kolvenburg is a high-calibre exhibition venue in a historic setting that is known far beyond the region. The cultural programme is very broad and ranges from first-class concerts and contemporary art exhibitions to annual spring and Advent markets.

Did you know...

Founding myth of the Kolvenburg
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
A legendary castle foundation

Almost a marketing genius: In 1494, the new heir to the Kolvenburg - Burgmann Godeke von Münster - spread a well-adorned legend. He claimed that the castle had been founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne as a Christian base. Charlemagne had already entrusted the castle and its location to the von Colve family at the time of its foundation. From then on it went by the legendary name of "Kolvenburg".

And what was the point of it all? Godeke wanted to shine as a more significant site compared to his neighbours at Haus Hameren. He had succeeded in doing so with this big little fib ...

Map | Kolvenburg

Service at the Kolvenburg

  • Guided tours
  • Indoor
  • Park at the house
  • for groups
  • Bad weather offer
  • Museum in the house
Refurbishment work

Since 1 July, the Kolvenburg has been closed for the time being due to renovation work. Readings, concerts and events in the outdoor area of the Kolvenburg are planned.

Events at the Kolvenburg

Properties
Types
23 Matches.
Aug
14
Fri
Weekly market in Billerbeck in the Lange Straße
14.08.2026, 14:00 14.08.2026, 18:00
Billerbeck, Billerbeck
Organiser: Stadt Billerbeck
Market

Every Friday from 14:00 - 18:00, culinary specialities and nice things to chat about in our pedestrian zone, Lange Straße. You are welcome to drop by!

If Friday is a public holiday, the market takes place one day earlier, on Thursday.

The Billerbeck weekly market offers everything your heart desires: fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, delicatessen, flowers, baked goods, fabrics and haberdashery.

Time
14.08.2026, 14:00 14.08.2026, 18:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Aug
14
Fri
City Centre Summer Every Friday during the summer holidays
14.08.2026, 18:00 14.08.2026, 20:00
Billerbeck, Billerbeck
Stage
Party
Market
Music

Enjoying the summer – that’s what the Billerbeck City Centre Summer is all about.

Kick off the weekend with a chilled glass of wine, a delicious ice cream or a picnic and some good company. Every Friday after the weekly market, Billerbeck town centre becomes a summer meeting place for young and old alike.

Time
14.08.2026, 18:00 14.08.2026, 20:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Aug
21
Fri
Weekly market in Billerbeck in the Lange Straße
21.08.2026, 14:00 21.08.2026, 18:00
Billerbeck, Billerbeck
Organiser: Stadt Billerbeck
Market

Every Friday from 14:00 - 18:00, culinary specialities and nice things to chat about in our pedestrian zone, Lange Straße. You are welcome to drop by!

If Friday is a public holiday, the market takes place one day earlier, on Thursday.

The Billerbeck weekly market offers everything your heart desires: fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, delicatessen, flowers, baked goods, fabrics and haberdashery.

Time
21.08.2026, 14:00 21.08.2026, 18:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Aug
21
Fri
City Centre Summer Every Friday during the summer holidays
21.08.2026, 18:00 21.08.2026, 20:00
Billerbeck, Billerbeck
Stage
Party
Market
Music

Enjoying the summer – that’s what the Billerbeck City Centre Summer is all about.

Kick off the weekend with a chilled glass of wine, a delicious ice cream or a picnic and some good company. Every Friday after the weekly market, Billerbeck town centre becomes a summer meeting place for young and old alike.

Time
21.08.2026, 18:00 21.08.2026, 20:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Aug
28
Fri
Weekly market in Billerbeck in the Lange Straße
28.08.2026, 14:00 28.08.2026, 18:00
Billerbeck, Billerbeck
Organiser: Stadt Billerbeck
Market

Every Friday from 14:00 - 18:00, culinary specialities and nice things to chat about in our pedestrian zone, Lange Straße. You are welcome to drop by!

If Friday is a public holiday, the market takes place one day earlier, on Thursday.

The Billerbeck weekly market offers everything your heart desires: fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, delicatessen, flowers, baked goods, fabrics and haberdashery.

Time
28.08.2026, 14:00 28.08.2026, 18:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
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Sights around the Kolvenburg

Properties
Types
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