Lüdinghausen Castle
In the "town of water castles" of Lüdinghausen, it is considered the oldest: Lüdinghausen Castle. Surrounded by a magnificent park, which once formed the castle's fortification system, it lies in the heart of the town, right next to the town hall, and is today known as the "castle of the citizens", especially by the people of Lüdinghausen.
Typical Renaissance castle
Built in the 12th century by members of the von Lüdinghausen dynasty, the castle later came into the possession of the Bishop of Münster or the cathedral chapter. In the second half of the 16th century, Canon Gottfried von Raesfeld rebuilt the complex into a typical Renaissance castle - with elaborately decorated window gables and a magnificent coat of arms plaque in the inner courtyard of the castle complex. In the 19th century, the castle initially passed into the hands of the Prussians before becoming private property.
Lüdinghausen Castle was put to a special change of use on 20 October 1869: the new school for farmers - the "Theoretische Ackerbauschule" (Theoretical Farming School) - opened in the castle, which was popularly known as the "Bauernuniversität" (Farmers' University). This legacy is still commemorated today by the portrait of Baron Burghard von Schorlemer-Alt in the castle's ballroom. In 1879, the town of Lüdinghausen bought the castle and gradually restored it.
Let yourself be inspired
Concerts and art exhibitions
Today, the rooms of Lüdinghausen Castle are available as a socio-cultural centre for very different purposes, including cultural events such as concerts and art exhibitions. A walk around the moat and through the nearby Parc de Taverny is highly recommended.
Did you know ...
The Lüdinghausen Pannero© Lüdinghausen Marketing e.V.
As the Pope's envoy, Cardinal Fabio Chigi took part in the negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. On his way through, he stopped off in Lüdinghausen. The noble guest with a pampered Italian palate was served a typical Lüdinghausen speciality: pepper pot roast. This did not seem to enthuse the envoy very much. When he returned to Lüdinghausen after the negotiations and - spoiled by the weather in Münster and the local cuisine - was again served the hated pumpernickel, the Sienese was furious. He is said to have shouted that he would not serve this food to peasants or beggars.
To make up for this, the Ricordo wine house has now, with some delay, developed the "Pannero". A "Panforte" (sweet Italian pastry), which should taste good even to the most spoilt palate and should subsequently reconcile with the pumpernickel. A bust of Chigi near the castle commemorates the famous guest. Pfefferpotthast and Pannero are a must during your visit to Lüdinghausen.
Map | Lüdinghausen Castle
Service & Info
- Guided tours
- Indoor
- Outdoor
- Park by the house
- for groups
Opening hours
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesday14:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Thursday14:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Friday14:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Saturday14:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
Eine Außenbesichtigung ist auch außerhalb der Öffnungszeiten möglich.
Admission
- Adults:0,00 €
Once a month from April to October, the Friends of the Castle offer a free guided tour of the castle at 3 pm.
WanderKulTour: A castle, two castles and an old drive.
A section of the long-distance hiking trail X13 runs between Lüdinghausen and Senden. On the approx. 13 kilometres, you can experience the most beautiful sides of the Münsterland, including the trail past Senden Castle, the "Alte Fahrt" of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, Lüdinghausen Castle and Vischering Castle. As part of the "WanderKulTour" on Friday, 9 June, from 2 to 8 p.m., 13 cultural stations along the route invite visitors to enjoy, reflect and be entertained.
Markt 5
59348 Lüdinghausen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Friday14:00 Uhr bis 22:00 Uhr
- Saturdayclosed
- Sundayclosed
- Eintritt frei: 0
On every second and fourth Friday of the month (April to October), the courtyard of Lüdinghausen Castle is transformed into the popular evening market. From 4 to 8 p.m., various market stalls offer the finest cheese, antipasti, bread and pastries, tarte flambée, fine meats, wine and beer and much more. And what better way to ring in the weekend than with a glass of wine in the castle courtyard?
The Friends of Lüdinghausen Castle are on hand on a voluntary basis. They have a wealth of information ready and offer an insight into the old walls.
Amthaus 14
59348 Lüdinghausen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Friday16:00 Uhr bis 20:00 Uhr
- Saturdayclosed
- Sundayclosed
- Eintritt frei: 0
Markt 5
59348 Lüdinghausen
- ermäßigt: 8
- Erwachsene: 10
Public culinary city tour "History by the morsel". The city guide takes the participants on a culinary journey through Lüdinghausen, stopping off at various restaurateurs. Here participants can sample small snacks or drinks. Starting point: Lüdinghausen (Tourist Information). Tickets for 35 euros per person are available from Lüdinghausen Marketing. Prior registration is required: Tel. 02591/78008, info@luedinghausen-marketing.de.
Borg 4
59348 Lüdinghausen
Tickets gibt´s bei Lüdinghausen Marketing. Eine vorherige Anmeldung ist erforderlich: Tel. 02591/78008, info@luedinghausen-marketing.de.
- normal: 35
The exhibition is organised by the VHS Fotokunst AG. 15 members of the photo club will present their photos. Landscape photographs as well as images from the fields of animal, portrait and macro photography will be presented. The artists want to engage in personal dialogue with the visitors, and questions are expressly welcome.
Amthaus 14
59348 Lüdinghausen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturday14:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Sundayclosed
- Eintritt frei: 0
Places of interest around Lüdinghausen Castle
The evening market at Lüdinghausen Castle© Stephanie Hainke
From April to October, the evening market is held in the courtyard of Lüdinghausen Castle on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 4 to 8 pm. Here you can expect delicious snacks, French specialities and a selection of drinks. In addition, the "Friends of Lüdinghausen Castle" have a wealth of information ready and offer interested guests insights behind the centuries-old facades. Guest blogger Stephanie Hainke reveals what a visit to the evening market can look like on our MünsterlandBlog.
You can experience a lot with me: Events, gastronomy, green spaces and other exciting things to explore. Curious?
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Fabian Riediger