© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Steinweg
Nordkirchen Castle
Nordkirchen Castle is one of the best-known and most popular excursion destinations in the Münsterland region and is an impressive example of great architecture. Nordkirchen Castle is imposingly situated in the middle of extensive parkland in the immediate vicinity of the town of Nordkirchen. Wonderful walks lead through the park and end at the castle, whose inner courtyard is freely accessible at all times.
Nordkirchen Castle - "Westphalian Versailles
The "Westphalian Versailles", as Nordkirchen Palace is also called, was commissioned by Prince-Bishop Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg. Gottfried Laurenz Pictorius began construction, Johann Conrad Schlaun completed the baroque moated castle after 30 years.
It is situated on an island surrounded by quadrangular moats in the middle of a large park which, like the castle, was laid out according to the French model. The focal point of the imposing Nordkirchen Palace is the main building, the Corps de Logis, from which the lower wing buildings develop and enclose the cour d'honneur in a U-shape. The entire building complex is highly symmetrical and in this form an impressive example of a completely preserved baroque complex.
Let yourself be inspired
A synthesis of the arts of international standing
Nordkirchen Castle is now the seat of the NRW University of Applied Sciences for Finance. The castle also houses a restaurant and the castle chapel can be booked for wedding ceremonies.
The 18th-century castle with its spacious park of around 170 hectares has been declared worthy of protection by UNESCO as a "total work of art of international standing". The best way to explore Nordkirchen Castle is to take a walk through the extensive castle park. From many sides, Nordkirchen Castle offers excellent photo motifs for the holiday album. Cyclists have a direct connection to the 100 Castles Route at Nordkirchen Castle.
Listening Journey | Nordkirchen Castle
Garden expert Dr Birgit Beisch accompanies you on an acoustic private tour through the history of the impressive grounds: get to know the magnificent halls of the castle, the adjacent buildings such as the Oranienburg and the park from a new perspective and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of Nordkirchen Castle.
Münsterland bewegt | Nordkirchen Castle
Map | Nordkirchen Castle
Service & Offers
- Guided tours
- Gastronomy in the house
- 100 Castles Route
- Park at the house
- Outdoor
- for groups
Tour information
- The park is open at all times.
- Interior visits are only possible as part of a guided tour.
Prices Public guided tour | Castle tour
- Adults:4,00 €
- Children:2,00 €
- Children:0,00 €
Hourly guided tours on Sundays and public holidays
May to September: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October to April: 14:00 to 16:00
Registration is not necessary. Meeting point is the castle chapel in the inner courtyard of the castle. Tours last 45-60 minutes.
Group tours by appointment only:
Per person € 4.00 | Minimum price per group € 40.00
Prices Public Guided Tour | Park
- Adults:5,00 €
- Children:3,00 €
- Children:0,00 €
Guided tours of the park take place by prior arrangement.
Minimum price for groups € 50.00Prices Public Guided Tour | Combined Guided Tour Castle & Park
- Adults:8,00 €
- Children:4,00 €
- Children:0,00 €
On the 1st Sunday of each month there is a public guided tour of the castle and park
April to October 13:30 - 15:00
Registration is not required
Events at Nordkirchen Castle
The Schlossgemeinde Nordkirchen and the retailers wake up from hibernation with Dutch and local products. Dutch and local products from hibernation. On 19 March 2023 from 11 a.m., there will once again be a Dutch market in the centre of Nordkirchen. open Sunday.
Market manager Henk ter Hennepe offers typical weekly market flair and a Dutch holiday feeling.
holiday feeling. Around 30 market stallholders offer with wit and charm
fresh fruit, Dutch liquorice, freshly caught fish, fritjes and fries.
freshly caught fish, fritjes and frikandels, as well as sweet delicacies such as
poffertjes and honey wafers. Other stalls sell bags and textiles
and textiles, leather and haberdashery, useful household items, dog
dogs or mobile phones. Of course, the guests can also enjoy
tulips and daffodils to celebrate the start of spring.
daffodils.
Bohlenstraße 2
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturdayclosed
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
verkaufsoffener Sonntag von 13 bis 18 Uhr
- Eintritt frei: 0
Art exhibition in the Pictorius break hall at Nordkirchen Castle with works by:
Gabi Schneider-Heinrich - acrylic and oil painting on canvas
Annemarie Berlin - Art in photography
Thorsten Kranefuss - gold and silver exhibits from the goldsmith's workshop
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturday11:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Eintritt frei: 0
Art exhibition in the Pictorius break hall at Nordkirchen Castle with works by:
Gabi Schneider-Heinrich - acrylic and oil painting on canvas
Annemarie Berlin - Art in photography
Thorsten Kranefuss - gold and silver exhibits from the goldsmith's workshop
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturday11:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
- Eintritt frei: 0
Full of joy, creativity and skill, the Feuerbach Quartet redefines the music of Brahms, Britten and the Beatles and enchants with a multifaceted programme full of finesse and imagination. Today, the quartet is synonymous with innovative adaptations of sophisticated, modern rock and pop music for classical string quartet. An emotional experience!
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
Ermäßigte Eintrittskarten gelten für Empfänger von laufenden Leistungen nach den Sozialgesetzbüchern II und XII, Auszubildende, Freiwilligendienstleistende und Menschen mit einem Grad an Behinderung ab 80 % (soweit erforderlich Begleitperson gegen Nachweis frei).
- ermäßigt: 20.34
- Jugendliche (Schüler/Studenten): 6.18
- Erwachsene: 23.76
Tips for your stay at Nordkirchen Castle
- On a guided tour through the castle and the park you will learn many details about the history and architecture.
- Choose the access via Schloßstraße and enjoy the view over the lake.
- The 60 km cycle tour"In the Castle Triangle" takes you to the most beautiful buildings in the region in one day.
- The surrounding forests invite you to take long walks.
- The atmospheric castle concerts are among the most popular events in Münsterland. You can find the dates in the calendar of events.
- Plan a 2-hour visit to discover the castle and park.
Places of interest around Nordkirchen Castle
The Münsterlandblog
Picnic at Nordkirchen Castle© Ines-Bianca Hartmeyer/Entdeckerstorys
Would you like to learn more about the architecture and history of the castle? Guest blogger Ines-Bianca Hartmeyer has summarised all the information and stories in the MünsterlandBlog. She also has a few insider tips up her sleeve! For example, a picnic on the meadow in front of the castle is not to be missed!
As a highlight of the Münsterland castles and palaces region, I am open to all visitors and a real all-round experience. You are very welcome!
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Fabian Riediger
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