© 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
- Spring
- Autumn
- Summer
- Winter
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 € 50.00
Prices 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
This year, the castle community, in cooperation with the native entrepreneur W. Uphoff, lets the cows loose. The special thing about this animal exhibition is that all the traders and entrepreneurs participate and thus give "their" cow its very own character in terms of design.
You will find almost 50 exhibits at more than 35 locations in the castle community.
Schloßstraße 11
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayganztägig
- Tuesdayganztägig
- Wednesdayganztägig
- Thursdayganztägig
- Fridayganztägig
- Saturdayganztägig
- Sundayganztägig
Die Ausstellung befindet sich im öffentlichen Raum und ist somit jederzeit zugänglich.
- 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
- Thorsten Kranefuss - gold and silver exhibits from the goldsmith's shop
- Michael Abraham - Art in photography
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
- Thorsten Kranefuss - gold and silver exhibits from the goldsmith's shop
- Michael Abraham - Art in photography
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
On our expedition through the deer park near Nordkirchen, you will explore the forest with all your senses, with games, handicrafts and a maths problem. Be curious about the secrets hidden in our trees and why they are so important for our climate.
The offer is aimed at children from 6 years and their (grand)parents.
We recommend sturdy shoes and tick protection for forest excursions.
Please also bring a little something for a forest picnic.
Schloßstraße 11
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursday10:00 Uhr bis 13:00 Uhr
- Fridayclosed
- Saturdayclosed
- Sundayclosed
keine Ermäßigung für Kinder
- normal: 5
Antti Paalanen is a phenomenon; when he plays, he sweeps the audience off their feet. He has created his very own world of sound, which is completely rooted in the folk tradition. He comes to Nordkirchen with a programme that lies somewhere between Finnish folk and classical music.
Instrumentation
Antti Paalanen accordion, vocals, stompbox
Genre
Traditional/Modern/Classical
A guided tour of the castle grounds can be booked at extra cost. Start: 3.45 pm.
The concert is part of the Münsterland Festival part 12.
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
In unmittelbarer Nähe der Oranienburg stehen nur in begrenztem Umfang Parkmöglichkeiten zur Verfügung. Konzertbesucher werden daher gebeten, auf die Parkplätze im Sundern bzw. auf die ausgewiesenen Parkflächen im Bereich des Hauptschlosses auszuweichen. Die Zufahrten für Rettungsfahrzeuge sind unbedingt freizuhalten; das Parken im Kreuzungsbereich der Zufahrtswege ist nicht gestattet. Zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit bitten wir Sie dringend, nicht unmittelbar vor dem Konzertsaal der Oranienburg zu parken. Die Ein- und Ausgänge sind freizuhalten. Bitte bedenken Sie, dass nicht ordnungsgemäß abgestellte Fahrzeuge abgeschleppt werden können.
- ermäßigt: 20.34
- Jugendliche (Schüler/Studenten): 6.18
- Erwachsene: 23.76
4 Tips for Nordkirchen Castle
- Choose access via the castle road and enjoy the view over the lake.
- The 60 km cycle tour "In the Castles Triangle" takes you to the region's most beautiful buildings in one day.
- The atmospheric castle concerts are among the most popular events in Münsterland. You can find the dates in good time in the events calendar.
- Allow 2 hours for your visit to discover the castle and park. A tour through the park and the Venus Island is about 3.5 km long.
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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