© 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 € 50.00Prices 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
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
They are admiringly called the "Easy Riders of Viennese Classicism": Four wind soloists and a pianist devote themselves with enthusiasm to the musical literature of the great Viennese classical period. In an unusual line-up, they delight audiences and critics alike. The rousing atmosphere of their performances guarantees a special experience and has become their trademark.
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
The VHS course group presents the latest works in the old refectory in the Schlosspark. The group has existed since 1973 and inspires anew every year.
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Friday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Saturday11:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Eintritt frei: 0
A park for the emperor
In the Wilhelmine era, Schloss Nordkirchen experienced a true period of splendour. Duke Engelbert Maria von Arenberg (1872-1949) bought the estate in 1903. The gardens were redesigned and the castle modernised. All this was done to make the estate a prestigious setting for lavish festivities and events of the high nobility, such as the Prince Heinrich Tour in 1911. The combined guided tour of the palace and park takes visitors on a journey back in time to the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Limited number of participants - registration requested at schloss@nordkirchen.net
Schloß 1
59394 Nordkirchen
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturdayclosed
- Sunday13:30 Uhr bis 15:00 Uhr
Schloss Nordkirchen ist nur mit einer Führung zu besichtigen.
Mindestpreis für Gruppen 80 €
- Kinder (bis 5 Jahre): 0
- Kinder (6 bis 12 Jahre): 4
- Erwachsene: 8
Where did the former main traffic route of Nordkirchen run? Which buildings, designed by the well-known architect Johann Conrad Schlaun, can still be can still be admired in the lively centre of the town and where was the first was the first "bathing establishment" for the people of Nordkirchen? Answers to these and questions during this classic tour of the village.
In hour, you will learn about the typical Nordkirchen Pättken Nordkirchen Pättken (Westphalian for small paths) to the most important sights of Nordkirchen. sights of Nordkirchen, such as the children's sanatorium, the former Kappenberg the former Kappenberg mill and the town hall.
A registration is not necessary for this tour, but it is recommended. recommended. Those who decide at short notice can buy tickets directly on the spot. So just come along - Nordkirchen is already waiting for you! waiting for you!
Schloßstraße 11
59394 Nordkirchen
- Kinder: 4
- Erwachsene: 6
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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