Westerwinkel Castle

Westerwinkel Castle is one of the earliest baroque castles in Westphalia. The enclosed four-winged complex was built in the middle of the 17th century. The estate changed hands several times. The estate came into the possession of the current lords of Westerwinkel, the Counts of Merveldt, in 1555 when Herman von Merveldt married Ursula von Diepenbrock, heiress to Westerwinkel.

The castle was built in the middle of an English garden. It is a complex of moats whose origins can be traced back to the early Baroque style and whose principles correspond to the moats of the medieval castle. However, the moats were not dug for defensive purposes, as this system of defence was already outdated at the time, but with an architectural aim that is representative of the Baroque style.

The entire complex extends over two rectangular islands, with the buildings on the eastern island and the garden on the western island. The different perspectives of the castle as you walk around the historic grounds are very striking.

• The castle grounds are accessible at all times (castle courtyard not included).
• The interior can be visited as part of a guided tour for eight or more people by prior arrangement. Please enquire early! The castle is one of the few properties with such a complete and authentic interior: from the wall panelling to the furniture - you can really get that castle feeling here! Contact the castle administration: westerwinkel@gvm-verwaltung.de.