Places of great history(s)

Your cycle tour starts at Münster Castle, which looks stately and elegant at the same time with its red brick and light sandstone. The castle served as the prince-bishop's residence until 1803. The architect Johann Conrad Schlaun built the Baroque structure for Münster's penultimate prince-bishop, Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels. In 1945 the palace was completely bombed. Between 1947 and 1953 it was rebuilt according to old plans, at least in its outer appearance, and is now the seat of the administration of Münster University.

Take the opportunity to have a look at the botanical garden at the back of the castle. A gate to the left of the palace leads you to this dreamlike oasis of peace. Not only garden lovers will get their money's worth here. The circular route takes you along the idyllic pond, the 23 different themed gardens, the large tropical house and the orangery. There you can discover a total of 8,000 different plant species. A visit is both relaxing and informative.

But now it's time to get on your bike! The circular tour takes you out of the city centre and past the residential suburbs of Gievenbeck and Nienberge. After a short time you will see the typical Münsterland park landscape with its fields, meadows and hedges and you will reach the Vorbergs Hügel nature reserve. The cycle path leads you through the gently rolling landscape. Keep an eye on the flora and fauna to the right and left of the path - this is home to some rare animals and plants that are on the Red List of endangered species. On the further section of the circular tour, the rural Münsterland shows its relaxed side. Here you have a wide view over fields and along small sections of forest, leading you to the next highlight of the circular tour.

The reception is magnificent! You cycle through the extensive park past picturesque water areas to the imposing building of Hülshoff Castle, the birthplace of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. It is worth leaving your bike here and taking a walk around the castle. New perspectives of the historic building will constantly reveal themselves to you. In the inner courtyard of the typical Westphalian moated castle you have access to the Droste Museum and the restaurant in the castle's vaulted cellar. The museum describes the life of the poetess and gives a very special insight into the aristocratic life of the time.

Well fortified and with many new impressions in your luggage, you get back on the saddle and continue in the footsteps of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The scenic route takes you past the old walls of Haus Vögeding, a former four-towered moated castle complex in private ownership. The farmhouse, which has been preserved to this day, and part of the moat give you an idea of what a magnificent estate this neighbourhood must have been in Annette's time.

If you cycle on, you will discover the next highlight of your circular tour after just a few moments in the middle of the woods: the Haus Rüschhaus - a real treasure full of stories. The house was built by none other than the Westphalian master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun and is characterised by its playful late Baroque architecture. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived here - just five kilometres from her birthplace - with her mother and sister Jenny after the death of her father. She retreated here to write and her works include "The Jew's Beech". Don't miss the idyllic baroque garden nestled at the back of the house during your stopover. The boxwood-lined paths are a wonderful place to stroll and relax.

Get on your bike for the last time and set off on the last stage through the Münsterland park landscape. Past horse farms, wide fields and small forest sections, the route finally leads you back to the urbanity of the city of Münster.

You can travel to this cycle tour in an environmentally friendly way using public transport. In this case, the ideal starting point for the circular tour is Münster Castle, which is just 10 minutes by bike from Münster main station and can be easily reached via the promenade.

If you are travelling by car , we recommend starting the circular tour at Haus Rüschhaus. This can be reached in a few minutes via the A1 motorway | Münster-Nord exit in the direction of Gronau/Steinfurt. There is a free car park in the immediate vicinity of Haus Rüschhaus.

Alternative car parks:

• Häger railway station Park & Ride: 14 spaces - free of charge
• Burg Hülshoff: approx. 100 parking spaces - free of charge
• Schlossplatz Münster car park: subject to a charge