Castles worth seeing in Münsterland
Castles worth seeing in Münsterland
These castles and palaces are a must-see for anyone interested in culture! The houses offer a varied program of events for all ages. The inside of the castles is open to guests at certain times and the outside area with mostly picturesque parks and restaurants round off the experience.
Moments
Lüdinghausen
Kakesbeck Castle
Kakesbeck Castle is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest of the three surviving moated castles in Lüdinghausen. Today, the castle still has four mighty outer castles and a water ring measuring around 30,000 square meters. The buildings of Haus Kakesbeck date from the 13th to 17th centuries. Today, Kakesbeck Castle is home to the Dr. Wilfried and Hildegard Grewing Foundation, which is responsible for the restoration and conversion of the buildings.
Velen
Burg Ramsdorf
Only the corner tower remains of the original episcopal castle dating back to 1425. Since 1930, the castle has housed a museum of regional history, which offers visitors an insight into the development of Ramsdorf and its surroundings. Together with the town hall, the castle forms the small center of the Velen-Ramsdorf district. Stores and restaurants in the neighborhood invite you to linger.
Lüdinghausen
Lüdinghausen Castle - Historical beauty on the waterfront
Surrounded by idyllic parkland and mysterious history, the old walls of Lüdinghausen Castle conceal a fascinating chapter of bygone times. Centuries-old walls tell stories of brave knights, elegant ladies and mysterious intrigues.
Here you can experience the magic of bygone eras up close and immerse yourself in the world of the Middle Ages. The majestic architecture and historical details will capture your imagination and offer a unique sight. A walk along the castle walls will immerse you in a time full of adventure and romance. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Lüdinghausen Castle.
Münster
Baroque island
Directly opposite the Münster City Museum is the Erbdrostenhof. It is one of the jewels in Münster's cityscape and, together with the Dominican Church and the Clemens Church, forms the "baroque island" in Münster's city center. Information about the visit In the Erbdrostenhof the foyer is open regularly: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The foyer cannot be visited during special events. The best view of the building is from the pedestrian zone "Salzstraße". Information on the history From 1753 to 1757, Johann Conrad von Schlaun built the baroque Erbdrostenhof as a noble palace for the Münster hereditary prince Adolf Heidenreich Freiherr zu Droste zu Vischering. The special architecture, which is due to the ground plan, makes the Erbdrostenhof one of the most unusual buildings in the city of Münster. After the almost complete destruction in the Second World War, which spared only the facade, the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) reconstructed the Erbdrostenhof from 1953 to 1970 according to original building plans. Today's impression finally gives an authentic picture. Inside, too, the impressive murals were reconstructed on the basis of photographs and sketches. The building is maintained by the LWL and houses a collection of historic keyboard instruments, some of which are still in use during concerts in the Erbdrostenhof.
Rheine
Art treasures without borders
In the Falkenhof Museum, you can discover the exciting history of the noble von Morrien family. The special atmosphere of the former Bentlage Crusader monastery can still be felt. Here, museum guide Marianne Probst takes guests on a "7 highlights tour", during which fascinating stories behind the exhibits are revealed. The museum also offers free tours where you can find out more about the aristocratic inhabitants and the past of the Ems town.
Sendenhorst
House Siekmann
Haus Siekmann - a former farmhouse - is the center for social and cultural education and communication in the town of Sendenhorst. Since 1998, the facility has been available to the people of Sendenhorst for a variety of purposes. The barn and the fireplace room are now used as rooms for various cultural events.
Lengerich
Idyllic retreat in the countryside
As one of around 300 former moated castles in Germany, Haus Vortlage in Lengerich is one of the last 30 still in existence. The grounds of Haus Vortlage, usually referred to as "Vortlage" for short, have a beautifully landscaped park consisting of a mill, oak avenue, moats and main house (manor and manor house). The former manor was first mentioned in 1241 and was owned by knights for more than 700 years. The estate has been privately owned since 1978 and serves as a growing museum and cultural center for conferences and events. Having been recognized as a foundation in 2018, it is open to the general public as a cultural and educational site, but can only be visited by appointment.
Sassenberg
Harkotten von Korff manor house
The Korff manor house, built in the classicist style, was constructed between 1804 and 1806 on the site of a former fortification and is part of the Harkotten double castle complex. In the years that followed, the grounds and moats were also redesigned. The former coat of arms hall is now home to a cozy café and a museum dedicated to the art-historical murals.
Billerbeck
Enchanted Renaissance magic in the region
The Kolvenburg is a small moated castle from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is located in Billerbeck, west of Münster, and is considered a typical residence of the lower nobility in Münsterland. Today, the Kolvenburg is a cultural center of the district of Coesfeld. Changing exhibitions are regularly presented in the historic rooms of the Kolvenburg.
Ahaus
Romantic charm
Ahaus Castle is not only the town's landmark, but also an important monument and the center of cultural life due to its location in the heart of Ahaus. The castle grounds are home to the school and gatehouse museums. Admission to both museums is free.
Münster
Culture rich castle experience
The baroque palace in Münster enchants with its magnificent facade of red brick and light sandstone. The imposing three-wing complex with the central central risalit was faithfully reconstructed according to old plans. The castle once served as a residence for the prince bishop and today houses the administration of the university.
Explore the beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the castle and immerse yourself in the fascinating architecture and history of this famous landmark.
Raesfeld
Fairytale castle fun
The impressive moated castle of Raesfeld, dating from the 14th to 17th centuries, is located in the parkland of Westmünsterland. At 52.5 meters, the castle tower is the tallest in Westphalia. The Sterndeuterturm tower and baroque chapel complete the imposing castle complex. The adjoining zoo at Raesfeld Castle invites you to take long walks in the countryside.
Senden
Surrounded by parkland and moat
Schloss Senden is a manor house from the second half of the 15th century and impresses with the oldest preserved three-tiered gable. This is a characteristic example of the gable design of many castle houses in the Münsterland region. The baroque castle park surrounding the historical monument is also particularly beautiful. The extensive park with moats and old trees merges seamlessly into the Bürgerpark with ponds and biotopes. A two-kilometre nature trail with 16 different stations connects the Bürgerpark with the palace park.
Lüdinghausen
Experience the magic of the Middle Ages
The impressive Vischering Castle, one of the best-preserved moated castles in the Münsterland region, impresses with its striking façade and idyllic location on the banks of the Stever. With more than 750 years of history, the castle museum offers a vivid and interactive presentation of the past. A special insider tip is the Café Reitstall, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread from Münsterland's first bread sommelier. Vischering Castle is the ideal place for an unforgettable experience in a historic atmosphere.
Münster
Life like a poet
Only a few kilometers from Münster lies the romantic house Rüschhaus. The famous poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived here for 20 years and wrote successful works during this time. Inside, visitors can transport themselves back to the time of the poetess and excitedly take in the historic rooms. Information on the tourA tour of the interior is only possible as part of a personal guided tour.