The Westphalian Versailles
Nordkirchen Castle, located in the midst of a large landscape park, is the largest and most important moated castle in Westphalia. The Baroque complex consists of beautiful extensive buildings, gardens, parks, moats, and sculptures. The castle is of international standing and is not without reason known as the "Westphalian Versailles." Steinfurt Castle, situated on an island in the Aa river, is also worth a visit. It still serves as a private residence for the Bentheim and Steinfurt family. If you've found a vacation rental or holiday home in a central location, you have the perfect starting point to discover the natural beauty of Münsterland. The impressive rock formation "Dörenther Klippen" in the legendary "Hockendes Weib" is one of them, located south of Ibbenbüren in the Teutoburg Forest. The climbing path there is a real adventure, especially for families. The 90-hectare Aasee Park in Münster is one of the city's most popular attractions. It was even named the most beautiful park in the country in 2008. People of all ages can enjoy the park area around the lake. The green spaces offer ten kilometers of walking paths and 18 hectares of lawns.
God's gifts in Münsterland
In Lüdinghausen, the impressive Vischering Castle stands. It was built in 1271 as a state castle by the bishop against the lords of Lüdinghausen. The Münsterland Museum in the castle offers insights into the medieval period in Münsterland. In addition to changing exhibitions and events, there are also special exhibitions for children. Another highlight is the Salinenpark in Rheine. Here, the unique saline "Gottesgabe" is located. Together with the nearby nature zoo and the Bentlage Monastery with its unique historical cultural landscape, the saline and graduation tower are very popular attractions for both young and old. If you rent an affordable holiday home or apartment in Münsterland, don't miss Münster Castle. The castle served as the prince-bishop's residence until 1803. The ensemble is striking due to its red bricks and light sandstone. It also houses the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Botany at the University of Münster. Tip: From the castle, you can stroll quietly and comfortably into the old town and explore the center. Münster's Prinzipalmarkt is a piece of living city history. It tells of the Middle Ages, the Hanseatic League, and the old merchant families and is definitely worth a visit! Also, visit St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a Roman Catholic church in Münster under the patronage of the Apostle Paul. Simply rent a cozy holiday accommodation or a house, for example in Telgte, or an apartment in the beautiful holiday region and enjoy the idyllic landscape during your personal journey.
Holidays for everyone
The Mühlenhof Open-Air Museum Sachsenhof in Greven-Pentrup is an attraction you shouldn't miss during your family-friendly vacation! It showcases the settlement history of Münsterland. Admire the historical dwellings and impressive gardens. In Oelde, you'll find "KLIPP KLAPP" - a museum for children. Here, your little ones can explore everything about a historical water mill - with real grain. A glass kitchen and a water landscape complete the offering. Up to 20 children can cook together in the kitchen at once. About 3,000 animals from all over the world have found a home in the All-Weather Zoo in Münster. Close encounters with animals are the zoo's hallmark. Here, you can feed parrots or elephants and even accompany penguins on their leisurely walks. Münsterland is suitable for a vacation with dogs. The rural area and the quiet location are ideal for four-legged friends. Numerous vacation apartments and homes are specifically designed for large families. There are also some more luxurious apartments and accommodations available. The current 57-hectare recreational area Torfmoor in Hörstel, with its namesake 24-hectare lake, has a long history. Perfect for hiking and relaxing! Whether it's a short vacation for hiking or relaxed hours by the Aasee, there's plenty to do near the Dutch border.
Made in Münsterland
Münsterland is known as a region for connoisseurs. Locals take their time for food and drink. Regional specialties are increasingly returning to the menus. Fresh and local products are often combined into creative dishes. There's even a seal on the food products and on the menus of member establishments. "Made in Münsterland" thus stands for regional quality! If you want to take the time to experience the culinary delights locally, you can enjoy "Westphalian delights" for six days on the South Tour of the same-named bike tour. Experience the culinary specialties of the region and the beautiful, peaceful town centers of Warendorf or Telgte.
Vacation in a land of culture
Münsterland is also a land of culture. Those who vacation in a holiday apartment or house here can, for example, visit the impressive Historical City Hall. The building is a top attraction in the region. Alongside St. Paul's Cathedral, it is a symbol of the city. Here, negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe, took place. The City Hall bears the European Heritage Label. The area around Münster is also known for its impressive density of museums. The City Museum in Münster, for instance, displays the history of the city from its beginnings to the present. The Westphalian Horse Museum impresses with 1,000 square meters of exhibition space and the Arena Hippomaxx, where horse shows are regularly held. In Haltern am See, you'll be transported back to Roman times. At the LWL Roman Museum, you can view one of the most important Roman military complexes. Münster is also home to Germany's first Picasso Museum, featuring significant lithographs and changing exhibitions. Münsterland is characterized by numerous historically and architecturally significant Catholic churches. Many buildings were destroyed during the war and replaced with new constructions. However, the region has managed to preserve a variety of impressive churches and buildings. Experience great entertainment at the numerous open-air stages in Münsterland. Every year, exciting new programs, impressive costumes, and dedicated actors bring the stages to life. The open-air stage in Billerbeck, located in the picturesque Weihgarten, is recommended. Since 1950, plays for children and adults have been performed here. The open-air stage in Coesfeld has already brought famous musicals like "HAIR" or "West Side Story" to the "boards that mean the world."
No rural region in Germany is as accessible
The Münsterland is a region in the northwestern part of Westphalia in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city of Münster forms the center of this area. The boundaries of the region can vary, but roughly include the Lippe River to the south, the border with the Netherlands to the west, and the Teutoburg Forest to the northeast. Despite this, the people of Münsterland have a strong regional identity and feel a deep connection to their home. Several highways and federal roads lead into Münsterland to your affordable vacation rental or holiday home. Those arriving by car can start enjoying their vacation from the moment they set off. Travel comfortably and eco-friendly by train towards your accommodation. There are connections from all over Germany to Münsterland, with the main train station located in Münster. You can also reach the region by plane, landing at the modern Münster/Osnabrück International Airport near Greven. From there, you can easily and comfortably get to Münster by airport bus. Book a cozy holiday accommodation in the region now and enjoy a relaxing trip tailored to your personal wishes in a picturesque landscape, and explore nearby places, such as those across the Dutch border.