The Münsterland located in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Münsterland borders in the north Lower Saxony, in the west to the Netherlands, in the east East Westphalia and in the south of that Ruhr area.
Regions
- Kernmünsterland - around Münster, with parts of the districts of Warendorf, Coesfeld and Steinfurt; between Ems and Lippe; partly hilly with the tree mountains up to 188 meters high
- West Munsterland - border area with the Netherlands; Borken district and parts of the Coesfeld and Steinfurt districts; with the mountain ranges Hohe Mark, Borkenberge and Haard (max. 157 meters above sea level)
- North Munsterland - Parts of the districts of Warendorf and Steinfurt; largely flat sand landscape
- Tecklenburger Land - the northernmost tip of Westphalia, part of the Steinfurt district, west of Osnabrück; still belongs to the Münsterland in the broader sense, but also has a strong regional identity of its own
- The southern part of the Ostmünsterland, around Gütersloh, only belongs to the Münsterland in the natural, but not in the historical sense and is included in the travel guide Ostwestfalen-Lippe dealt with.
places
- Muenster, the only and eponymous big city. The center of the city is the Prinzipalmarkt with its historic trading houses. The historic town hall and the famous Friedenssaal of Münster are also located here. Münster offers a rich cultural scene, which is also shaped by the city's many students. Well-known museums such as the LWL Museum for Art and Culture, the Picasso Museum and the Museum for Lacquer Art as well as the theater represent the cultural offerings of Münster.
Münster offers a very varied gastronomic offer. The Westphalian cuisine, which is offered in many restaurants around the Prinzipalmarkt, is famous.
- West Munsterland
- Kernmünsterland
- Awls
- Altenberge
- Ashberg
- Beckum
- Drensteinfurt
- Dülmen
- Ennigerloh
- Horstmar
- Laer
- Ludinghausen
- Nordwalde
- Oelde
- Olfen
- Send
- Steinfurt
- Warendorf
- North Munsterland
- Emsdetten
- Greven, Location of the Münster-Osnabrück Airport
- Neuenkirchen
- Rheine
- Saerbeck
- Sassenberg
- Telgte
- Competition
- Tecklenburger Land
At the transition from Münsterland to Ruhr area lie Dorsten, Haltern am See, Werne and Hamm. To the Münsterland and the region Ostwestfalen-Lippe counts Harsewinkel. Lippstadt Naturally belongs to the Münsterland, but also to the Hellwegbörden.
Other goals
background
language
- German
- Low German as a colloquial language
- In the Münsterland there is a significant Dutch minority that has been in the country for many generations.
getting there
Airports
The only major airport in Münsterland is the Munster Osnabrück Airport
(IATA: FMO).
Other nearby airports are Dortmund Airport(IATA: DTM) , 60 km south of Munster; direct train connection from Holzwickede to Münster in approx. one hour), Paderborn Lippstadt Airport(IATA: PAD) , 65 km southeast of Ahlen), Dusseldorf Airport(IATA: DUS) , 100 km south of Coesfeld; direct train connection from the airport train station to Münster in a good 1½ hours) and the one mainly used by Ryanair Niederrhein Weeze Airport(IATA: NRN), 55 km southwest of Bocholt).
Rail transport
- The most important train stop in the region is Muenster Central station (ICE). IC stops are also Rheine and Bad Bentheim.
- The most important stopping point for those arriving from the Netherlands is Enschede (Dutch IC, cross-border regional transport).
- The train stations in Haltern am See, Borken and Bocholt offer quick connections to the Ruhr area.
shipping
The most important navigable body of water in the region for inland traffic is the Dortmund-Ems Canal, which has a harbor at the Kreativkai in Münster and a group of locks north of Münster. The Ems can only be used from Rheine for motorized sports boats.
By car
- In the northern Münsterland via the A1 (Cologne - Bremen), A30 (Osnabrück - Amsterdam)
- In the eastern Münsterland via the A2 (Oberhausen - Hanover), A1 (Cologne - Bremen)
- In the southern Münsterland via the A1 (Cologne - Osnabrück), A43 (Ruhr area - Münster)
- In the western Münsterland via the A3 (Oberhausen - Arnhem), A31 (Ruhrgebiet - Emden)
- In the central Münsterland via the A43 (Ruhr area - Münster)
mobility
Mainly buses connect the individual places in the Münsterland. Some of the buses are equipped with a bicycle trailer from May 1st to October 3rd. There are also buses that run along hiking and inline skating routes. All tariffs can be requested via a telephone number. There are also various express buses that connect Münster with the largest cities in the region.
There are also various railway lines, e.g. Münster - Steinfurt - Gronau.
Tourist Attractions
Churches and monasteries
The Münsterland is characterized by a large number of churches and monasteries.
- Muenster
- St. Paul Cathedral - The facade of the cathedral church of the diocese of Münster is characterized by light sandstone and both Romanesque and Gothic forms. The interior is unusually bright thanks to the large windows.
- Lamberti Church - Pointing, late Gothic town church on Münster's Prinzipalmarkt. Three cages attached to the tower commemorate the execution of the Anabaptists in 1536.
- Rheine: Bentlage Monastery The monastery complex is embedded in a park with an extensive saltworks park. The monastery is located directly on the Ems and is connected to the 100 castles route and the riding route - Münsterland. Numerous art exhibitions and cultural projects on various topics make the monastery a cultural center in northern Münsterland.
- Telgte: Merienkapelle - The octagonal baroque chapel is the most important pilgrimage destination in the Münsterland.
Palaces and castles
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The region is known for its over 100 palaces, castles and mansions. They are connected by the 100 castles route. Only a selection of the most important, beautiful and interesting can be found here:
- Muenster
- Erbdrostenhof Built by J. C. Schlaun from 1753-1757, the castle is now used by the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe. The Erbdrotenhof is located in the middle of Münster. The historic building is only opened on special occasions.
- Munster Castle The former prince-bishop's residence was built in the baroque style between 1767 and 1787. Destroyed in the Second World War, it was rebuilt afterwards. Today it is the seat of the University of Münster and the symbol of the city. Viewing is not possible. The botanical garden of Münster is well worth seeing behind the castle.
- House Rüschhaus The late baroque country house was used by Annette von Droste-Hülshoff as a residence after the death of her father. Today the house is surrounded by a small park that can be visited free of charge. The museum at Haus Rüschhaus offers an insight into the life of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
- Ahaus: Ahaus Castle An important baroque palace in the center of Ahaus. The castle is now home to the school and gatehouse museum.
- Ascheberg: Westerwinkel Castle The moated castle on the 100 Castles Route is located in the middle of a park and the adjacent golf course. The park and the inner courtyard between the main castle and the main castle are freely accessible.
- Bad Iburg: Iburg Castle The castle is known for the knight's hall with important ceiling paintings and today houses parts of the Lower Saxony administration.
- Bark: Gemen water castle Construction of the castle began in 1280 and further parts were gradually added. Today the castle is used as a youth education center for the diocese of Münster.
- Dorsten: Lembeck Castle The moated castle is located in the "Hohe Mark" nature park and also houses a museum. In May, the park with its rhododendrons is particularly worth seeing.
- Havixbeck: Hülshoff Castle Mentioned for the first time in the 11th century, it is the birthplace of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The Droste Museum inside the castle gives an interesting insight. The castle is surrounded by an extensive park, which is also very suitable for a picnic.
- Isselburg: Anholt moated castle One of the largest and most beautiful castle complexes in the Münsterland. The complex includes a very interesting museum, castle park and Anholter Switzerland with bear forest and a replica of Lake Lucerne.
- Lippetal: Hovestadt Castle The palace, built between 1563 and 1572, is complemented by the baroque garden and the palace chapel. The beautiful park is famous for its hedge theater.
- Ludinghausen: Vischering Castle The moated castle almost corresponds to the ideal of a medieval fortified castle. Leased from the Coesfeld district, it has housed the Münsterland Museum since 1972. Vischering Castle and Lüdinghausen Castle form a landscape of castles connected by a park.
- North Churches: [1] The "Westphalian Versailles" from the 18th century is probably the most famous excursion palace in the Münsterland. The castle is the seat of the Finanzhochschule NRW and can only be viewed from the inside as part of a guided tour. The park and the inner courtyard are accessible at all times.
- Ochtrup: House Welbergen After many changes of ownership, the Welbergen house is now owned by "Bertha Jordaan van Heek" and houses an extensive archive.
- Raesfeld: [2] The moated castle is historically documented until the 12th century and is known for the annual Christmas market around the castle and the restored zoo.
- Selm: Cappenberg Castle, Currently (2019) the castle is being renovated. Exhibition of the Westphalian State Museum about Freiherr vom Stein, daily except Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Steinfurt: Steinfurt Castle One of the oldest castles in the Münsterland, it was mentioned as early as 1129. Also nearby is the Bagno Concert Gallery, where musical performances are presented.
Parks and gardens
- Isselburg: Anholter Switzerland - 56 hectare landscape park, which was supposed to recreate a Swiss landscape with a lake, brought boulders and a replica Swiss chalet for the Prince of Salm-Salm, who was enthusiastic about Switzerland.
- Muenster: Castle garden and Botanical Garden
- North churches: Park of Nordkirchen Castle - the large park surrounds the entire castle. The Venus Island in front of it is particularly worth seeing with its formed hedges and flower beds. A large forest area with quiet walking paths borders the castle park. The park is freely accessible at all times and is a stop on the 100 Castles Route.
- Ochtrup: Park at the Welbergen house - beautiful park with roses, shrubs and lawns in the inner courtyard of the historic Welbergen house. Open to the public and free of charge.
various
- Beckum: Soestwarte - Part of the medieval city fortifications with a 23 meter high tower - great view
- Bocholt: Textile Museum Bocholt: The history of the textile industry around 1900 is demonstrated on the basis of thirty still functioning, steam-driven historical weaving machines
- Oelde: Pott's Glass Brewery With Georg Lechner Beer Museum - Here you can look behind the scenes of the brewery and find out about the history and background of beer production; Finally, you can also taste the finished product.
- Schoeppingen: Fine distillery Sasse - The brandy distillery, which looks back on 300 years of history, is open to visitors as part of a guided tour
activities
The Münsterland can be visited at any time of the year. The main season for cyclists and hikers is from mid-April to mid-October. Canoe tours on the Ems take place from May to October. Depending on the weather, the asparagus season starts at the end of April and lasts until mid-June. The first Christmas markets start on the first Sunday in Advent.
The Münsterland is known as a popular destination for cyclists. In total there are more than 4,500 km of signposted bike paths. The entire region is divided into a honeycomb network. Thus, the tours can be combined as desired. A transition to the Dutch cycle path network is possible via the so-called tops (tourist landmarks) along the border. There are also numerous supraregional and regional themed routes.
Supraregional themed routes
- 100 castles route: - the most popular and well-known cycle route in the Münsterland connects the castles and palaces in the Münsterland over a total of 960 km. The entire 100 castles route is signposted in four circular courses in bee directions. In addition to the numerous palaces and castles, manor houses and monasteries are also stops on the 100 Castles Route.
- Peace route- 170 km on the routes of the Imperial Post Line from the 17th century, the Peace Route connects the historic town halls of Münster and Osnabrück.
- EmsRadWeg- The Ems cycle path leads 379 km along Germany's smallest river from Hövelhof to Emden. In the Münsterland, the Ems leads via Warendorf, Telgte, Greven, Emsdetten to Rheine. The Emsauen near Telgte and Greven are particularly valuable.
- Historic city centers- This route connects important historical sights. The circuit leads from Warendorf via Steinfurt, Tecklenburg, Rheda-Wiedenbrück and Rietberg back to Warendorf.
- Roman route- The Roman route starts in Xanten on the Lower Rhine and leads over a distance of approx. 315 km partly through the Münsterland to Detmold. Many relics of the Roman Empire can be discovered along the way.
- Europe cycle route R1- On the long way across Europe, approx. 275 km lead through the Münsterland, the Teutoburg Forest and the Weser Uplands.
- Dortmund-Ems Canal Route- The Dortmund-Ems Canal Route connects the four tourist regions of the Ruhr, Münsterland, Emsland and East Frisia over a distance of approx. 350 km.
- Werse bike path- This route leads around 110 km through the park landscape of the Münsterland along the Werse.
- Vechtetalroute- From the source of the Vechte in Rosendahl-Darfeld, the German / Dutch Vechtetalroute leads over 225 km to Zwolle, where it flows into the IJssel.
- LandesGartenSchau route- This route connects six parks over approx. 140 km that were once the grounds of the state horticultural show: Paderborn (1994), Rietberg (2008), Rheda-Wiedenbrück (1988), Oelde (2001), Hamm (1984) and Luenen (1996).
Regional themed routes
- Aa-Vechte tour- The circuit on the Aa and Vechte leads from Steinfurt via Laer to Bad Bentheim and back to Steinfurt.
- Adventure route- The German-Dutch themed route leads about 500 km through the agricultural borderland of the Münsterland (D) and Achterhoek (NL).
- Baumberger sandstone route- This circular route runs through the wooded, hilly landscape of the Baumberge. Stage locations are e.g. Coesfeld, Billerbeck and Nottuln. See also that Sandstone museum in Havixbeck.
- Castle and palace tour- This route leads through the park landscape of the Münsterland, past many cultural and historical buildings.
- Ems-Heide-Pasture Tour- In the central-northern Münsterland, this route leads through numerous peasant communities and small towns.
- Hohe Mark Route Nature Park- The round trip leads through the "Hohe Mark" nature park through Bocholt, Borken, Dülmen and Haltern am See. In contrast to many other bike tours, this bike path is characterized by numerous forest areas. In addition to numerous bodies of water, the 310 km long cycle route is also characterized by famous palaces and castles.
- Culture course- This themed route leads through the Warendorf district and connects the cultural and historical buildings with horse culture, especially in Warendorf.
- Legend route- The legends and legends about the moors and the other natural sites in the Tecklenburger Land gave this route its name. The 214 km route leads through some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region.
- Westmünsterland cycle route- A cycling route through the border area with the Netherlands.
Open air theaters
There are several open-air stages in the Münsterland:
- Tecklenburg (Germany's largest open-air music theater)
- Reckenfeld - a district in Greven
- Billerbeck
- Oelde - Stromberg (castle stage)
- Werne - Werne open-air theater
- Coesfeld
Nature and parks
- Hohe Mark Nature Park - The largest nature park in the Münsterland extends from Haltern am See over the entire western Münsterland to the Lower Rhine and the northern Ruhr area. The nature park is known for its rich forests and valuable cultural landscapes
- Rieselfelder Münster - on the northern outskirts of Münster between Ems and Münsterscher Aa, European bird sanctuary, Rieselfeldhof with information center
- Zwillbrocker Venn - The nature reserve is located in the far west of the Münsterland, directly on the Dutch border. The area is criss-crossed by sandy hiking trails. Several observation huts provide a view of the waters populated by water birds. Flamingos live in the Zwillbrocker Venn from spring to late summer.
- Nordkirchen Castle Park, one of the most beautiful castle parks in Westphalia. The focal point is the Venus Island, located directly at Nordkirchen Castle. Numerous hiking trails as well as the bike path of the 100 castles route lead through the park. In addition to the park, large parts of it are characterized by old trees
- Frankenhof wildlife park - in Reken. The destination for families. In addition to deer, elk, petting zoo and the like, a large playground with roofed barbecue areas invites you to linger
- Merfelder Bruch in Dülmen. The Merfelder Bruch is a nature reserve of around 350 hectares. There are around 300 wild horses there. Every year - traditionally on the last Saturday in May - the one-year-old stallions from the herd are caught and auctioned or sold on the wild horse track in the Merfelder Bruch.
kitchen
The Westphalian cuisine is hearty and hearty. Many original dishes can be found on the menus in a modern form. The use of regional products has moved more into focus in recent years. Many restaurants and country inns still have menus with Münsterland specialties. Typical dishes are töttchen, onion meat and men's cream. The preparation and composition (formerly offal) have changed significantly, especially in the case of the kettle. Münsterland asparagus has been omnipresent for years. It gets a special taste on the sandy soils of the Münsterland.
The lager grain from the Sasse distillery in Schöppingen has made it more popular.
nightlife
Münster offers the largest range for night owls. Numerous pubs, bars and discos attract the numerous students. Places like Bocholt, Gronau and Rheine also have some offers. It is known nationwide with catchment areas also from the Netherlands and the Ruhr area Münsterland village in Ledgen, a large discotheque. However, many places are relatively quiet.
climate
The climate in Münsterland is maritime. Due to the proximity to the North Sea, there are seldom periods of heat or frost. It can rain at any time of the year, but the sun can just as easily shine. The prevailing wind direction is southwest. Snow is extremely rare in winter. Only at the heights of the Baumberge and in the Tecklenburger Land is there a regular blanket of snow.
