Moated palaces and castles

Romantic palaces, fortified castles and even a "Westphalian Versailles" in the form of Schloss Nordkirchen (Nordkirchen Palace) - the Münsterland region greets its visitors with a host of magnificent noble seats, earl's residences and palaces. Legend has it that these buildings once numbered over 3,000, and more than 100 still bear witness to that opulent heritage. Münster's Palace and Schloss Nordkirchen are two of the most popular sights.

• The Palace in Münster, former seat of the Prince-Bishops and a work of Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun, was badly damaged by bombs during the Second World War. It was restored to its former glory by 1953. The Palace is now the administrative centre for the University, while the magnificent Botanical Gardens, which are well worth a visit, are located in the Schlossgarten, or palace grounds.
  www.stadt-muenster.de/en/tourismus/places-of-interest/the-old-town/the-residence.html
• garten.uni-muenster.de/en/
• Johann Conrad Schlaun also had a hand in the construction of Schloss Nordkirchen. The large, symmetrically designed set of buildings is an impressive example of a completely preserved Baroque complex. Today, the Palace is home to the Federal University of Applied Administrative Sciences NRW, Faculty of Finance.
  www.schloss-nordkirchen.de

"100-Schlösser-Route" (100 castles route)

The "100-Schlösser-Route" (100 castles route) extends over 960 km and takes cyclists on a tour through the Münsterland’s immaculate countryside, passing a host of historic sights en route. The Münsterland tourist association (Münsterland e.V.) has compiled a list of the most attractive castles and palaces.

• ph. 0 25 71 / 94 93 92
  Free hotline: 08 00 / 9 39 29 19
  touristik(at)muensterland.com
• www.muensterland-tourismus.de/5116/100_Schloesser_Route
• The Münsterland e.V. suggests the beautiful, easy and even "Castle and Palace Tour", 140 kilometres, including Burg Vischering, Schloss Nordkirchen, Schloss Cappenberg and Schloss Westerwinkel
  www.muensterland-tourismus.de/5137/radtour-burg-und-schloss-tour
• For a list of other palaces and castles worth visiting, go to:
  www.muensterland-tourismus.de/4907/schloesser-burgen-muensterland