Hülshoff Castle

The moated castle of Hülshoff is the birthplace of the famous poet Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff. The castle is situated in an extensive park surrounded by picturesque moats. On the ground floor, the Droste Museum provides an insight into the period of Classicism and Biedermeier. The "Centre for Literature" is currently being built here and is particularly popular for its unusual calendar of events.Tour information

• The park can be visited free of charge during opening hours. The grounds are extensive and offer ever-changing views of the castle. The green meadows around the castle are open for picnics.
• The Droste Museum at Hülshoff Castle can be visited with an audio guide. You can choose between different thematic focuses. Duration of the tour: approx. 40 minutes.
• Guided tours for groups are also possible outside opening hours on request.

The typical Münsterland moated castle was mentioned as early as the 11th century, at that time still as the Oberhof "Hof zum Hülshoff". The ancestors of the famous poet Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff acquired the knight's seat piece by piece at the beginning of the 15th century and officially called themselves "Droste zu Hülshoff" from 1417 at the latest.

The family initially used the castle only as a country residence, but then moved their main residence to the rural "fortress" due to the uprisings of the Anabaptists in Münster. There they began to modernise the estate in the Renaissance style. An equestrian relief on the gardener's tower showing Heinrich I von Droste zu Hülshoff (1500-1570) still commemorates his heroic deeds in the Anabaptist kingdom.

The closed Renaissance complex with its high, unadorned three-tiered gables has been preserved to this day. The complex was modernised in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the famous yellow Baumberg sandstone being used in particular. Towards the end of the 18th century, the interior of the manor house was rebuilt. The last major change was the construction of the castle chapel in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century.

The castle still stands today on two islands connected by a bridge. Depending on its location, it presents a different face to visitors. So it is not only the castle that invites you to visit - the spacious and well-tended park is also worth a visit. It has been redesigned according to the old plans and offers not only beautiful photo motifs of the reflecting and changing castle, but also the opportunity for an extended walk to the former tea house.

The Droste Museum is located in several rooms on the ground floor of the castle. It displays special gems from the Droste's life and, in addition to famous portraits, jewellery and gems, the library is particularly inspiring. It lets the viewer sink into the world of the Biedermeier era and revives the Münsterland aristocracy at the time of classicism.