Münster Castle

Name: Münster Castle
Address: Schlossplatz 1, Münster, Münster, Stadt, 48149, Deutschland
Telephone: +49 (0)251 4922710

Schlossplatz 1, 48149 Münster

historical building Tourist attractions – various Fortress/Castle

Münster Castle is a central focal point, famous venue of the Münster Giant Funfair Send and must not be missed on a tour of the city. Due to its central location, it is not only inviting for a subsequent stroll through the historic streets of the city, there are also numerous other sights in the immediate vicinity. Time should definitely be planned for a visit to the palace garden with its botanical garden. The castle itself is now the seat of the administration of Münster University.

Tour information

The castle can be visited from the outside at any time. A tour of the interior is not possible.

History information

The Prince-Bishop's Palace in Münster is probably the best-known building by the Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun. Since the end of the 18th century, it has shaped the appearance of the Münsterland metropolis. Schlaun's handwriting is particularly impressive in the central risalit, where the main portal is located: music-making angels, antique masks and the central prince-bishop's coat of arms in a curved frame are reminiscent of the initiator of the building, Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels, Münster's penultimate prince-bishop, and of a period that came to an end as early as 1803 with the secularisation.

Schlaun's original plan included not only numerous farm and guard buildings but also a renovation of the properties around the actual residence building according to the French model. The building history of the castle can be impressively experienced today in the Münster City Museum.

During the Second World War, the castle was badly damaged by incendiary bombs, so that only the outer walls remained standing. Reconstruction and conversion of the building as a university lecture and administration building began as early as 1947. To this day, Münster Castle is the representative landmark of the University of Münster and is also reflected in its logo.

Map

Münster Castle

Schlossplatz 1, 48149 Münster

www.stadt-muenster.de/tourismus/sehenswertes/schloesser-und-burgen/schloss-muenster

tourismus@stadt-muenster.de

Details

Further Informations

Information for horse lovers
Every year, the big riding and jumping tournament "Turnier der Sieger" takes place in front of the castle.
For years, the Tournament of Winners in front of the impressive backdrop of Münster Castle has been one of the top highlights in the calendar of the international equestrian scene.
Information for cyclists
The imposing Münster Castle is a popular stopover or starting point for cycling tours in the Münsterland region. The Münsterland cycle path network, which is over 4500 km long, runs directly past Münster Castle and the associated botanical garden and creates wonderful opportunities for excursions by bike.
Various themed cycle routes also lead through the beautiful landscape of Münsterland and bring cyclists closer to the history and special features of the region. The following themed routes are located in the immediate vicinity of Münster Castle:
100 Castles Route
European Cycle Route R1
The entrance to the themed routes is at the Neutor, about 250 m from the castle.
The Send in front of Münster Castle
Münster's largest folk festival takes place three times a year on the Schlossplatz, attracting visitors with roasted almonds and noisy fairground rides in spring, summer and autumn. On Send Fridays, a spectacular fireworks display is set off, impressively illuminating the backdrop of the castle.
The Münster Send was first mentioned in a document in 1525. At the time of the Send, the so-called market peace applies. To commemorate this, the Send sword has been hung on Münster's town hall since 1578. The original was stolen in October 2000. To this day, no trace has been found, but a reconstruction of the sword is a reminder of the peaceful custom.

Price Info

Entry
no entry possible: 0 €

Direction

Parking at Münster Castle
Directly in front of the castle there is a large car park on the spacious castle square, for which a fee is charged.
Arrival
Travelling by car:
Coming from the north: Take the A1 motorway, exit Münster-Nord and then continue on the B54 federal road in the direction of Münster. Follow the Steinfurter Straße B54 for about 3.5 km until you reach Schlossplatz.
Coming from the south: Either via the A1 motorway, exit Münster-Süd or via the A43, exit Münster-Süd. In both cases, continue on the B51 federal road towards Münster. Now follow the signs to Schlossplatz.
Travelling by bus & train:
Münster (Westf.) main station
Rail connections within the Münsterland region and connections to long-distance transport
The following bus connections run from the main railway station to Münster Palace: Lines 11, 12, 13, 22 (stop: Landgericht), Line 5 (stop: Münzstraße), Lines 1, 9 (stop: Schlossplatz)