The Münsterland is known as the ‘Land of 100 Castles’. This title is not entirely without foundation, as numerous medieval castles, fortresses and manor houses characterise the region, creating a cultural landscape that is renowned far beyond North Rhine-Westphalia. We briefly present our favourites below, all of which are very easy to reach from Lünen.
There are castles in Germany that you simply MUST see. Nordkirchen Castle, on the outskirts of the town of the same name, is one of them, which is why we wholeheartedly recommend it to every one of our guests.
Built in the 18th century to designs by the architect Johann Conrad Schlaun, this moated castle lies in the heart of the Münsterland region and is surrounded by extensive grounds that are well worth a visit. Due to the size of the complex and its Baroque design, it is also known as the ‘Westphalian Versailles’. With around 500,000 visitors a year (before the pandemic), it is one of the most popular attractions in the region, yet it is not overcrowded. Incidentally, it is only about 14 km from the hotel and is therefore easily accessible by bike. A café, restaurant and museum invite you to linger for a while.
In direct comparison with Nordkirchen Castle, Westerwinkel Castle – situated just 9 km away – almost seems dignified by comparison. With its simple rectangular layout and striking corner towers, the castle is also a moated castle, surrounded by several moats.
The interior of the castle can only be viewed as part of a pre-booked guided tour. The idyllic castle grounds, which originally bore similarities to classic English landscape parks, now feature a golf course, amongst other things. There is also a pleasant restaurant and café. It is not far from Lünen by bike, or you can take the train to Capelle station (a 9-minute journey) and enjoy a lovely walk through the castle grounds and woods on your way to the castle.
Vischering Castle in Lüdinghausen has now stood for over 750 years, making it one of the oldest castles in the entire region. Surrounded by an imposing moat, it offers a wealth of beautiful and varied scenes and atmospheres and is regarded as one of the most picturesque photo opportunities in the Münsterland region.
As it has remained almost unchanged since its reconstruction in 1521, it today provides an excellent insight into life in the late Middle Ages and early modern period. The fascinating museum and the spacious grounds of the moated castle are a popular destination for families. A visit to the museum should definitely be included in your plans. Together with Neukirchen Castle and Westerwinkel Castle near Ascheberg, Vischering Castle forms a magnificent ‘castle triangle’ and is easily reached from the hotel. By bike, it is just over 20 km.
Majestic and visible from afar, the castle stands on a hill in the Cappenberg district of the town of Selm. With its gleaming white façade and striking red roof, it is a jewel of Westphalian Baroque monastic architecture and – situated on the edge of the northern Lippe Valley – offers a wonderful view of the region stretching as far as the foothills of the Sauerland. The Romanesque collegiate church in the inner courtyard dates back to 1148, though the castle complex was not completed until the 17th century.
Since mid-2022, the newly renovated castle has once again been hosting a series of art exhibitions. In the castle courtyard, alongside a wonderful grove of old trees, stands the Cappenberg collegiate church, which is often used for concerts. Here you will find the famous golden bust of Emperor Frederick I (also known as Barbarossa) from the 12th century. A visit is well worth it, and not just for art lovers. The ‘Alte Kegelbahn’ café invites you to linger and relax. Incidentally, the castle is only about 4 km from the hotel. A cycle ride there takes you through the peaceful Cappenberg Forest, amongst other places.
Strictly speaking, Haus Opherdicke, a moated castle in Holzwickede, is not actually located in the Münsterland region, but in the Ruhr area. Nevertheless, given its cultural significance, we would like to mention it here. This former 17th-century manor house is home to the Haus Opherdicke Museum, run by the District of Unna, which hosts changing art exhibitions and regularly serves as a venue for concerts. In the past, works by artists such as Max Beckmann, Käthe Kollwitz and Edgar Ende have been on display here.
Surrounding the estate is a large park featuring a sculpture garden with works by the American-Italian sculptor Raimondo Puccinelli; it serves as a popular destination for cyclists and walkers and promises plenty of peace and relaxation.
The hotel is located in the city centre of Lünen. Restaurants, coffee shops, stores, train station, cinema and theatre are nearby. Only 15 km from Dortmund.
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