The city of Münster in the west of Germany is especially known for its cathedral and the #Prinzipalmarkt. But many people also associate #Münster with a very liveable bicycle and student city with hip cafés, pubs and sometimes a little rain ;) If you don't know the city in North Rhine-Westphalia yet, here you can find the most important sights, best insider tips and restaurant recommendations for a city trip in #Münsterland.

Places of interest

St. Paul's Cathedral

The 13th century St. Paul's Cathedral, built in Gothic / Romanesque style, is one of the most famous landmarks of Münster. Inside you can discover several side altars and chapels besides the main nave. The cathedral is also the burial place of Clemens August Graf von Galen, who became known as the Bishop of Münster because he repeatedly stood up in public against Nazi atrocities during the Second World War. On the cathedral square you will find the weekly market every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 - 14:30.

Principal's market

Cross the cathedral square and walk on to Prinzipalmarkt, which is famous for its gabled houses. The rows of houses all look different and house, among other things, the Gothic town hall with its #Peace Hall. The hall was the scene of more than five years of peace negotiations during the Thirty Years' War in Europe. In 1648 the war was ended with the conclusion of peace in Münster. 

The Prinzipalmarkt has always been the home of the merchants and even today it is still one of the most important shopping streets in Münster. During the day, there is a lot going on here when the inhabitants and visitors cavort in the shops or restaurants. And although the market is part of the city centre, buses, cars and of course lots of cyclists also ride here.

Lamberti Church

On the northern side of the Prinzipalmarkt you will also find the #Lambertikirche from the late Middle Ages. The construction of today's Lamberti Church was already started in the 14th century. Since the end of the Anabaptist Empire of Münster, three iron baskets have hung above the clock, which can be seen from the Prinzipalmarkt. In the 16th century, the bodies of three previously executed men who were members of a reformation movement were displayed in these baskets. Today the iron baskets are empty, of course, but always remind us of history. 

Prince-Bishop's Palace Münster

West of the old town is the baroque castle of Münster, which was built at the end of the 18th century as the residence of the prince-bishop. It is a very impressive building (from the outside), which was unfortunately badly damaged during the Second World War and had to be rebuilt. 

Today the castle is the headquarters and at the same time the landmark of the Westphalian Wilhelms University (WWU). Instead of stately halls you will find offices and lecture halls inside the castle. From the outside, however, the castle is still splendid to look at.

The large forecourt of the castle is used for a variety of events, e.g. the #Send (the largest funfair in the Münsterland region) takes place here several times a year.

In the park of the baroque prince-bishop's palace are the greenhouses of the botanical garden. The Botanical Garden is not directly connected to the #Schloss, there is a small road in between, but from the back of the garden you can already see it and follow the signs.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Münster also belongs to the university, but the general public can also visit the Botanical Garden free of charge all year round. Take advantage of this opportunity and rest here a little after a day of sightseeing. The garden has many benches where you can relax and the many information boards will tell you a lot about the plant world.

The garden is thematically divided into different areas, e.g. there is a garden for medicinal herbs and plants or for plants from the Mediterranean or Alpine region. A special feature are also the two greenhouses in which the tropical plants are kept. 

Lake Aasee

Münster is a city with many cyclists. Therefore, along the former city wall, a car-free promenade lined by trees was built, which takes you to the recreation area at the #Aasee. At the Aasee, you directly forget that you are actually in a big city and a walk is really relaxing here. If the weather is fine, there is a lot going on at the Aasee, as there are also big green areas and a little gastronomy.

In total, the Aasee has a size of approximately 40 hectares and a length of 2,3 km. So if you want to take a little walk or jog around the lake, that's a good 5 km. If you don't feel like walking, you can also go pedal boating on the Aasee in the summer and rent a rowing boat or canoe. 

The Solaaris also operates on the Aasee. A boat powered by electric motors, which are fed by solar panels on the roof. 

Zwinger

On the north-eastern edge of the old town on the promenade is the #Zwinger, which was probably built at the beginning of the 16th century. In the course of its history, it served various (sad) purposes, such as a prison or as a Gestapo execution site.

Port of Münster

At the inland port in the east of the city, artists, restaurants and cafés have settled in old warehouses along the so-called "Kreativkai". In addition to clubs and studios, you will also find office buildings in which advertising agencies and other creative people have found accommodation. 

And while you're at the harbour, you should also make a detour to the Dortmund-Ems Canal. 

Kiepenkerl

The Kiepenkerl monument of the city of Münster is located at the Spiekerhof. The Kiepenkerl became famous because of the "Amokfahrt von Münster". On April 7, 2018, the perpetrator first killed four people and then himself. 

Museums

Pablo Picasso Art Museum

The Kunstmuseum Pablo #Picasso is the only Picasso museum in #Germany and houses an extensive collection of the painter's lithographs, which are shown in changing thematic sections.

City Museum Münster

The Münster City Museum tells the complete history of the city from its foundation to the present day by means of numerous exhibits. The entrance to the museum is free of charge. In addition, special exhibitions take place regularly in the city museum. 

LWL Museum for Art and Culture

The LWL Museum has an impressive collection from over 1000 years of art history from the early Middle Ages to the present. On every second Friday of the month, admission to the museum is free of charge from 6 pm to midnight.