According to Healthinclude, Münster is a beautiful large city in the central western part of Germany in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The city is only seventy kilometers away from the Dutch city of Enschede. it is therefore not surprising that the city is a popular holiday destination for Dutch people who want a weekend away. The city is known to most Dutch people because the Peace of Münster was signed here, but the city has much more to offer than just this. Despite the fact that large parts of the city were destroyed during the Second World War, much of the old beauty of the city is still visible. For those who want a more active weekend, there are many hundreds of kilometers of beautiful cycling paths in and around the city.
Top 10 Things to Do in Munster
#1. Friedenssaal
Located in the Gothic town hall of Münster, the Friedenssaal is without doubt the most important historical space in Münster. The Spanish-Dutch peace was signed in this room on 15 May 1648. This treaty is also known as the Peace of Münster. This peace treaty puts an end to the Eighty Years’ War and the Thirty Years’ War. The Friedenssaal still looks very much the same as it did in 1648 and as a visitor you can also sign the peace agreement yourself. The original document of the Peace of Westphalia can still be seen in the Friedenssaal.
#2. Kreativkai
The Kreativkai has become the hip part of Münster in recent years. In addition to a few trendy design companies, the district has several galleries and entertainment venues. The Kreativkai is located on the left bank of the port of Münster. On the other side are a few storage sheds and a harbor crane. After the port lost its original function in the 1990s, the idea was conceived to create a creative district here. Popular attractions in the Kreativkai district include the Hot Jazz Club, the Exhibition Hall for Contemporary Art and the Wolgang Borchert Theater.
#3. Cycling in and around Münster
Münster is a popular cycling city in Germany. You can ride beautiful cycling routes both in the city and outside the city. The area around Munster is also known as Münsterland. In this region you can find many hundreds of kilometers of cycling routes. At the local tourist information office you can get and buy various cycling routes that take you to the most beautiful places in this part of Germany. There are also some themed tours available, such as a tour along the various castles in the area and another tour follows the course of the river Aa. Since 2008 there is the Friedensroute that takes you along the trail of the Westphalian Peace.
#4. Münster
Cathedral The Münster Cathedral is also known as St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral was built in the thirteenth century, making it one of the oldest buildings in Münster. After a long renovation period, the church opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2013. One of the most impressive elements of the church is the astronomical clock. This astronomical clock is a beautiful example of late medieval applied art. During the Second World War, most of the exterior of the church was destroyed. A lively market is held every Wednesday and Saturday in the market in front of Münster Cathedral.
#5. Sint-Lambertuskerk
The Sint-Lambertuskerk is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, built in the typical Westphalian Late Gothic. In addition, the building plays an important role in the history of Münster. The cages of the Anabaptists hang from the tower of this church. In the sixteenth century, these Anabaptists had proclaimed Münster the new Jerusalem and led their religious revolt from this city. The Saint Lambert Church was built at the end of the fourteenth century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Every evening a tower keeper blows the horn every half hour from the tower of the church.
#6. Art Museum Pablo Picasso
The Art Museum Pablo Picasso in Münster may not hold the greatest works of art by this highly prolific artist, but it is well worth a visit. More than seven hundred lithographs and about one hundred etchings by Picasso are on display in the museum. In addition to the permanent collection, exhibitions are regularly held in the museum. In addition to works by Picasso, etchings by Marc Chagall can also be found in the museum. The rear of the museum is adjacent to a large indoor shopping center and this is also where the entrance is located. If you look at Picassoplatz from the top floor of the museum, you will see a large effigy of the Spanish artist.
#7. Prinzipalmarkt
The Prinzipalmarkt is the beating heart of the historic center of Münster. Adjacent to the market is the historic town hall of Münster with the Friedenssaal in it. From the market you have a view of the Sint-Lambertus Church. There are numerous restaurants and cozy shops on the Prinzipalmarkt. The market owes its homogeneous appearance to the fact that the market was badly damaged during the Second World War. During the restoration of the market, it was decided to give the facades all approximately the same appearance. The Prinzipalmarkt is in the top ten of most beautiful squares in Germany.
#8. Kuhviertel
The Kuhviertel district has traditionally been the entertainment district of Münster. In the neighborhood you will find all kinds of cozy cafes and eateries where you can enjoy the typical German regional dishes. In most restaurants you can get the dishes that are unique to Westphalian cuisine. The Pinkus Müller restaurant is home to Münster’s oldest brewery. All beers from this family brewery are brewed organically. In short, in this district all elements are present to experience a cozy Westphalian. Typical dishes for this region are Töttchen and Pfeper-Potthast.
#9. Allwetterzoo
The Allwetterzoo is an old large city zoo in Münster. The Allwetterzoo opened its doors for the first time in 1875, although it was then under a different name. It was originally the intention to keep only European animal species, but this changed at the request of the visitors. Today, more than a hundred different animal species from all over the world live in the zoo. The Allwetterzoo is a beautiful spacious zoo where some special animal species such as the Persian panther can be found.
#10. Münster Town Castle
This former Prince Episcopal residence was built at the end of the eighteenth century. The facades of the castle are richly decorated with beautiful sculptures. After the devastation of the Second World War, the castle has been restored to its original state. today the castle is used by the University of Münster. In front of the castle is the Schlossplatz which was formerly known as the Hindenburgplatz. Several major events are held on this site every year, including a large well-attended fair.
