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Münster

There are some 500,000 bicycles in Münster – and that's just one example of the exuberance found in this captivating city, one of the most appealing between Cologne and Hamburg. Its historical centre was rebuilt after WWII and features many architectural gems. Yet Münster is not mired in nostalgia. Its 50,000 students keep the cobwebs out and civic pride is great – the town's main cultural treasures have enjoyed ambitious renovations and enhancements. Sampling the slew of lively pubs and restaurants alone warrants at least an overnight stop here.

Explore Münster

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Münster.

  • Museum

    LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur

    After a harmonious fusion of the 1908 neo-Renaissance original with an airy postmodern wing, Münster's main museum for art and culture now has the proper…

  • Cathedral

    St-Paulus-Dom

    The two massive towers of Münster’s cathedral match the proportions of this 110m-long structure and the vast square it overlooks. It’s a three-nave…

  • Church

    St Lambertikirche

    One of Münster’s finest churches, the late-Gothic St Lambertikirche was built in 1450. It's filled with wonderful treasures but the most fascinating…

  • Museum

    Kunstmuseum Picasso

    A treat for fans of Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th century's seminal artists, in this 18th-century neoclassical mansion whose changing exhibits are drawn…

  • Historic Building

    Historisches Rathaus & Friedenssaal

    Dominating Prinzipalmarkt, Münster's city hall played a key role in ending the calamitous Thirty Years' War when an important sub-treaty of the Peace of…

  • Historic Building

    Erbdrostenhof

    The Erbdrostenhof is a lavish mansion commissioned by a local baron and designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun (1695–1773), a master of the Westphalian baroque…

  • Museum

    Stadtmuseum

    This sometimes engaging chronicle of 1200 years of Münster milestones includes a room on the Anabaptist rebellion where you can see the once-red-hot tongs…

  • Church

    Überwasserkirche

    The Überwasserkirche (officially known as Liebfrauenkirche) is a 14th-century Gothic hall church with handsome stained-glass windows in the apse. The…

  • Palace

    Schloss

    The 1773 Schloss is the former residence of prince-bishops and now the main university building. It was blueprinted by baroque architect Johann Conrad…

  • Church

    Clemenskirche

    The 1753 St Clemens Church is a baroque beauty blueprinted by local starchitect of the day, Johann Conrad Schlaun. The interior is not accessible but you…

  • Museum

    Kunsthalle Münster

    On the top floor of Speicher II, an old warehouse in the rebooted harbour, this gallery presents cutting-edge art by international artists. Admission is…

  • Museum

    LWL-Museum für Naturkunde

    Dinosaurs and the universe are the stars at this large state-run nature museum, which also has a popular planetarium (programs in German only).

  • Museum

    Mühlenhof-Freilichtmuseum

    A fun open-air museum where you can stroll among historical Westphalian buildings, including a mill and bakery.

  • Historic Building

    Stadtweinhaus

    This beautifully porticoed Renaissance building was built to the left of the Rathaus in 1615 and originally used as a storage area for wine. Today it…