Before You Visit Munster
Münster (pronounced "Myoon ster" as in the English spelling of Muenster) is a charming, historic city in Germany.
Munster Facts
Munster is home 280,000 residents, including 55,000 students enrolled in six universities and colleges. It is the center for about 1.5 million people in the surrounding region, known as Münsterland, and one of the five governing centers for the larger region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bicycle Capital of Germany
With 500,000 bicycles registered in Munster, the town claims nearly two bikes for each resident. Indeed, the city is very bike-friendly, even by German standards. The space occupied by the original city walls was converted into a tree-lined bicycle and pedestrian path called the Promenade. Germany's first bicycle park is directly in front of the main train station, with 3500 parking spaces, a bike rental office, and a repair shop. Munster also introduced the skateboard to Germany in the 1970s.
Munster History
No, it's not named after cheese (you're thinking of a cheese from France, anyway). Munster is named for the monastery around which it grew, founded in the year 793. The city played a part in the Reformation, when the Anabaptists waged war in the 1500s. Europe's Thirty Years War was ended with a treaty signed here. The city was largely destroyed during World War II, and was rebuilt following historic plans.
Munster Museums
Munster is a cultural center with several unique museums, including the only Lacquer Art museum in the world. Other museums include the open-air farming museum "Mühlenhof," the Pablo Picasso Graphics Museum (with over 780 lithographs), and the Westphalian County Museum for Art and Cultural History (with August Macke exhibitions). Smaller museums include the Bible Museum, the Organ Museum, and the Carnival Museum.
In and Around Munster
Bordered by the Promenade, the old town's cobblestone streets, unique blend of historic culture with modern art, and sidewalk cafes and Gasthauses, is a favorite gathering spot for residents and tourists alike. The Main Market (Prinzipalmarkt) comes alive on Saturdays, when vendors sell flowers, fruit and vegetables. Farther out, the Cow District (Kuhviertel) is packed with cozy old bars frequented by generations of students. The Kreativkai is a new cultural area on the waterfront.
Munster Hotels
Munster hotels profiled include a modern building right on the Promenade, a "water castle" dating back to the 1300s, and a romantic country retreat just outside the city.
When to Visit
May brings springtime, more sunshine, and mild temperatures reaching into the upper 60s during the day. Summers are mild, with temperatures in the 70s; look for the Festival of Kites, wine festivals, and the Münster Send, Munsterland's oldest fair. Winters are cold and dark, averaging 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping below freezing at night. December brings the atmospheric Christmas Markets.
More Tourist Information
Munster Facts
Munster is home 280,000 residents, including 55,000 students enrolled in six universities and colleges. It is the center for about 1.5 million people in the surrounding region, known as Münsterland, and one of the five governing centers for the larger region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bicycle Capital of Germany
With 500,000 bicycles registered in Munster, the town claims nearly two bikes for each resident. Indeed, the city is very bike-friendly, even by German standards. The space occupied by the original city walls was converted into a tree-lined bicycle and pedestrian path called the Promenade. Germany's first bicycle park is directly in front of the main train station, with 3500 parking spaces, a bike rental office, and a repair shop. Munster also introduced the skateboard to Germany in the 1970s.
Munster History
No, it's not named after cheese (you're thinking of a cheese from France, anyway). Munster is named for the monastery around which it grew, founded in the year 793. The city played a part in the Reformation, when the Anabaptists waged war in the 1500s. Europe's Thirty Years War was ended with a treaty signed here. The city was largely destroyed during World War II, and was rebuilt following historic plans.
- Pictures of the Altstadt ("Old City")
- Pictures of the Anabaptist Cages
- Picture of the Hall of Peace, where the treaty was signed
Munster Museums
Munster is a cultural center with several unique museums, including the only Lacquer Art museum in the world. Other museums include the open-air farming museum "Mühlenhof," the Pablo Picasso Graphics Museum (with over 780 lithographs), and the Westphalian County Museum for Art and Cultural History (with August Macke exhibitions). Smaller museums include the Bible Museum, the Organ Museum, and the Carnival Museum.
In and Around Munster
Bordered by the Promenade, the old town's cobblestone streets, unique blend of historic culture with modern art, and sidewalk cafes and Gasthauses, is a favorite gathering spot for residents and tourists alike. The Main Market (Prinzipalmarkt) comes alive on Saturdays, when vendors sell flowers, fruit and vegetables. Farther out, the Cow District (Kuhviertel) is packed with cozy old bars frequented by generations of students. The Kreativkai is a new cultural area on the waterfront.
Munster Hotels
Munster hotels profiled include a modern building right on the Promenade, a "water castle" dating back to the 1300s, and a romantic country retreat just outside the city.
- Romantic and Charming: Das Landhotel Hof zur Linde
- Modern and Convenient: Mauritzhof Hotel
- Historic and Picturesque: Schloss Wilkinghege
When to Visit
May brings springtime, more sunshine, and mild temperatures reaching into the upper 60s during the day. Summers are mild, with temperatures in the 70s; look for the Festival of Kites, wine festivals, and the Münster Send, Munsterland's oldest fair. Winters are cold and dark, averaging 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping below freezing at night. December brings the atmospheric Christmas Markets.
More Tourist Information
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