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14 Best Things to do in Munster, Germany

Architecture in Prinzipalmarkt, Münster, Germany
Published on: July 9, 2021
Last updated: September 24, 2024

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Kyle Kroeger

Written by Kyle Kroeger

Kyle Kroeger, founder of ViaTravelers.com, is an American immigrant living in Amsterdam. He has personally explored over 15 countries, 30 US states, and over 20 national parks across 4 continents, gaining firsthand experience in diverse global cultures. As a travel photographer, visualizing experiences is paramount to his contributions to ViaTravelers, contributing over 10,000 photos from around the world. Kyle's perspective in immersive cultural experiences stems from his time living in Italy, where he developed a deep appreciation for authentic local interactions.

Are you searching for some exciting things to do in Munster? If you have a few days in this beautiful German city, here’s what you can try. 

Is Munster, Germany, worth planning for and visiting? Absolutely yes! Here, you will experience artificial lakes, fantastic events and festivals, a bike-friendly environment, and other great vibes.

Munster is a city on the western side of Germany. It has been under the rulership of a Catholic Prince-Bishopric for quite some time. When visiting Munster, you will see cathedrals, historical malls, museums, and other great monuments. Additionally, I enjoy their delicious dishes and learn from different people.

Things to Do in Munster, Germany

1. Tour Prinzipalmarkt

things to do in munster

Address: Prinzipalmarkt 10, 48143 Münster, Germany

This is a great place to begin when visiting Munster. It has an eye-catching secular Gothic architecture designed buildings. The city was rebuilt following mass destruction during World War II. They built better and more stylish buildings than before.

In the center, you will catch a glimpse of top Munster attractions, as well as luxurious cafes, shops, alleys, small sculptures, and fountains.

It is the town’s landmark: St. Lambert’s Church, Townhouse Tower, the cathedral, and City Hall. With the help of the tourist center behind the town hall, you will find valuable information on the history of this city.

It is important to note that they have an info desk during the high-peak season if you want to learn more about stories and dates from the horse’s mouth.

See Related: Popular Landmarks in Germany to Visit

2. Visit St. Lambert’s Church

Historic Church Exterior

Address: Lambertikirchpl. 1, 48143 Münster, Germany

St. Lambert’s Church is a Roman Catholic structure on the northern side of the main market square. This church was built in the 14th century, and after World War II, it was renovated and repaired. You can view the Gothic tower, the most famous thing in the church. From the tower, you will see three iron baskets or cages hanging.

This is because back in 1536, Bernd Krechting, Bernd Knipperdolling, and Jan van Leiden were tortured and killed for leading the famous Munster rebellion. Their bodies were hanged in these cages for over 50 years. And while the cages are currently empty, they are a clear reminder of one of history’s most fierce protestant revolutions.

The tower has a watchman guiding it at night, a tradition that has been there for more than 630 years. Other churches you can pay a visit to include;

  • St Clemen’s church– enjoy the quiet space and sit on the church’s surrounding benches. This beautiful church was established between 1745 and 1753. The architect behind the beautiful structure was none other than Johann Conrad Schlaun.
  • Überwasserkirche– this is a Gothic Catholic church that is beautifully designed among trees.
  • St Ludgeri church– This is an incredible historical attraction in Munster. It has impressive architecture and a metallic sculpture.

3. Sail through Lake Aasee

Lake Aasee

If you want a peaceful and tranquil place to chill, this is definitely the space for you. It is a large man-made lake with walking paths outside, ideal for physical exercise.

Those who love boat riding can hire a pedal boat and self-navigate around the lake. The front side of the lake is cushioned by public art and trees. Satisfy your hunger at their cafes and restaurants at regular intervals.

On the north shore of the modern complex, a raised terrace is located. On a sunny day, head for the lake and enjoy the view. A solar-powered boat, SOLAARIS, carries people to the west shore.

4. Allwetterzoo Munster

Bear in Captivity
Bär” by gedankenstuecke is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Address: Sentruper Str. 315, 48161 Münster, Germany

Allwetterzoo is a perfect place for a fun-filled day with your family. It is a zoo that was founded in 1875 and is near Lake Aasee. If you have tagged your children, this is a nice stop, as they will enjoy seeing the animals on site. There are around 3000 animals from 300 different species.

The zoo also has indoor attractions like a research laboratory, Bio City, a turtle conservation center, and an interactive exhibition on biodiversity. Large panes allow visitors to glimpse ape species like gorillas. The green space is ample for picnics, and families can enjoy their playground.

Children can enjoy the petting zoo with chickens, dwarf goats, lambs, and guinea pigs. It also has an aquarium and a huge greenhouse.

See Related: Things to Do in Mainz, Germany

5. Munster Cathedral

munster cathedral

Address: Dompl. 28, 48143 Münster, Germany

This is known as the most important church structure in Germany. There is much to know here if you create ample time to study more about the cathedral. In the southern chapel, you can see the tomb of the famous Clemens August Graf, who passed away in 1946. Pope Benedict XVI later beautified this tomb in 2005.

The cathedral also takes pride in one of the greatest and finest Astronomical Clocks, a beautiful sight to behold. The clock is well-maintained to date. You will see the murals, amazing porches, and magnificent sculptures of the 12 Apostles and Jesus.

6. Tour the Burg Hulshoff

Historic House by On a Lake
Burg Hulshoff by Frank Güldner

Address: Schonebeck 6, 48329 Havixbeck, Germany

You cannot be in Munster without visiting this place. It is the birthplace of the famous author and poet Annette von Droste. This water castle was first mentioned in the 11th century. Since then, it has been restored quite a number of times. It is worth mentioning that today, it is a museum.

For history lovers, it is loaded with palaces and castles. The park’s castle also has colorful blooms that will certainly blow your mind. The museum’s interior design gives a glimpse of the extravagant lifestyle of merchant nobility in Munster. The moats benefit a well-kept park.

7. Tour the Historic City Hall of Munster

munster town hall

Address: Prinzipalmarkt 10, 48143 Münster, Germany

The city hall is one of Munster’s top attraction sites and landmarks, only second to Munster Cathedral. You cannot be in the city center and fail to notice this building because of its gorgeous beauty. The pinnacles, windows, gables, and arches offer a sight never to forget, making it one of the loveliest structures there is in Germany.

This hall has been vital, hence the name “Hall of Peace.” The Peace of Westphalia was made in one of its theaters. It is certainly a predominant landmark in Munster that you can’t assume.

It was destroyed during the Second World War but later rebuilt between 1950 and 1958. This gave the hall back its glory and charm.

You will find a desk for different halls and visitor information inside the hall. You can enjoy meals from the Ratskeller Restaurant, beside the town hall – a true taste of German delicacies.

8. Visit Stadtmuseum Munster

Front of Stadtmuseum Munster Building
Stadtmuseum Munster by Lutz Hirschmann

Address: Salzstraße 28, 48143 Münster, Germany

It was started in 1979, covering 1200 years in history. Its main focus is on architecture, culture, history, and art. Admission to the museum is free of charge. You can also request audio guides in English and pay a small fee.

You can make a prior call and get an English one-on-one live tour guide. You will find a fleet of different shops on the museum’s ground floor. Additionally, the exhibition’s outline includes different models of the city. Interactive displays and exhibits provide more information about the museum.

See related: Things to Do in Wolfsburg

9. Botanisher Garden Munster

Piece of Flower in Botanisher Garden Munster

Address: Schlossgarten 5, 48149 Münster, Germany

Botanisher Garden Munster, found right behind Prince Bishop’s castle, is undoubtedly something you want to see. It does not charge anything and is open daily.

The University of Munster manages this botanical garden; you can visit to see what is happening inside. In front of the building, a perfectly landscaped square is mostly used for occasions and events.

A meadow, moor, and artificial steam were introduced in the early 1990s, and a medicinal garden was added in 2005. Although the gardens were destroyed during the Second World War, they were restored in 1952, and five greenhouses were rebuilt.

 10. Museum for Lacquer Art

munster, germany

Address: Windthorststraße 26, 48143 Münster, Germany

The museum is also known as Museum für Lackkunst and tops many tourist lists of things to do in Munster. You will find objects from the Islamic world, Asia, and Europe done in the lacquer style.

Two collectors, Kurt Herberts and Erich Zschocke, are the main characters in this museum’s history. The oldest objects in this museum came from Korea and China. The local lacquer tree was also used to make decorations.

Visiting the museum while in Munster allows you to see beautiful and rare items and helps you learn more about German history through art. It’s one of the many amazing museums in Germany.

11. Munster Cycling

Woman Cycling in Munich

You may be feeling like unwinding and having some quality me-time. Well, consider cycling since it is therapeutic. In Munster, there are more than half a million bicycles in total. The city has set up three stations for safe parking, which encourages cycling. The stations also offer repair and washing services.

Do not worry about the protective gear since there are cycle paths all over the city. If you want to visit the forests and castles on a day trip, you can do so since a network of sign-posted trails is set up.

12. Dance the Night Away at the Hot Jazz Club

Hot Jazz Club outdoor tables and umbrellas
AndyMuenster / TripAdvisor

Address: Hafenweg 26B, 48155 Münster, Germany

The famous Jazz club started operations in 2005. It presents one of the most fulfilling things in Munster at night. Here, you can attend amazing concerts and enjoy various talents.

Every year, this club opens its doors to different talents to showcase the various genres of music. You can watch performances by different artists, such as reggae, pop, rock, and soul music.

This means that a boring evening in Munster is never an option. There is so much to enjoy, and make your evenings awesome here.

 13. Spend a day at the Pablo Picasso Museum

Woman looking at the Kunstmuseum Pablo Picasso Münster exhibit
Pablo Picasso Museum / Facebook

Address: Picassoplatz 1, 48143 Münster, Germany

This museum is dedicated to the world-famous musician Pablo Picasso. Here, you will see more than 800 works done by Picasso. Some documents and photos are related to the artist.

This museum opened in the late 1990s and has an old historic structure. Today, it also showcases other artists’ works, such as 208 by Georges Braque, 137 prints by Marc Chagall, and French artist collections by Picasso, Aristide Maillol, and Matisse.

It boasts both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Additionally, this museum was once an aristocratic estate. The museum offers an incredible option if you want a touch of history and culture.

See Related: Things to Do in Frankfurt

14. Visit the LWL Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History

Building of LWL - Museum für Kunst und Kultur - Münster
LWL – Museum für Kunst und Kultur – Münster by René

Address: Dompl. 10, 48143 Münster, Germany

This startling museum was founded in 1908 and is a common stop in Munster. It has a massive collection of Gothic art and exhibits certain movements. Another eye-catching piece is the family portrait by Hermann Tom Ring. Founded in 1562, the museum has over 450,000 displays and exhibits in over 50 rooms.

You can expect to find cultural artifacts, sculptures, and art here, which have been there since the Middle Ages. With all this information in hand, you can make Munster your final destination as to places you want to visit. However, you can visit many other places during your stay.

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