Perfectly combining Germany’s ancient heritage with a thirst for modernity, Münster represents the fusion of old and new that sits at the heart of German culture.
Made up of centuries old merchant houses and medieval establishments, as well as chic restaurants, boutique shopping and a thriving university scene, this charming city offers a bustling city life just a stone’s throw from the beautiful landscapes that Germany is famous for.
Things to do
- St Paulus Dom, the town’s cathedral, is a stunning Gothic and Romanesque structure originally constructed in the 12th and 13th The twin towers are the most striking external feature, while inside you can marvel at the 16th Astronomical clock or the life sized statues of Jesus and the Apostles.
- The popular town square, Prinzipalmarkt, is made up of gabled pediments you can access through arched entryways. Once inside, you’ll find shopping arcades, bars, restaurants and more.
- At the head of Prinzipalmarkt is the Historical City Hall. Its heritage is fascinating. It held the negotiations for the European Thirty Years’ War, as well as a multitude of other historic summits.
- Did you know Münster is actually the bicycle capital of Germany? See why with a bike ride to Aasee, a picturesque lake that resides on the outskirts of the old town. The surrounding gardens make for beautiful cycling scenery, and you can stop at one of the nearby restaurants when all that exercise works up your appetite.
- Münster’s heritage extends beyond the antiquarian architecture round every corner. The town also boasts the only dedicated Picasso Museum in Germany. Another popular jaunt for history buffs is the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History, with a collection of artwork from the medieval period to present day.
What to eat
- The incredibly atmospheric Drubbelken could fool anyone into thinking they’ve stepped straight into medieval Germany. The wooden, shuttered façade, the darkened interior and wrought iron ornamentation cement the antiquity. The menu offers local classics, including pumpernickel sandwiches and Westphalian potato soup.
- Teilchen & Beschleuniger know what they’re good at and stick to it. Take a seat inside their trinket-filled café, in-between a disco ball, hanging plants and bohemian rugs. Sit back with a stacked bagel and wash it down with a coffee (or alcoholic beverage).
- If bagels and beer don’t cut it, then try fine dining at Chesa Rö A tasteful and modern style compliments the menu of fresh flavours such as lavender, matcha and prickly pear.
- Epitomising Münster’s ability to blend old and new, Grosser Kiepenkerl utilises the darkened features, Georgian windows and painted shutters of traditional western continental design, while bringing it into the 21st century with minimalist light features and menu items that combine traditional cuisine with modern flavours.
What to drink
- A hipsters dream, Cavete’s exterior is rendered in pastel purple, with beautiful baskets overflowing with pink flowers. However, cross the threshold and wander into this subterranean-esque grotto for happy hour cocktails or local wine.
- Demonstrating true German design, the industrial, minimalist interior of Nomad puts it in a different league to other bars in the city. This is where you come when you’re trying to impress.
- A coffeehouse, bar, jazz café and more, Pension Schmidt offers baroque sofas that somehow blend with the postmodern photography. Browse the stacks of leaning books at your discretion.
How to get there
Your quickest route to Münster is via our Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry crossing. From our Dutch port, you’re only a 3-hour drive from the centre of Münster. You can opt for our Dover-Dunkirk or Calais ferry crossings, however, and from there you’re only a 5-hour drive away from Münster.
