Münsterland

The Münsterland is a cultural and natural region in the northwest of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It surrounds the city of Münster and includes the rural districts of Borken, Coesfeld, Steinfurt and Warendorf as well as the urban district of Münster. The area is known for its agricultural landscape and a high concentration of moated castles and manor houses.

Geography and landscape: The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling and dominated by farming, with fields, meadows and scattered woodlands. The region features numerous rivers and waterways that contribute to its drainage and scenery, and it is crisscrossed by extensive cycle routes that connect towns and historic sites.

History and culture: The Münsterland shares Westphalian cultural traditions and figures in the broader history of the region, including the era around the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. It is famous for its many castles and fortress complexes, such as Schloss Nordkirchen, Burg Vischering in Lüdinghausen, and the Droste-Hülshoff estate at Burg Hülshoff near Münster. The city of Münster is a center of education, science and culture, anchored by the University of Münster and a historic city center with the St. Paulus-Dom.

Economy: Agriculture remains a major economic base, with crop production, dairy farming and pig farming forming the backbone of rural communities. Small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors such as food processing, machinery and services complement the economy. Tourism also contributes through heritage sites, countryside experiences and cycling routes.

Transport and tourism: The Münsterland is connected by road and rail, with Münster serving as a regional hub linking the area to the Ruhr region and Lower Saxony. Tourism emphasizes outdoor recreation, castle landscapes and cycling, notably along the Burgen- und Schlösserroute (the 100 Castles Route) that highlights the region’s historic estates.