Located in North-Rhein Westphalia, Germany is the city of Münster. With a population of just over 300,000 people, and equally as many bikes, Münster is a great city to day-trip to from Cologne or Dusseldorf if you are looking for a more relaxed environment.
Getting to Münster
There are a plethora of ways to get to the city of Münster. If you have a car, you can drive on the A1 or A43 speedways to get to the city, but if you are one that doesn't want to drive, you can also take a train, fly, or bus to the city. The nearest airport is FMO, 24km away, or DTM, 66km away. If you do opt to fly, you will still need to drive, bus, or take a train to get to the city as well. The easiest way to get to Münster is by train via the Deutsche Bahn.
St. Lamberti Church
Europe is not short on awe inspiring churches and Münster is no exception. St. Lamberti Church sits on the north side of Prinzipalmarkt at the city center. The church is a beautiful example of late gothic architecture. There are three cages hanging from the spire of the church that have their own interesting history: they were used to hold the mutilated bodies of three leaders of the Münster rebellion in 1535. Now there are three yellow bulbs in the cages that are lit from dusk to dawn in memory of the men's departed souls. On a brighter note, the organs in St. Lamberti are gorgeous and date back to 1386 and finally, if you go to the main west door, you can see statues of the Four Evangelists that were installed in 1911.
Münster Cathedral
Another amazing church that is a must-visit in Münster is the Münster Cathedral. There is so much to see in this church that you will want to carve some time out of your day to take it all in. It is located on a small hill in the center of the city and is hard to miss. Built in the 13th century, there has been many additions to the cathedral since its original creation. On the west wall of the Old Choir, you can find the Barouque high alter under beautiful stained glass windows. Around the cathedral you can also find an abundance of complex epitaphs and alters. The main thing you need to see while here, even if you only have a few moments in the cathedral is the astronomical clock that was built between 1540 and 1542 and is one of the only monumental clocks that still exist that turns counter clockwise. It is one of the most significant monumental clocks in the German-speaking world!
City Hall
Also located in Prinzipalmarkt is the historic city hall. The outside of the building is jaw dropping itself, but when you enter into the Peace Hall inside, you will be equally as blown away looking at the wooden paneled walls that are carved with beautiful and intricate designs. Not to mention that the Peace Hall is where the Peace of Westphalia treaty was signed back in 1648! There is also a gold ceremonial wine goblet on display in the Peace Hall that is in the shape of a rooster!
Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History
If you are an art museum fiend like I am, you will want to make a stop at the Museum of Art and Cultural History. This museum has a very large collection of art by August Macke, but also boasts an amazing amount of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, and other pieces of art. You will not be disappointed.
Prinzipalmarkt
Prinzipalmarkt is the historic marketplace in the city. Simply walking (or biking) through the marketplace is awe inspiring and brings you through centuries of history. Apart from the many historical buildings along the marketplace, there are also an abundance of shops and cafes on the south side of Prinzipalmarkt.
Cycling in Münster
If you weren't aware, Münster is Germany's cycling capital! It is estimated that there are over 500,000 bicycles in the city, which comes out to approximately 2 bikes per person. The city has an amazing network of cycling paths, including cycling roads where those on bikes set the pace and take precedence over cars! Wherever you go, you will be sure to see bike racks full of bikes and locals riding around the city instead of driving cars!
If you are thinking about traveling to Münster, do it! It is a great day trip from nearby cities and countries and easily accessible by train!
Did I miss anything pertinent in the city of Münster that is a must-see? Let me know in the comments below!
Travel On!
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