Oliver Franke, Tourismus NRW e.V.
A few of the palaces and castles in North Rhine-Westphalia stand out as architectural masterpieces: Sometimes they are exemplary of a specific epoch such as the Baroque or the Renaissance periods, sometimes they are the highlight of an entire region. Set against an idyllic natural backdrop, magnificent towers stretch up into the sky and stand out from their surroundings. In the middle of expansive parks, beautifully designed flower gardens highlight enchanting pond and water landscapes, designed by the hands of artists. Complimentary forms and colours create a harmonious overall picture before magnificent backdrops. Opulent stucco work and splendid wall decorations are guaranteed jaw-dropping eye-catchers. The tour can begin.
Andreas Lechtape
Anholt Castle and Park Anholt
The castle is deemed one of the most beautiful moated castles in the Münsterland. The main castle has outstanding art collections waiting to be discovered by its visitors. The outdoor area beckons to take a stroll through the baroque gardens and the sprawling English landscape park.
Stiftung Schloss und Park Benrath
Benrath Palace and Castle Park Düsseldorf
The ‘Kö’ (Königsallee) is not the only place to find pomp in Düsseldorf: Schloss Benrath is considered to be the most important architectural synthesis of the arts in the state capital. Every room in the palace faces out onto the gardens. The imposing palace park serves as a venue for entertainment events.
Johannes Höhn
Nordkirchen Castle Nordkirchen
The park is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe and, together with the magnificent palace, is known in Münsterland as the “Westphalian Versailles”. Visitors can admire the opulent stucco work, wonderful ceiling paintings and fine wood carving.
Horst Gummersbach
The Brühl Palaces Brühl
Visitors find the baroque splendour of the Brühl palaces simply breathtaking. Anyone who stands in the stairway will understand why other royal courts can only look at Brühl with envy. Today, both structures and their gardens and parks are listed as Unesco World Heritage sites.