Moyland Castle & Anholt CastleJourney through the Eras

From Breughel to Beuys, from Baroque to Modernism: only around 25 kilometres separate the "Old Masters" at Anholt Castle from the probably most influential German post-war artist, who found his home in the neo-Gothic Moyland Castle. Nestled in historic parks, both museums are home to important art collections that together span from the 16th century to the present day.

On guided tours through the prestigious salons and private rooms of one of the most beautiful moated castles in Münsterland, which is still inhabited by the Princes of Salm, visitors will come across outstanding works by Cranach, Murillo and Rembrandt, among others. With over 700 paintings, the largest historically grown private collection of paintings in North Rhine-Westphalia also includes works by the most important Dutch and Flemish painters of their time.

Joseph Beuys was also one of the most important artists of his time. The world's largest collection of his work is on display at Moyland Castle on the Lower Rhine, where visitors can also encounter international artists such as Eduardo Chillida, James Lee Byars and Gerhard Marcks in the baroque gardens. The "fairytale castle for modern and contemporary art" is one of the destinations of the "Beuys & Bike" cycle route, which was designed to mark the 100th birthday of Joseph Beuys and connects important stations of the sculptor, activist and action artist.

Approaching his art by bike is an obvious choice. Just like the Münsterland, the neighbouring, "flat" Lower Rhine is one of the most popular cycling regions in North Rhine-Westphalia. The distance of just under 25 kilometres between Moyland Castle and the Anholt Castle on the other side of the Rhine is ideal for a day trip or a short cultural break through the ages. There are lovely spots on the banks of the river for a little picnic with a view of the water, and in Münsterland you can continue your cycling holiday seamlessly on the 100 Castles Route. So if you want to take more than a day to visit the exhibitions, the magnificent parks surrounding the historic buildings and other excursions in the region, it's best to stay overnight. Stylish accommodation options include the Parkhotel Wasserburg Anholt and the intimate Schlosshotel Grieth directly on the banks of the Rhine in Kalkar.