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Perhaps France’s Sun King would have liked to visit the Münsterland to see the ‘Westphalian Versailles’ and meet the builder, a prince-bishop? We will never know. But one thing is certain: Nordkirchen Castle need not shy away from being compared with the magnificent French building near Paris. Located around 25 kilometres south of Münster, the baroque residence is not only huge in size, but also boasts impressive splendour and symmetry. The castle complex is situated on an island surrounded by rectangular moats in the middle of vast parklands modelled on French gardens. With its 23 avenues, numerous sculptures and water features, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe and, like the palace courtyard, is open to the public all year round.
 

The 100 Castles Route continues

Inside, the stately rooms impress with their original stucco, ceiling paintings and wood panelling. And even though the castle is now home to the North Rhine-Westphalia University of Applied Sciences for Finance, some areas are regularly open to the public on guided tours. If you fancy discovering more of the region's magnificent buildings, you can continue cycling along the 100 Castles Route, which runs right past the castle. 

Columns and figures made of white marble gleam alongside countless delicate frescoes framed by murals and ceiling paintings, while large steps with gilded railings lead upwards – but this is not a space to simply walk through. The magnificent staircase at Augustusburg Castle (a.k.a. Brühl Castle) is a place to stand and marvel. A Rococo masterpiece, it is both a functional staircase and a prestigious symbol of princely power. This showpiece, together with other rooms at the summer residence, can be visited on public guided tours, which run from March to November inclusive.  

Even Mozart stood here in awe

There is also glitz and glamour to be discovered outside Augustusburg Castle: Just a short walk through the pretty park is the small Falkenlust hunting lodge, once the private retreat of Elector and Archbishop Clemens August. A stand-out among the sumptuously furnished rooms is the blue-and-gold-mirrored cabinet, which even sparked awe from a young Mozart. The two castles, together with the baroque gardens and their cosy hedge nooks, fountain pools and mirror ponds, form the most beautiful Rococo creation in the Rhineland – and also constitute the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl.

‘Mooi land’ is Dutch for ‘beautiful land’ – an apt description for this moated castle in the Lower Rhine region, with its four turrets and sprawling parkland. Climb up to the viewing platform of the north turret to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the magnificent grounds and the vast surrounding landscape. But first things first: The staircase leading up to the castle entrance features two striking eye-catchers of its own, with stone statues of a wolf and pug dog. The wolf is designed to symbolise the philosopher Voltaire, who was once a guest here, while the pug is a reference to Winston Churchill, who visited the castle during World War II.
 

Modern art, historic gardens

Characterising the interior is another figure of international repute, for the castle is home to the world's largest collection of works by artist Joseph Beuys, who grew up very close by. The castle grounds, meanwhile, are a work of art in their own right. Amongst their old trees and historic gardens are sculptures by contemporary artists, not to mention Germany's largest hydrangea garden, with over 2,500 plants from more than 530 different varieties. The castle hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, such as a hydrangea festival in summer and an arts-and-crafts market in the run-up to Christmas. 

Drachenburg Castle in Königswinter is a real fairytale castle – not only for its quaint turrets and battlements, but also for its location high above the Rhine, and the many stories it has to tell. One such story revolves around the fact that Drachenburg Castle is not actually a castle or a palace, but rather an exceptionally oversized villa that a Bonn stockbroker had built at the end of the 19th century – without ever living in it.

Nostalgia on rails

The Drachenfelsbahn, Germany's oldest cog railway, has been taking visitors up to the castle in comfort since 1883 – before continuing on its way to another highlight in the form of the Drachenfels hill, which soars skywards above the castle, its own castle ruins visible from afar. According to the Nibelungen Saga, Siegfried is said to have defeated the dragon there. Today, the summit is home to a panorama restaurant and offers breathtaking views over the Rhine Valley. To get back down, you can either walk or take the cog railway.

This regional landmark has sat majestically atop a ridge above the Wupper since the 12th century, when the Counts of Berg had their ancestral seat built here. Housed within its thick walls is the Bergisch Museum, whose exhibitions tell the story of the building and its illustrious inhabitants, bringing the past to life in the most diverse of ways. In addition to historical exhibits such as weapons, murals, armour and trophies, the experience takes on a new dimension with VR elements, which see former lords of the castle dish the dirt and recount important events.

Head up by cable car

Accessing the castle is also an experience, with visitors being transported up in Germany’s oldest double chairlift – a ride that includes fantastic views along the way. Once at the top, various cafés and restaurants serve traditional Bergisch Kaffeetafel, a sumptuous meal of sweet and savoury treats that provides the energy needed to fuel the subsequent elaborate journey into the past, which will return in September after extensive renovations. Jousting tournaments, medieval markets and concerts all feature regularly on the programme. 

The Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg family has lived in the baroque castle overlooking the historic centre of Bad Berleburg for 750 years – a testament to how very beautiful it is here. And visitors are able to see this for themselves time and time again, for Berleburg Castle is the stomping ground of the high nobility. It is currently home to Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, his wife Princess Carina and their two children. In summer, they open their doors to the interested general public; guided tours run several times a week from May to August inclusive, exploring the court vault and royal stud, as well as the surrounding parklands, which include the former dungeon and the mint.
 

Detour to the kings of the forest

The castle parklands, with their centuries-old trees, are also worth a visit. A somewhat longer detour through the sprawling forests of the Rothaar Mountains around Bad Berleburg, provides for special encounters, for the Wisent-Wildnis bison park in Wittgenstein is home to the kings of the forest. A three-kilometre adventure trail leads around the enclosure, offering informative insights into these magnificent animals’ way of life. 

The Benedictine monks certainly chose a beautiful spot for their abbey over 1200 years ago. Even today, the Weser continues to arc beautifully around the idyllic village and magnificent abbey church. Numerous other attractions have been added to the mix over the centuries. These include the unique Carolingian westwork with its two towers, which has now been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Library, which is spread over 15 halls and is one of the largest private collections of the 19th century, housing some 74,000 volumes. The latter gained prominence through August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, the poet behind the words of the German national anthem, and who was a long-time librarian at Corvey. His grave is located in the cemetery of the abbey church.
 

Sacred garden splendour 

Behind the monastery’s protective high walls is a thriving garden of roses, perennials and rare shrubs like the bluebell or handkerchief tree. This is the lush Remtergarten. It is also a flourishing haven of Benedictine knowledge in the form of medicinal herbs and plants. And outside its walls, history continues to weave itself into the fabled foliage: The Huxarium Garden Park connects Corvey Castle with the historic half-timbered town of Höxter, offering many experiences along the way; augmented reality and audio dramas bring the past to life digitally, while three playgrounds provide opportunity for theme-based recreation. Alternatively, a funicular railway can be taken between the castle and old town.

This moated castle is sure to have particular appeal for bookworms and poetry fans. In part because poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff grew up at this former knight's seat, and her everyday life is showcased at the castle’s Droste Museum, whose displays include the small reception room and large dining room, with paintings of the famous poet's ancestors, precious pieces of furniture from centuries past, a richly stocked library, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff memorabilia and some personal items. But also because the castle is home to the Center for Literature, which takes literature one step further and brings it into dialogue with other arts.

Following the Lyrikweg to the Rüschhaus

Incidentally, visitors should definitely do as the famous poet once did and make another stop: Because, at the age of 29, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff moved to the Rüschhaus building, just seven kilometres away. And a large part of her literary work, including the novella Die Judenbuche, was written in this elegant country house. The two locations are connected by the Lyrikweg outdoor museum, whose 20 stations trace the changes in literature, everyday culture and nature over the centuries. It is easy to follow in Droste's footsteps and make the very same journey from the castle; she certainly walked it countless times. 

The bald cypresses, tulip trees, Korean poplars and Kentucky coffee trees in the sprawling park do their best, but, for all their size and exoticism, they cannot steal the show from Dyck Castle, a moated jewel, painted a warm yellow colour, standing majestically on an island surrounded by wide moats. Ultimately, however, it is the combination of stately building and historic country park that makes the place so appealing. Because Dyck Castle is a centre for garden design and landscaping, based on a long-established tradition dating back to the 19th century, when Prince Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck, a passionate botanist, arranged for the designing of the English country park. Not only does it provide countless hiding places for children, but it now also boasts a water playground and maze.
 

Garden design to go

Today, Dyck Castle is a source of enjoyment and inspiration, while also offering practical tips to help people bring their own garden dreams to life. Landscape gardeners have created themed areas based on the size and scope of standard home gardens, supplemented with a shop selling plants for gardens, patios and balconies. And it’s not just a treat for the eyes; the palate gets indulged too, because an on-site apple farm means these crunchy fruits are available all year round. Summer apples start from August, and Elstars and Rubinettes from September, with many other autumn and winter varieties following thereafter. Still hungry? A restaurant in the old coach house serves hearty, regional dishes and home-baked cakes. 

Up in the various museums of this imposing hilltop castle overlooking the Sauerland, the past comes alive in many forms. But the journey there is modern, convenient and flies by, with an adventure lift whisking visitors around 80 metres up to the castle courtyard in just 30 seconds. While there is a walk to get to the lift, it is an entertaining and amusing one, as it leads through an interactive tunnel where knights, dwarves and craftsmen recount legends and stories from the past.
 

Medieval multimedia

This mix of Middle Ages and multimedia continues with the permanent exhibition, with the Museum der Grafschaft Mark displaying original armour, military and hunting weapons, graphics and paintings, as well as the original furnishings of the world's first youth hostel, which opened at Altena Castle in 1914. Meanwhile, virtual witnesses of the past also constantly pop up with stories and anecdotes of their own. So there is a lot to see and experience – and how fortunate that a youth hostel still offers overnight accommodation at the castle, especially for families, school groups and youth groups.

Bensberg Castle never ceases to amaze. As soon as you arrive at the top of the castle hill, you’ll find yourself rubbing your eyes in surprise – but it’s not a mirage;  you really can clearly see Cologne Cathedral in the distance. Because the castle’s Venetian architect precisely aligned its central axis with the religious structure located some 14 kilometres away. This was probably done to impress one lady in particular: Built from 1703 onwards on the orders of Elector Jan Wellem, Bensberg Castle originally served as a hunting lodge for his wife Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici. 

Pure indulgence for gourmets

Following an eventful history that saw it serve as a military hospital and cadet centre, among other things, the castle is now home to the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, whose approximately 80 rooms and over 30 suites combine historical charm with modern comfort. Culinary delights await guests at several restaurants and bars, including the 2-Michelin-Star Vendôme restaurant, led by Joachim Wissler. The Bensberg Castle Trail, meanwhile, is a great way to not only explore the area, but to discover another architectural highlight: Bensberg Town Hall, the work of star architect Gottfried Böhm, which stands in contrast to the palace and was initially very controversial, but has since also become a landmark. 

This fairytale castle in Düsseldorf never fails to impress even those of royal pedigree: Queen Elizabeth II once visited, as has Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Queen Silvia of Sweden has indeed come twice. But Benrath Castle is much more than just a pretty façade; Three museums, a large park with rare trees and shrubs, as well as more than 80 bird species and over 300 beetle species, make it a worthwhile destination for fans of baroque architecture, garden design and history. 

A peek inside a hidden world

Even experts always find themselves discovering something new here. On the one hand, there is the Museum Corps de Logis in the main castle, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Garden Art, which, in addition to their permanent exhibitions, often hold special exhibitions with thematic connections to the castle and its surrounds. And on the other, there are various guided tours providing new knowledge and insights. The "Hidden Rooms" tour, for example, makes invisible infrastructure visible and facilitates access to otherwise closed rooms and an extensive canal system. 

Panoramic views from high above and a deep dive into the Middle Ages – at Hohenlimburg Castle, you can enjoy both. Not only does the medieval hilltop castle in Hagen boast thick walls, a dungeon and saluting cannons, but it also houses an exhibit with a high creepiness factor: the Black Hand. While there are various stories surrounding this body part on display in a glass cabinet, it is probably a piece of medieval evidence from an unsolved murder investigation.

Beautiful views

In addition to this unique exhibit, the castle’s outdoor facilities, namely its courtyard, outer bailey, garden and battlements, are equally worthwhile and accessible for visitors. The latter indeed offers impressive views of Hohenlimburg and the Lenne valley. And the castle’s interior can be visited on night watchman’s tours that run monthly.

Perched atop a hill towering high above Bielefeld, this proud landmark is today well and truly open for conquering. When the Sparrenburg Festival is held here every summer, it’s not just knights, servants, noblewomen, craftsmen and shopkeepers that it welcomes;  its doors are also open to hikers all year round. If you're out and about on the Hermannshöhen in the Teutoburg Forest, the castle is the perfect place for a break to recharge the batteries and simply enjoy the view – or climb a few more metres in altitude.

Into the underworld

A casemate tour takes visitors down Sparrenburg Castle's 300-metre-long underground corridor system, giving them an idea of the conditions under which the castle and town were once defended from enemy conquests. But they can go in the opposite direction too, with 121 steps leading up to the tower, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.  Tip for families:  Sparrenburg treasure-hunt maps, which are available on site or can be printed out in advance, are a fun way to discover the 750-year-old fortifications.