Magnificent or fortified, romantic or a little spooky - anyone travelling through North Rhine-Westphalia quickly realises that palaces, castles and monasteries have an eventful history and provide moving experiences with very different presentations of this past. We have selected 14 places that not only cause a stir with their architecture, but also with their amazing travel options or surprising impressions on site - dragons, poets, cogwheel railway or adventure lift included.
Top 14Our favourites
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- Nordkirchen Castle
Nordkirchen Learn morePerhaps the French Sun King would have liked to visit the Münsterland region to see the "Westphalian Versailles" and meet the builder, a prince-bishop? We don't know. One thing is certain: Nordkirchen Castle does not need to shy away from comparison with the magnificent French building near Paris. Located around 25 kilometres south of Münster, the baroque residence is not only enormous in size, but also impresses with its splendour and symmetry. The castle ensemble is situated on an island surrounded by square moats in the middle of a huge castle park laid out in the French style. With its 23 avenues, numerous sculptures and water features, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe and, like the castle courtyard, is freely accessible all year round.
Continue on the 100 castles route
Inside, the stately rooms impress with their original stucco, ceiling paintings and wood panelling. And even though the North Rhine-Westphalia University of Applied Sciences for Finance resides there today, 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 to indulge yourself and cycle along the 100 Castles Route, which runs right past the castle.
Long Nong Huang, Münsterland e.V., Luftaufnahme von Schloss Nordkirchen - Brühl Palaces UNESCO World Heritage Site
Brühl Learn moreColumns and figures made of white marble gleam alongside countless intricate frescoes framed by wall and ceiling paintings, large steps framed by a gilded banister lead to the top - but it is impossible to simply walk through here. Standing in awe is the order of the day in the grand staircase of Brühl Palace. This Rococo masterpiece serves not only as a functional staircase, but also as a representative symbol of princely power. This gem and other rooms of the summer residence can be viewed on public guided tours, which are offered from March to November inclusive.
Even Mozart stood here in awe
There is also glamour and glamour to be discovered outside Augustusburg Palace: Just a short walk through the pretty park is the small hunting lodge Falkenlust, once the private retreat of Elector and Archbishop Clemens August. Among the sumptuously furnished rooms, the gold and blue Mirror Cabinet, which even the young Mozart admired, stands out. The two palaces, together with the baroque gardens and their cosy hedgerows, fountain pools and mirror ponds, form the most beautiful rococo creation in the Rhineland - and the Brühl Palace and Park Ensemble UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., Schloss Augustusburg Treppenhaus - Moyland Castle in Bedburg-Hau
Bedburg-Hau Learn more"Mooi land" is Dutch and means "beautiful land" - and the term is pretty apt for the moated castle on the Lower Rhine with its four towers and large park. Anyone who climbs the viewing platform of the north tower has a beautiful panoramic view of the magnificent grounds and the vast surrounding landscape. But first things first: two eye-catchers catch the eye at the staircase to the palace portal: stone figures of a wolf and a pug can be seen there. The wolf is a reminder of the philosopher Voltaire, who was once a guest here, while the pug is a reminder of Winston Churchill, who visited the castle during the Second World War.
Modern art, historic gardens
The interior is characterised by another personality who has attracted international attention: The castle is home to the world's largest collection of works by the artist Joseph Beuys, who grew up very close by. The castle park is also a work of art in its own right. Sculptures by contemporary artists can be discovered among the old trees and historic gardens, while Germany's largest hydrangea garden grows on the grounds with over 2,500 plants of more than 530 different varieties. The castle hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the hydrangea festival in summer and the arts and crafts market in the run-up to Christmas.
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., Moyland Castle with moat - Castle Drachenburg
Königswinter Learn moreDrachenburg Castle in Königswinter is a real fairytale castle - and not just because of its playful turrets and battlements, but also because of its location high above the Rhine and the many stories it has to tell. One of them is that Schloss Drachenburg is actually neither a castle nor a palace, but a villa that was far too big for its intended purpose, which a stock market analyst from Bonn had built at the end of the 19th century - without ever actually 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 - and then continues on to another highlight: above the castle, the Drachenfels rises into the sky with its castle ruins visible from afar. According to the legend of the Nibelungs, this is where Siegfried is said to have defeated the dragon. Today, the summit offers a breathtaking view over the Rhine Valley and a panoramic restaurant. You can either walk down the mountain or take the cog railway again.
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., Panorama mit Schloss Drachenburg und Blick auf Rhein Richtung Bad Honnef - Castle Burg
Solingen Learn moreThis landmark of the region has been enthroned on a ridge above the Wupper since the 12th century when the Counts of Berg had their ancestral seat built here. The exhibition behind the thick walls tells the story of the building and its illustrious inhabitants: The Bergisches Museum brings the past to life in a variety of ways. In addition to historical exhibits such as weapons, murals, armour and trophies, VR elements complement the experience. Former lords of the castle talk from the sewing box or report on important events.
Up with the cable car
The journey up to the castle is also an experience: Germany's oldest double chairlift takes you up to the castle grounds, including a fantastic view during the ride. At the top, various cafés and restaurants serve the traditional Bergische Kaffeetafel, a sumptuous meal of sweet and savoury, which provides enough energy for the extensive journey into the past, which will be fully possible again from September after the end of extensive renovations. Knights' games, medieval markets and concerts are then regularly on the programme.
Christian Göhler CC-BY-SA, Schloss Burg Nordterrasse - Berleburg Castle
Bad Berleburg Learn moreThe Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg family has lived in the baroque castle overlooking the historic centre of Bad Berleburg for 750 years - it's just beautiful here. Visitors can see this for themselves time and time again: Berleburg Castle is one of the meeting places of the high nobility. Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and his wife Princess Carina currently live there with their two children. In summer, they open their gates and doors to anyone who is interested: from May to August inclusive, guided tours take place several times a week in the court vault and the princely stables as well as through the castle park with the former dungeon and the mint.
A detour to the kings of the forest
The castle park with its centuries-old trees is also worth a visit. On a slightly longer detour through the extensive forests of the Rothaargebirge around Bad Berleburg, further special encounters are possible: the kings of the forests live in the Wittgenstein bison wilderness. A three-kilometre adventure trail leads around the enclosure and offers informative insights into the way of life of these stately animals.
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., Klavier in einem Salon von Schloss Berleburg - Corvey UNESCO World Heritage Site
Höxter Learn moreThe Benedictine monks chose a beautiful spot for their abbey over 1200 years ago. Even today, the Weser flows in a beautiful curve around the idyllic village and the magnificent abbey church. Over the centuries, many other reasons for travelling have been added: For example, the unique Carolingian westwork with its two towers, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Princely Library, which is spread over 15 halls and is one of the largest private collections of the 19th century with around 74,000 volumes. It was decisively built up by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, the poet of the German national anthem, who was librarian in Corvey for a long time. His grave is in the cemetery of the abbey church.
Spiritual garden splendour
It grows magnificently under the protection of high monastery walls: roses, perennials and rare shrubs such as the bluebell or handkerchief tree thrive in the Remtergarten. The knowledge of the Benedictines also blossoms again here in the form of medicinal herbs and plants. Outside the walls, there is more history embedded in the greenery: the Huxarium Garden Park connects Corvey Castle with the historic half-timbered town of Höxter and offers many experiences along the way. Augmented reality and audio plays bring the past to life digitally, while three playgrounds encourage visitors to let off steam in a themed way. Alternatively, a funicular railway connects the castle and the old town.
Tourismus NRW e.V., Innenraum der Abteikirche des Welterbes Corvey - Hülshoff Castle
Havixbeck Learn moreThe attraction of this moated castle is certainly particularly strong for bookworms and poetry fans. This is partly due to the fact that the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff grew up on the former knight's seat and the Droste Museum in the castle illustrates her everyday life: for example, the small reception room and the large dining room with paintings of the famous poet's ancestors, precious pieces of furniture from past centuries, the richly stocked library of the house and memorabilia of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and some personal items are on display. On the other hand, the castle also houses the Center for Literature, which takes literature further and brings it into dialogue with other arts.
Via the Lyrikweg to the Rüschhaus
Visitors should definitely do as the famous poet once did - and make another stop: At the age of 29, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff moved to Haus Rüschhaus, just seven kilometres away. Much of her literary work was written in the elegant country house, including the novella "The Jew's Beech". A poetry trail connects the two places and traces the changes in literature, everyday culture and nature through the centuries at 20 stations. Droste's footsteps can be followed comfortably and from the comfort of your own home - she walked the trail countless times.
Markus Feger, Burg Hülshoff: Blick von einem Salon in den nächsten - Dyck Castle
Jüchen Learn moreThe bald cypress, tulip tree, Korean poplar and antler tree in the huge park do their best, but for all their size and exoticism, they cannot steal the show from Schloss Dyck: The moated castle, painted in a warm yellow colour, rests majestically on an island surrounded by wide moats. Ultimately, however, it is the combination of stately building and historic landscape park that makes the place so appealing: Schloss Dyck is a centre for garden art and landscape culture. And this has a long tradition: in the 19th century, Prince Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck, a passionate botanist, had the English landscape park designed. Children will not only find countless hiding places there, but now also a water playground and a labyrinth playground.
Garden art to go
Today, Schloss Dyck offers not only enjoyment and inspiration, but also tangible tips for realising your own garden dreams at home. Landscape gardeners have created themed areas based on the size and possibilities of a home garden, supplemented by a plant sale for gardens, terraces and balconies. What's more, there's not only something for the eye, but also for the palate: thanks to our own apple cultivation, crunchy fruit is available all year round, summer apples from August, Elstar and Rubinette from September, followed by many other autumn and winter varieties. More appetite? A restaurant in the old coach house serves hearty, regional dishes and home-baked cakes.
Tourismus NRW e.V., Schloss Dyck in Jüchen - Altena Castle
Altena Learn moreUp in the various museums of the imposing hilltop castle overlooking the Sauerland, the past comes alive in many forms. However, the way there is modern, comfortable and flies by: an adventure lift takes visitors around 80 metres up to the castle courtyard in just 30 seconds. Although the journey to the lift has to be made on foot, it is entertaining and amusing as it leads through an adventure tunnel in which knights, dwarves and craftsmen tell legends and stories from the past.
Medieval multimedia
The permanent exhibition continues with this mix of the Middle Ages and multimedia: original armour, military and hunting weapons, graphics and paintings can be seen in the Museum der Grafschaft Mark, as well as the original furnishings of the world's first youth hostel, which opened at Altena Castle in 1914. On the other hand, virtual witnesses of the time keep coming forward with stories and anecdotes. So there is a lot to see and experience - how fortunate that a youth hostel still offers overnight accommodation at the castle today, especially for families, school classes and children's and youth groups.
Tourismus NRW e.V., View of Altena Castle in the Sauerland - Bensberg Castle
Bergisch Gladbach Learn moreBensberg Castle never ceases to amaze. As soon as you arrive at the top of the castle hill, you rub your eyes in surprise - but it really is there: Cologne Cathedral is clearly visible in the distance. The Venetian architect precisely aligned the central axis of the castle with the sacred building, which is around 14 kilometres away. This was probably intended to impress one lady in particular: built from 1703 onwards on the orders of Elector Jan Wellem, Bensberg Palace originally served as a hunting lodge for his wife Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici.
Great pleasure for gourmets
After an eventful history in which the castle served as a military hospital and cadet centre, among other things, it is now home to the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg. Around 80 rooms and over 30 suites combine historical charm with modern comfort. Guests are spoilt with culinary delights in several restaurants and bars, including the 2-star Vendôme restaurant under the direction of Joachim Wissler. The Bensberg Castle Trail is not only a great way to explore the area, but also to discover another architectural highlight: The Bensberg Town Hall is the work of star architect Gottfried Böhm , which stands in contrast to the castle and was initially very controversial, but has since also become a landmark.
Jannis Hagels, Schloss Bensberg vob oben im Abendlicht - Benrath Castle
Düsseldorf Learn moreThis dream castle in Düsseldorf never fails to impress even people in the know: Queen Elizabeth II has been here, as has Prince Albert II of Monaco and Queen Silvia of Sweden has even visited twice. Benrath Palace is much more than just a pretty façade: three museums, a large park with rare trees and bushes as well as more than 80 bird species and over 300 beetle species make it a worthwhile destination for fans of baroque architecture, garden art and history.
A look into the hidden
Even connoisseurs can always discover something new here. On the one hand, the Corps de Logis Museum in the main palace, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Garden Art often present special exhibitions with a thematic connection to the palace and its surroundings alongside their permanent exhibitions. On the other hand, various guided tours provide new knowledge and insights. The "Hidden Rooms" tour, for example, makes invisible infrastructure visible and provides access to otherwise closed rooms and an extensive canal system.
Stiftung Schloss und Park Benrath, View of Benrath Palace - Hohenlimburg Castle
Hagen Learn morePanoramic views from high above and a deep dive into the Middle Ages - Hohenlimburg Castle makes both possible. The medieval hilltop castle in Hagen not only offers thick walls, a dungeon and saluting cannons, but also an exhibit with a creepy factor: the Black Hand. There are various stories surrounding the body part exhibited in a display case, but it is probably a piece of medieval evidence from an unsolved murder investigation.
Beautiful views
In addition to this special exhibit, the outdoor facilities, i.e. the castle courtyard, outer bailey, castle garden and battlements, are also worth seeing and accessible to visitors. The latter offers impressive views of Hohenlimburg and the Lenne valley. The interior of the castle can be visited on a night watchman tour, which takes place once a month.
Ann-Kathrin Baumgärtel, View of Hohenlimbug Castle from the battlements - Sparrenburg Bielefeld
Bielefeld Learn moreThis proud landmark, which towers high above Bielefeld on a hill, is a joy to conquer today: Not only knights, servants, noblewomen, craftsmen and shopkeepers are welcome here when the Sparrenburg Festival is celebrated every summer. Hikers are also welcome all year round: If you're out and about in the Teutoburg Forest on the Hermannshöhen, you can take a break here, fortify yourself and simply enjoy the view - or cover additional metres in altitude.
Down into the underworld
On a casemate tour, visitors can explore the 300 metre long underground passage system of Sparrenburg Castle and gain an impression of the conditions under which the castle and town were once defended from enemy conquests. But you can also go in the opposite direction: 121 steps lead up to the tower, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of the town and surrounding area. Tip for families: A Sparrenburg rally, which is available on site or can be printed out in advance, is a fun way to discover the 750-year-old fortifications.
Teutoburger Wald Tourismus / D. Ketz, Dominik Ketz, Sparrenburg Castle in the Teutoburg Forest
Experience options at a glanceQuestions and answers on the topic
Many a stately home is located directly on a cycle path and can therefore be easily reached by bike:
- Both Nordkirchen Castle and Hülshoff Castle are directly connected to the 100 Castles Route of the Münsterland region and are therefore just two fine examples of the many other castles worth seeing.
- Drachenburg Castle is located on the Rhine Cycle Route - or rather slightly above it. A sporty but scenic detour.
- The ascent to Altena Castle, which is located directly on the Lenneroute, is also rewarded with beautiful views - and is therefore ideal for a longer stage stop.
For children and families, there are adventure programmes, hands-on stations and exciting guided tours in many places:
- Even the journey to Altena Castle is an adventure, as legendary figures tell exciting stories in the castle tunnel that leads to the lift. The adventure lift then takes you up to the castle courtyard. At the top, children's tours and knight tests provide further fun.
- At Benrath Castle, a digital fold-out book invites you to go on a discovery tour to find objects, animals and plants.
- At Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld, visitors can go high up and deep down into history with a tower climb, casemate tour and children's rally.
Augmented reality brings people from the past to life at Corvey Castle and Burg Castle. At Burg Castle, for example, a former lord of the castle tells anecdotes from his life, while invisible traces of the past become digitally visible at Corvey Castle, where virtual wall paintings from the year 885 can be seen via the app.
- Sparrenburg Castle is located on one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country: The Hermannshöhen, which is one of the Top Trails of Germany, leads directly past the Bielefeld landmark.
- Beautiful vantage points with impressive views characterise the Sauerland-Höhenflug, which starts right at Altena Castle. The access to the long-distance hiking trail leads up the castle hill. Before starting the tour, which leads through the Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park , it is best to plan some time for a visit to the castle.
- The hike between Hülshoff Castle and Haus Rüschhaus is completely free of inclines. The Poetry Trail runs for around seven kilometres through the Münsterland parkland, following in the footsteps of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Along the way, 20 experience stations show how literature, everyday culture and nature have changed over the centuries
- A small but fine hotel offers accommodation for the whole family at Schloss Dyck: the former coach house of the castle complex is now a hotel with stylish rooms surrounded by the magnificent park.
- The Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg offers luxury at its finest. In addition to exquisite dishes from the 2-star gourmet cuisine of "Germany's best chef" Joachim Wissler in the Vendôme restaurant, the Beauty & Spa area also offers wellness at the highest level.
- Where the world's first youth hostel was once founded, you can still stay overnight today: The youth hostel at Burg Altena offers accommodation especially for families, school classes and children's and youth groups - naturally with all the modern comforts.
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