Crossing the drawbridge, visitors step directly into the Middle Ages. Then, rising before them, is the imposing main castle, built on stilts, complete with its arrowslits and battlements. Originally built by the bishop to secure the diocese’s sovereign rights against the rebellious lords of Lüdinghausen, what later became the ancestral seat of the Droste zu Vischering family withstood all attacks for 250 years. That is, until 1521, when parts of the main castle were destroyed by fire. Since its reconstruction in the Renaissance style, the complex—nestled amid an extensive system of moats—has remained virtually unchanged. Even the magnificent 16th-century four-poster bed, whose carved motifs depict the expulsion from Paradise, still stands in its original place.
Wall paintings in the Baroque Knights’ Hall
In the newly designed, interactive permanent exhibition, visitors gain a vivid impression of life from the Middle Ages through to modern times. They follow the ancestors of the Droste zu Vischering family on their journey to becoming one of the most successful landed noble families in the Münsterland region and gain insight into the region’s landscape of castles and palaces. In the highlight of the exhibition—the Baroque Knights’ Hall—they even become part of the festive aristocratic society themselves as the famous murals magically come to life.
Together with Nordkirchen Castle and Westerwinkel Castle, Vischering Castle forms an impressive “triangle of castles” in the southern Münsterland region, which is particularly popular among cyclists traveling along the 100-Castles Route. The complex, which is a designated historic landmark and includes the castle as well as residential and farm buildings on separate islands, is also a popular destination for families. Equipped with a tablet, children can explore the castle on their own and test their strength against a suit of knight’s armor in the castle’s basement. In addition, the district’s cultural center organizes an annual knights’ camp at Vischering Castle.
Art and Jazz Music
Throughout the year, high-caliber cultural events take place in the event hall of the outer bailey, while the upper floor of the coach house hosts rotating art and cultural history exhibitions featuring renowned artists such as Markus Lüpertz and Eduardo Chillida. A must-see event on the calendar for jazz lovers is the “BurgJazz” series.
