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Nordkirchen Castle

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Nordkirchen Castle (Germany)

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Nordkirchen Castle in the Münsterland region is often referred to as the 'Westphalian Versailles' due to its vast dimensions and magnificent architecture. It is the largest moated castle in Westphalia and was built between 1703 and 1734 by order of Prince-Bishop Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg. The complex was erected in Baroque style according to plans by architects Gottfried Laurenz Pictorius and later Johann Conrad Schlaun. The castle is situated on a square island surrounded by wide moats. The surrounding castle park covers 170 hectares and combines French garden design with English landscape elements. Numerous sculptures and grand avenues characterize the garden ensemble, which is considered one of the most significant in Northern Germany. Today, the main building serves as the headquarters for the North Rhine-Westphalia College of Finance, while large parts of the park and some representative rooms are accessible to visitors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125913171918151062
Rain mm917064476971838467698190

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Schlossstr. 1, 59394 Nordkirchen
🕒
Hours
Park 24/7, inner courtyard accessible
💶
Entry
free (park), €5.00 tours inside
🌐
Website
schloss-nordkirchen.de
🚌
Transit
Train station Capelle (Westf), then bus
🅿️
Parking
Free parking at the castle
♿
Accessibility
Accessible in park and courtyard
📷
Photos
Allowed
⭐
Best time
Summer for a picnic in the park
🎧
Audio guide
no

Geography

Coordinates
51.73000, 7.73000

Facts

  • The entire castle complex covers an area of approximately 170 hectares.
  • The construction lasted a total of 31 years from 1703 to 1734.
  • The park contains more than 300 historic statues and sculptures.
  • The castle island is connected to the mainland by three stone bridges.
  • Since 1958, the castle has been used as a training facility for tax officials.
  • UNESCO classified the park as a monument of European significance.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Drensteinfurt7 km · NExplore →
HammHamm8 km · SEExplore →
📍Werne10 km · SWExplore →
📍Ahlen12 km · EExplore →
📍Bergkamen14 km · SWExplore →
📍Sendenhorst14 km · NEExplore →
📍Kamen16 km · SExplore →
📍Selm18 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nordkirchen Castle (2)

Landwehr

Archaeological site, remains of a historic defensive earthwork.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the 'Westphalian Versailles'?
Due to its size, magnificent Baroque architecture, and extensive gardens, it is reminiscent of its French counterpart.
Can you visit the castle park for free?
Yes, the huge park is open to the public year-round and is good for long walks.
Can you visit the interior of the castle?
As the castle houses a finance college, interior tours are usually only possible via guided tours on Sundays and public holidays.
Where exactly is Nordkirchen Castle located?
It is located in southern Münsterland, about 30 kilometers south of Münster and 40 kilometers north of Dortmund.
Is the castle a moated castle?
Yes, the castle complex is surrounded by wide moats (Gräften), which is typical for the Münsterland region.
Nordkirchen Castle: where is it located?
Nordkirchen Castle is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Nordkirchen Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kurricker Berg, Landwehr.
Nordkirchen Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nordkirchen Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nordkirchen Castle in the Münsterland region is often referred to as the 'Westphalian Versailles' due to its vast dimensions and magnificent architecture.
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