Burg Hülshoff – Droste-Museum

About the museum

Burg Hülshoff near Havixbeck is a moated castle first mentioned in the 11th century, which belonged to the Droste zu Hülshoff family from 1417 to 2012. The complex stands on two islands connected by a bridge and features Renaissance stepped gables made of Baumberg sandstone and brick; the gardener's tower dates from 1628. The poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff was born here in 1797; she later moved with her mother and sister to the nearby Rüschhaus.

In 2012, the last private owner handed the castle over to the Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff Foundation, which has since operated it as the literary center "Burg Hülshoff – Center for Literature." The Droste Museum in the castle offers insight into the life of the poet and the Westphalian nobility of her time. An extensive park surrounds the castle, which also houses the Café-Restaurant DROSTE 1797.

Construction is currently under way on the grounds: the outer bailey is receiving an event hall and offices, and about 800 meters away, the "Droste Residenz," a guesthouse for art and research, is being built. The museum is therefore closed. Reopening with the new permanent exhibition "Droste Welten: Burg Hülshoff" is planned for 2027; the park, café-restaurant, Lyrikweg (poetry trail), and guided tours remain accessible.

Highlights

• Moated castle with Renaissance gables and an extensive park
• Birthplace of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff
• In-house chapel and park tours during the construction phase
• Lyrikweg poetry trail as an outdoor museum between Burg Hülshoff and Haus Rüschhaus
• Café-Restaurant DROSTE 1797 at the castle

Permanent exhibition

• Droste Welten: Burg Hülshoff – The new permanent exhibition in the Droste Museum at the castle will show the life and writing of the poet and the everyday life of the nobility of her time; the opening is planned for 2027.

Operated by

Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff-Stiftung (Burg Hülshoff – Center for Literature)

Admission & discounts

Museum prices apply from the reopening. Entry to the castle park is free; holders of the Droste Pass have free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and the castle cellar restaurant, as well as the restrooms there, can only be reached by stairs. The outdoor areas from the parking lot to the castle courtyard are barrier-free; suitable toilets are located near the park entrance. A tour in German Sign Language is possible via video guide.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Every second Sunday of the month: "Kinder im Museum" ("Children in the Museum") with one- to two-hour formats, either mornings from 11:00 or afternoons from 14:00; during the renovation, these take place in the castle park and on the Lyrikweg. Free materials for families and schools are available on the Droste Pad platform. Admission is free up to age 18.

Getting there & parking

The castle is about 10 km from Münster. By car, take Kreuz Münster-Nord (Cologne–Bremen) or the A 43 exit Senden. By bike from Münster, go via Roxel or along the Hülshoffstraße; from Havixbeck, follow the Landstraße (country road) 581.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Café-Restaurant DROSTE 1797 at the castle; teatime in the little tea house can be booked, plus the "Droste Picknick" in the park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Bookings for weddings and the restaurant via gastronomie@burg-huelshoff.de.

Plan your visit