Schloss Westerwinkel

About the museum

A fortified complex is already recorded on the site of the present palace in 1225. In the 16th century the estate passed to the von Merveldt family, who still own it today and over time rose to the rank of imperial barons and imperial counts. Between 1663 and 1668 they had the complex rebuilt as a four-winged moated palace with an outer bailey; the prince-bishop's engineer Peter Pictorius the Elder is considered the master builder. This makes Westerwinkel one of the earliest Baroque palaces in Westphalia.

The palace is surrounded by wide moats and an English-style landscape park, which includes a very old linden tree; an 18-hole golf course was laid out on the grounds in 1994. The park and outdoor grounds are freely accessible and lie on the 100-Schlösser-Route (100 Castles Route).

The count's family still partly lives in the palace. Several rooms with largely original furnishings, including wall paneling and furniture, have been set up as a museum and show how the Westphalian nobility lived in the 18th century. They can only be visited on guided tours for pre-registered groups.

Highlights

• One of the earliest Baroque palaces in Westphalia (1663–1668)
• Four-winged complex with wide moats
• Historic living quarters with original furnishings
• English landscape park with cherry blossoms in spring

Operated by

Familie Graf von Merveldt (Privatbesitz)

Admission & discounts

Prices per person for group tours according to Münsterland e.V.; visiting the park and outdoor grounds is free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café "Hugo am Schloss" in the neighboring golf club, open to non-golfers as well.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit