Things to Do in Muenster

Site where the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648, ending the Thirty Years' War. The Friedenssaal (Peace Hall) is open to visitors. The building is Gothic with a restored original council chamber.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon. Last entry 30 mins before closing.

💡 Free guided tours in English on Saturdays at 11:00, book a spot at the tourist information desk opposite. Otherwise you can walk through the hall in 10 minutes.

Medieval Romanesque and Gothic cathedral. Interior is spacious and austere. The astronomical clock from 1542 still works. Look for the model of the city under siege from 1634 in the cloister.

🕐 Daily 06:30-19:00, tower access Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00

💡 Climb the tower (small fee) for the best view of the old town. Do it on a clear weekday morning to avoid crowds.

University botanical garden with thematic sections including alpine plants, a rose garden and a tropical greenhouse. Compact but well-maintained. Good for a quiet stroll.

🕐 Greenhouses: daily 09:00-16:00; outdoor grounds: daily until dusk

💡 Enter via the north gate near the Schlossgarten. The succulent house is especially good in winter. Go early to avoid school groups.

Large artificial lake with a 7km walking and cycling path around it. You can rent pedal boats or just sit on the grass. Two playgrounds and a beach volleyball court at the south end.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pack a picnic and head to the eastern shore around sunset. Much quieter than the promenade near the restaurant.

Major art museum covering medieval to contemporary works. Strong collection of German Expressionists and temporary exhibitions. The building itself is modern and well-lit.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Wed until 20:00, closed Mon

💡 Entry is free every first Sunday of the month. Also free for under-18s any day. The cafe has decent coffee without the museum markup.