Münster: a historical city that's young at heart

Idyllic medieval squares, hip and trendy urban life, green oases – there is a whole lot to discover in Münster. This is a cosmopolitan city with a history going back more than 1,200 years. Whether as a bishop's seat, a member of the Hanseatic League or a university city – Münster has always played an important role in the region and far beyond. Above all else, the city earned its place in the annals of world history when the Treaty of Westphalia was signed there.

City of peace, and of bicycles

Es ist eines der größten Daten der Geschichte: Der 24. Münster will forever be associated with 24 October 1648, a very significant date in European history – the day on which the Peace of Westphalia officially ended the Thirty Years' War. But the city is also firmly rooted in the here and now, as is evident from the proliferation of the locals' favourite mode of transport: the bicycle. At times the scenes are more reminiscent of China than western Europe. As many as 100,000 people cycle in the city every day, and there are two bicycles for every resident. So anyone who wants to discover the real Münster should get on their bike! The car-free ring road around the city centre is the only one of its kind in Europe, and the 'bike station' near the main train station can accommodate 3,500 cycles, making it Germany's largest bike parking facility. It also offers a repair service, cycle hire and even a bike wash.

At close quarters - Münster's loveliest spots

Münster is a city that keeps its history very much alive: houses, churches and squares in the lovingly restored old quarter tell stories of centuries past and provide a romantic backdrop that adds historical flair to any visit. This is particularly true in the city centre, for example on Prinzipalmarkt. This remarkable square, flanked by the Stadthausturm tower, the town hall and St. Lambert's Church, is lined with gabled medieval houses that are joined together by an arcade which is full of delightful shops. Nearby Salzstrasse, Münster's oldest trading route, has a number of historical and cultural attractions to explore – most notably the baroque treasures of Erbdrostenhof Palace, the Dominican Church and the Church of St. Clement's with its beautiful baroque garden. Not far beyond that is the Ludgeri quarter with its restaurants, pubs and cafés. Rothenburg is a delightful street ideal for browsing or window shopping. From there it's not far to the cathedral square, where the Cathedral of St. Paul's with its treasury and the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Art History are sure to appeal to the culturally inclined.

It's all in the mix: creativity, art and culture

The quirky Kiepenkerl quarter is an essential part of any visit to Münster's old quarter. It combines local history and local highlife, as does the Kuh quarter with its maze of twisting alleys. This area, around the Church across the Water, is the most historical part of old Münster. A detour to the Kreativkai waterfront, Münster's top night spot by the town harbour, is highly recommended and not just on balmy summer evenings. Here among the old harbour buildings and their sparkling new counterparts visitors can discover an exciting mixture of art and culture, cafés, restaurants and trendy clubs virtually around the clock, in a stylish riverside setting. Diverse, passionate and audacious – that is Münster's very own cultural cocktail. There is something for everyone: music, drama, literature and art – Münster has it all. Because Münster simply has everything that makes a city loveable. And liveable. So the fact that it has won an award for having the best quality of life in the world will hardly come as a surprise.