Home to one of the most beautiful moated castles in North Rhine-Westphalia, Steinfurt is a historic city north of Münster. From the 12th to 19th centuries, it served as the capital of the County of Steinfurt and is named after an old stone ford that once crossed the Steinfurter Aa.
Things to do in Steinfurt
Stroll through the heart of Steinfurt to admire its 16th-century Old Town Hall with its Renaissance gable and turret-supporting “emperor’s beam”. Don’t miss Huck Beifang Haus, which hosts changing art exhibitions, and the half-timbered residence known as the Kornschreiberhaus. Overlooking the market square is the Weinhaus, which was built by the Count of Steinfurt in 1450.
Occupying an island surrounded by the Steinfurter Aa is Schloss Burgsteinfurt, a moated castle dating back to the 12th century. Join a guided tour to explore the remains of its curtain wall and the Romanesque-style chapel, as well as the Knight’s Hall and the 16th-century residence of Countess Walburg. Concerts are regularly held in the Bagno Konzertgalerie.
Sprawling south-east of Steinfurt is the Steinfurter Bagno, a picturesque park on the banks of the Steinfurter Aa. It was originally established by Count Charles Paul Ernest in 1765, complete with exotic buildings, fountains and statues. You can stretch your legs on the winding paths that lead through its woodlands, relax beside landscaped flower beds or coincide your visit with a performance in the historic concert gallery.
Getting around Steinfurt
Steinfurt is around 30 minutes’ drive from Münster and an hour from Dortmund. Düsseldorf Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Steinfurt-Burgsteinfurt railway station and buses travel through the town, connecting most of its attractions.