Welcome to the beautiful city of Munster. It is also considered as a multi-faceted city. Munster is a city of science and learning, the capital city of bicycles, the City of Westphalian Peace, and Germany’s Climate Protection Capital. Munster earned the title of “Major City” in the year 1915 due to its population of more than 100,000. However, towards the year 2014, the population rose to almost three times, i.e., 300,000.
It is an outstanding place to live, work, learn and research. It is a place where urban culture, municipal diversity and first-class rural recreation intersect and have a mutually enhancing effect.
Let’s learn more about this beautiful German city, in terms of various aspects such as geographical location, population, climatic conditions over the year, and other such prominent things.
LOCATION
Munster is located on the river Aa, which is approx. 15 kms in the southern side, along with its confluence with the Ems in the Westphalian Bight. The Westphalian Bight is a landscape, which comprises of scattered settlements and farms, therefore, called Munsterland. The city of Munster is counted amongst the 42 collective areas and also the biggest city of Germany, in area-wise.
CLIMATE
Munster has a well-known saying which when translated in English means: “Either it rains or the church bell rings. And if both the things occur at the same time, it is Sunday.” The image of Munster as a rain laden city isn’t just due to absolute rainfall. The average temperature is around. 9.4°C or 48.9°F. The winter in Munster is fairly mild and snowfall is unusual.
DIVISIONS OF MUNSTER
Munster is divided into six administrative districts:
- Mitte or Middle
- Nord or North
- Ost or East
- West
- Süd-Ost or South-East
- Hiltrup
Each of the districts is represented by a council of 19 representatives elected in local elections. Heading each council is the district mayor, or Bezirksvorsteher. Every district is subdivided into residential quarters (Wohnbereiche). This official term, however, is not used in common speech, as there are no discrete definitions of the individual quarters.
The term “Stadtteil” is used instead, mainly referring to the incorporated communities. The districts are also divided into 45 statistical districts. Every single district is embodied by an assembly of 19 representatives who are elected in the local elections. Each council is governed by the district mayor, who is also known as Bezirksvorsteher.
Considering that you might once get the chance of making a trip to this beautiful city, let’s take a look at what are the things which you can check out or do whilst on your trip to this beautiful city. Some of the major attractions in Munster are as follows:
- Münster Cathedral or St. Paulus Dom: This Cathedral serves as the city emblem since the 13th century. It is the oldest architectural marvel in the city of Münster and offers a lot to explore and discover. Don’t forget the 1540s astronomical clock, which is considered to be one of the best in Germany. The cathedral’s golden stones glow during the sunset, and offer a sight not to be missed!
- The City Hall: This captivating city hall is a hallmark of Münster. It serves as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. The City Hall served as a place for signing the most important treaties in European history. Most of the treaties were signed in the Peace Hall inside the City Hall. One of the treaties signed here, Peace of Westphalia, gave birth to the Netherlands in 1648.
- Aasee: This man-made lake is hardly a ten-minute walk from Prinzipalmarkt. You can cycle, jog, and stroll on the lakefront. It makes up for a perfect picnic spot. For a little exploration, rent a pedal boat and have a little trip to the lake. The spot also provides services to ferry people to the Alwetterzoo.
- St. Lambertikirche: This Gothic church, built in the 1450s is one of the most beautiful structures in the city. It houses antique and unique treasures of history. One such antique treasure is iron cages hanging from the openwork spire. The history behind these cages is that the cages were used to display the corpses of Jan van Leyden and two members of his unit. They wished to establish the Anabaptist Empire, but they failed. They were tortured using iron tongs. They were soon executed and their corpses were at display inside the church.
- Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History: This is Münster’s main museum, filled with paintings by Franz Marc, August Macke, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. This museum also houses antique furniture, and various Gothic sculptures, from the Middle Age. The museum truly illustrates the culture of Westphalia.
- Prinzipalmarkt: For the ultimate shopping destination of Münster, visit Prinzipalmarkt. The area surrounding the famous City Hall is Prinzipalmarkt. You can appreciate the architecture of the houses since no two houses are the same. Each has a unique gable and built. The Prinzipalmarkt also houses many cafes and restaurants.
- Picasso Museum: A native of Münster, Gert Huizinga, befriended Pablo’s lover Marie-Thérèse Walter. And he was, therefore, able to collect Pablo’s lithographs, which are a total 800 in number. This Museum houses a lot of collection, primarily of prints and books. The real history is represented through art and old books, give this place a visit to feel an air of history around you.
- Allwetterzoo Münster: Münster zoo is the best place for children to interact with animals. It offers interaction with a pony, donkeys, lambs, guinea pigs, dwarf goats, chickens among others. The zoo houses 3000 animals from 300 species. The zoo also offers indoor attractions like exhibitions, BioCity, turtle conservation center, etc. Pay a visit to this beautiful zoo for a playful day in the lap of nature.
These are just some of the most amazing places in Munster which would surely give you the taste about the social lifestyle, culture and also give you an insight about the magnificent historical journey of this city. As per the tourism score, the “best time” to visit Munster for warm-weather activities is from late June to late August.