The Münsterland region is rich in imposing moated castles and romantic fortresses set in picturesque countryside. That’s why the cycling city of Münster has created the 100 Castles Route especially for cyclists, which connects historic buildings worth seeing on four circular routes. One of these magnificent treasures of the Münsterland region on the 100 Castles Route is Westerwinkel Castle near Ascheberg in the district of Herbern. This castle is one of the earliest Baroque castles in Westphalia, dating back to the predecessor of a moated castle, which was first mentioned in documents in 1225. The early Baroque moated castle was built between 1663 and 1668 as a closed four-winged complex on a rectangular floor plan with two storeys and pavilion towers at the corners of the building, surrounded by an English park consisting of moats. The shutters and the gate are designed in the black and white colours of the coat of arms of the Counts of Merveldt, the current owners. After changing hands several times, the castle has been owned by the von Merveldt family since 1555, following the marriage of Hermann von Merveldt to Ursula Diepenbrock, the heiress. The entire complex extends over two islands. The castle and the outer bailey are located on the eastern island, while the western island is home to the vegetable garden with a two-storey brick pavilion in Baroque style. The outer bailey can be reached via a bridge on the west side of the castle island. This frames the forecourt of the castle in a U-shape. The count’s quarters, which have been preserved unchanged, can be visited by appointment. The exterior can be viewed at any time. The picturesque moated castle is also home to the Westerwinkel Golf Club with 18 holes. Westerwinkel Castle, set in the idyllic parkland of the Münsterland region with its centuries-old trees, invites you to relax and unwind far away from dense residential areas, which is exactly what I did.
