Discover Münster: Old Town, Aasee and culture

Münster can be explored through several themes: the Old Town, routes for different modes of transport, Aasee and places to learn about local history. When planning a stay, you can decide which interests to prioritize: finding your way around the city, a bike tour, outdoor art or a museum. The following places offer concrete starting points. For seasonal transport services and details that may change, it is worth checking the latest information in advance.

Old Town and Market

Prinzipalmarkt is located in the heart of Münster’s Old Town. The weekly market is held at Domplatz and, with around 150 stalls, is the largest market in Münster; the number of stalls may vary. For planning purposes, these offer two different points of reference: Prinzipalmarkt for a view of the Old Town’s historic core, and Domplatz for a market visit with a large number of stalls.

Promenade and cycling

The Promenade forms a green belt around the Old Town. Its double-row avenue of lime trees is car-free and an important route for pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters. The Promenade also follows the line of the former city wall. The route is 4.5 kilometres long and runs from Aasee to the Old Town. This brings together a clearly defined route and a distinctive green feature of the urban landscape.

Cyclists can also use the junction-based route system throughout the city of Münster and beyond. It connects the city, the region and the state. While the Promenade is described in terms of its length and endpoints, the junction-based route system covers a larger area. Signage and route details may change; check the information before your tour.

Aasee: paths, art and water

Aasee is Münster’s most central recreational area. Paths through the greenery along the lake are used by walkers, cyclists and inline skaters. If you would rather explore Aasee from the water, you can hire a boat. Check the operating details in advance if you plan to include the boat hire in your itinerary.

The art around Aasee also has a clear historical context: the sculptures were created specifically for the four major sculpture exhibitions held from 1977 to 2007. This links the lakeside landscape with a history of exhibitions for which the works were created.

During the summer months, the solar-powered SOLAARIS takes visitors from the city centre to four attractions at Aasee. This seasonal service differs from the boat hire both in its departure point and in the destinations listed. Check the latest dates and operating details before travelling.

Local history and city tour

The Stadtmuseum Münster presents the city’s history, from its beginnings to the present day, in 33 themed galleries. This layout provides a thematic framework for the different periods of the city’s history.

The MÜNSTERBUS offers hourly hop-on/hop-off city tours. The red open-top double-decker bus stops at twelve stops along its circular route and passes Schloss, Dom, Prinzipalmarkt and Erbdrostenhof. If you plan to take the tour, check the current timetable and route in advance, as operational route details may change.

The outdoor grounds of the Botanical Garden of the University of Münster are open daily from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

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