Hotels in Munster

Packed to the brim with a rich historical background, Munster is most known for two things: being Germany’s bicycle capital and being a historic university city. With a total of about 300,000 residents, Munster considers students as their primary residents as they total to around 61,500.

Since Munster falls under the radar for tourists, it is the best place to explore Germany without fighting the huge crowds on tours and families on vacation. Even without skyscrapers, Munster is able to attract people to inhabit the area.

How to Get There

Anyone going to Munster has an option to go through Münster Osnabrück International Airport. The airport is simple in design as compared to other airports in Germany as it is considered a minor international airport to carry passengers directly into Munster. It features flights to some European cities as well as other parts of Germany.

To go to the city proper, you may have two options on-ground: driving a car or taking the bus. Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get to town proper. It takes about 26 minutes of driving. Taking the bus, however, will require transfers as the buses only go as far as the railway station which takes approximately 40 minutes.

Getting Around

Munster used to have a tramway system that unfortunately closed down in the mid-1950s. The main mode of transportation is now via bicycling, trains, and buses. Since bicycling is a big part of the lifestyle of people in Munster, it is not uncommon to get to even far-out areas using a bike.

For longer trips, trains are available for people who want to travel to other parts of Germany. The buses, however, provides different options for people with different needs. The buses have sightseeing buses, waterbuses, bus express, etc. Depending on your needs, you may view and enjoy Munster in different kinds of enjoyable modes of transportation.

Top Things to Do

For tourists who like to mix educational trips with fun nightlife, Munster is the best place to be. It was the place where the Peace of Westphalia Treaty was signed and effectively ended the Thirty Years’ War. Apart from the amazing people, Munster is also known for having replicated their own city’s design after it was destroyed in World War II.

The main marketplace or Prinzipalmarkt as it is known locally is one of the most popular and accessible areas to visit in Munster. The place is perfect for anyone who is a sucker for the perfect Instagram photo. With cobblestones lining up the streets and charming rustic signages for the pubs and cafes, there is no area that doesn’t prove to be unworthy of space in your social media feed.

One of the highlights of Prinzipalmarkt is the Rathaus or the city hall. This towering beauty was built in Gothic style and houses Friedenssaal, the place where they signed the Peace of Westphalia and effectively ended the Thirty Years’ War.

Just surrounding Munster are a handful of magnificent castles. Just like in fairy tales, the castles are built in moats. One of which is the Hulshoff Castle that doesn’t only show the beauty of architecture but now has a children’s museum and a restaurant to host visitors. For a more relaxed time, you may also visit the Aasee. It is a man-made lake near Prinzipalmarkt. It has a park and is friendly to individuals or groups and families. You may also find here the Solaaris, a solar-powered boat that ferries people to and from the city proper.

You will also not want to miss the Stadtmuseum Münster. This museum exhibits the different pieces narrating the history of Munster. From reconstructed exact replicas of architecture from different periods, they also showcase paintings and artifacts.

What to Eat

The first food stop in Munster should be at Waffelschmiede Munster. It is a fun, chic, and modern restaurant that serves different kinds of waffles according to your liking. Not only is it a refreshing break from your itinerary, but it is also a nice break from social media as they do not offer any complimentary wifi, as in the usual practice in most cafes in Munster.

It might be a little strange to go to a French cafe while in Germany but Pain & Gâteau à la Krimphove might just deserve a visit. They are best known for their legendary quiche and their beautiful three-story building. They also do not offer any wifi but with the selection of bread and drinks, you might just find yourself entertained and full for hours.

For authentic local dishes, go for Grosser Kiepenkerl. The classically-trained chefs use Westphalian recipes that are cooked fresh for every order. Order the signature Shnitzel paired with any of their locally sourced beers and wines. Tasting the lovely food might cost you a bit more here but the experience might just be well worth it.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Munster is young and vibrant as it hosts 61,500 students in its population. One of the most iconic clubs to go to is Konigsstrasse 45. The club hosts dance parties until dawn with house tunes.

For an alternative party scene, Am Hawerkamp is available from night until dawn. With a vast area of a former concrete factory, it can host enough people with its art studios, rehearsal rooms, and the club itself. Am Hawerkamp is a memorable trip sitting a little beyond the border of Munster.

Where to Stay

Being the home of hundreds of thousands of students, the accommodation in Munster is eclectic, to say the least. It varies from every different price range. Student housing and apartments are available for individuals or small groups looking for a lower price point. It is enough for those looking for a comfortable place to stay.

More luxurious options are also available as big name-hotels are also present in Munster. Movenpick and Best Western Premier hotel are just some of the more expensive options that offer great service and easy access to tourist locations.

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