Photos courtesy of Schloss Wilkinghege
The first documentation of Schloss Wilkinghege dates back to 1311 as a property belonging to the von Rhemen zu Barensfeld family. Like many Westphalian castles, a moat provided the castle’s best defense. The use of brick is typical too, as stone was not as readily available.
The Renaissance style you see today is attributed to the Steveninck zu Broich family, who rebuilt the castle in 1550. Look for the two lions on the crest over the entrance.
Pamela’s Perspective
Schloss Wilkinghege is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association, which includes some of the most elegant properties in Europe. You can be assured that the cuisine is excellent and the wine divine. In fact, be sure to make reservations for the restaurant as well as the hotel.
The rooms in the annex, which was a former stables and pheasant house, are modern in decor. I would opt for the rooms inside the mansion to experience the hotel’s historical ambience at its best.
Schloss Wilkinghege
An 18th-century castle
Contact
Steinfurter Strasse 374
D-48159 Münster
Tel: ++49 (0) 251 144 270
Fax: ++49 (0) 251 212 898
Hotel website
Fast facts
35 rooms, including 13 apartments; some rooms in annex
Single rooms: 105–170 euros
Double rooms: 150–315 euros
Apartments: 190–235 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service
Special packages available
Open: all year except for Christmas holidays
Getting there
Münster is well served by train and bus.
What to do
On site: golf; tennis
Nearby: bicycling; hot air
ballooning; excursions into
Münster with its cathedral and
baroque buildings
Weddings
Yes. Chapel on site.
Schloss Wilkinghege is more of a mansion than a fairy tale style castle, although a surrounding moat gives it just the right romantic touch.
The mansion’s tastefully decorated interior with stuccoed ceilings, silk tapestries, period furniture, old paintings, and engravings suggests a late Renaissance style with enough modern updates for comfort.
Guest rooms inside the mansion are spacious and include period furnishings. If you ask for a room in the back, you’ll have a view of the moat and surrounding countryside.
The schloss’s restaurant is highly rated, and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy eating outside on the terrace.
A lovingly tended formal garden helps lend to the tranquil atmosphere.
Something special
Excellent restaurant