Hülshoff Castle near Havixbeck is one of the most popular destinations in Münsterland. The first documented mention of the castle dates back to 1349. It developed from the former upper court, to which a manor house was added by the then owners, the Lords of Schonebeck. In 1417 the ancestors of the poet acquired the knight's seat. The manor house, which was built as a closed Renaissance complex in the years 1540-1545, has essentially been preserved to this day.
As it presents itself at present, it is a beautiful Renaissance building from the years 1540-1545 after a reconstruction by Heinrich I von Droste-Hülshoff. Today, the moated castle houses, among other things, the Droste Museum, which provides an insight into the life of the poetess and the nobility of the time. The surrounding park offers an attractive excursion destination in summer.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.