This tour is like a trip through fairytale land. Past green landscapes, romantic moats and majestic palaces and castles. From the Rhineland to Münsterland, the historical treasures on this tour are just a small selection of what North Rhine-Westphalia has to offer.
The symmetrical gardens, the curved staircases and the attention to detail in the architecture...a jewel in dusky pink. The palace park, which flows seamlessly into an extensive avenue, is also very special. I take a stroll and enjoy the peace and quiet before making my way back to the railway station. Because my journey has only just begun!
At Benrath station, I board the RB48 towards Brühl. How can I have lived in the Rhineland for so long and never marvelled at the Unesco World Heritage Site? It’s almost an embarrassment. Outside the window, green fields and small villages pass by while I browse through my favourite playlist.
When I arrive in Brühl, I'm immediately captivated. It's a short walk to Augustusburg Palace, which takes me on an extra detour through the pretty town centre with its cosy cafés and historic buildings. When I arrive at the castle, I am impressed: the rococo architecture is like a huge work of art. I stroll through the palace park, admire the magnificent avenues and imagine how gentlewomen strolled here with parasols centuries ago. Inside, it is no less impressive – quite the opposite. The steps almost seem to float, surrounded by ornate decorations and an impressive painted ceiling full of angels and clouds. It feels like stepping into a living painting.
A detour to Falkenlust Palace is of course a must. This smaller but no less impressive hunting lodge is just a short walk away. The magnificent hall of mirrors in gold and blue, which once impressed the young Mozart, is a real highlight of the lavishly designed rooms. Together with the baroque gardens – with hidden hedged areas, splashing fountains and the glittering mirror pond – and a chapel decorated with shells, minerals and crystals, the two palaces are one of the most beautiful rococo creations in the Rhineland I treat myself to a short break here, enjoy the fresh air and a snack I've brought with me, before heading back to the railway station.
My tip for museum fans: The Max Ernst Museum of the LVR is just around the corner and highly recommended.
The RB27 continues towards Münsterland and the journey has a meditative quality to it. The landscape becomes ever greener. The timber-framed villages that occasionally appear between the trees put me in the right mood for the first stop: Münster.
I take a leisurely stroll from Münster central station towards the city palace. This baroque building with its impressive façade and adjacent palace gardens is a real highlight. The Schlossgarten Café in the palace grounds is the perfect place for a short break, but I decide to take a stroll through the old town before continuing on. For me, Münster has the most beautiful historical city centre in the whole of NRW.
There are said to be people who collect bird calls like stamps. The only difference is that they don't stick them in, but tick them off on a list. I heard this story for the first time years ago in the Rieselfeldern, and since then I have suspected that every suspicious birdwatcher is one of these collectors. The nature reserve near Münster, which was created by dedicated people on a former sewage treatment plant, is an El Dorado for waders and waterfowl from all over Europe. And I recommend taking part in one of the regular bird song walks that take place here. Peep. Peep.
With my love of Münster rekindled, I continue towards Nordkirchen Palace. From Münster central station, I take the RB50 to Capelle, where a short bus ride takes me directly to the ‘Westphalian Versailles’.
On we go – the next highlight awaits: Vischering Castle in Lüdinghausen. With a quick change of bus and train, the journey continues. The RB51 takes me to Lüdinghausen, and the town welcomes me with a charming mix of history and Münsterland cosiness.
Vischering Castle itself is like something out of a fairytale: a water castle surrounded by a moat and idyllic paths. I stroll over the drawbridge and immerse myself in the exhibition on the history of the region. The atmosphere is so calming that I almost forget the time.
In the early evening, I set off on my relaxed return journey. The RB51 takes me back towards Düsseldorf, and as the sun slowly sinks lower, I reflect on the day. Two palaces, a fairytale moated castle and many small discoveries in between.
Are you once again finding yourself waiting for the train? No worries - there is plenty to discover in NRW.
