© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Cappenberg Castle
Gleaming white with a striking red roof: this is how Cappenberg Castle stands majestically and visible from afar on the ridge of the suburb of the same name in the town of Selm in southern Münsterland. It is one of the most important examples of Westphalian baroque monastic architecture. It is also the first monastery of the Catholic Premonstratensian Order in the German-speaking world.
Listed place of faith
In 1122, the last Count of Cappenberg, St. Gottfried, gave his castle and property to St. Norbert, the founder of this still very young religious order. The Romanesque collegiate church of Cappenberg was built as early as 1148 - but the present three-winged castle complex was not completed until the 17th century. Since then, it has framed the listed place of faith, which today is equally a place of pilgrimage for culture lovers and those seeking recreation.
Cultural centre of attraction
Today, the collegiate church is a widely known venue, not only for church services, but especially for concerts. In the main building, an impressive museum has long since made Cappenberg Castle a cultural centre of attraction. World-class art exhibitions alternate here every year - the permanent exhibition "Visiting Baron vom Stein" is open to everyone.
After five years of construction, during which the castle was extensively renovated inside and out, it has been resplendent in new splendour since April 2022. Guests can marvel at the famous Cappenberg Barbarossa's Head - a portrait bust of the respected Staufen emperor made of gilded bronze (around 1160) - in the southern transept of the basilica. It is currently used by the parish of St. John the Evangelist as a Catholic parish church and place of remembrance, but is accessible during guided tours.
The nearby Café Alte Kegelbahn is a good place to take a short break. Here, lovingly prepared seasonal dishes in organic quality as well as waffles and cakes are served.
Insider Tip | Cappenberg Castle
Wine enjoyment at Cappenberg Castle© Münsterland. e.V. / luxteufelswild
A wine and winemaking tradition that links Schloss Cappenberg with wine-growing regions in the Rheingau goes back to the estate's famous owner: Heinrich Friedrich Karl Freiherr vom und zum Stein. When he transferred his property to the von Kanitz family by inheritance, the winemaking tradition also remained alive and still makes Schloss Cappenberg an insider's tip for all Riesling fans: the current owner of the castle, Sebastian Graf von Kanitz, had the former vineyard near the castle replanted with about 1,000 Riesling vines in June 2017; as a sign of the connection with the actual growing region around Lorch. The wine specialities, which are thus historically closely interwoven with the history of the Münsterland, can be enjoyed exclusively at the castle.
Map | Cappenberg Castle
Note on the visit
- The castle grounds are freely accessible all year round.
- Public and private guided tours are offered.
Cappenberg Castle
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
- Wednesday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
- Thursday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
- Friday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
- Saturday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
- Sunday10:00 Uhr bis 17:30 Uhr
Die Öffnungszeiten Dienstag bis Sonntag gelten auch für Feiertage. An Silvester und Neujahr geschlossen.
Cappenberg Castle
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Friday12:00 Uhr bis 20:00 Uhr
- Saturday12:00 Uhr bis 20:00 Uhr
- Sunday12:00 Uhr bis 19:00 Uhr
- Eventuell abweichende Öffnungszeiten an Feiertagen.
Admission Museum
- Adults:6,00 €
- normal:3,00 €
- Groups:4,00 €
* Applies to: People with disabilities (with severely disabled ID from 50%), trainees, students, participants in federal voluntary service, voluntary military service, voluntary social/ ecological year, recipients of unemployment benefit II (benefits according to SGB II and XII).
Sights in the surrounding area
As a highlight of the Münsterland castles and palaces region, I am open to all visitors and a real all-round experience. You are very welcome!
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina