Westphalia

Regional Overview

Home of the Saxons

The modern, smaller Westphalia is a vast fertile plain that traces the arc of the Ems River as it flows out of the Egge Mountains and into East Frisia. Historically it was home to the powerful Prince-Bishops of Münster and Paderborn, along with several other minor principalities. Though WWII saw both cities reduced to ash, travel through our Westphalian inheritance focuses on the hundreds of beautiful castles, palaces, and small towns scattered across the region.

Regional Identity

What to Lookout For

  • The Westphalian Gothic, combining traditions from the Rhineland and the Baltic
  • Monumental and urban sandstone architecture contrasts the half-timbered and brick cities of Lower Saxony and the Baltic
  • An endless number of moated castles and palaces

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Justin Bunch | CityscapeTravel My suggested travel destinations with the top three destinations highlighted.

What is Westphalia?

The beauty of Westphalia lies in its beautiful cultural landscape, either in the fertile fields of Münsterland or along the winding Ems River Landscape. The region was devastated by the Second World War, and most major cities were totally or partially destroyed. However, the reconstructed centers in Osnabrück and Münster still form the region’s highlights. To truly immerse yourself in Westphalia, travel to smaller towns, villages, forests, and riverside groves. Villages like Lippstadt, Rheda, or Meppen offer authentic Westphalian charm.

Interactive Map

Cities of Westphalia

Hiking in the Region

Hiking: The Hohe Mark

Hiking: The Hohe Mark

The Hohe Mark is a nature park focused on the mixed forest and agricultural landscapes of Münsterland. Most of this hike takes you through the…

Hiking: Münsterland Panorama

Hiking: Münsterland Panorama

The flat plains of Westphalia around the city of Münster are colloquially referred to as the Münsterland. Despite the lack of serious topographic disturbance, the…

My Quantitative Travel Rankings

To understand where the categories come from, see this article here.

Social Score

4.1 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Hype: 2.5
  • Growth: 4.1
  • Wealth: 4.6
  • Recognition: 3.9
Ease of Travel

5.2 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Accommodation: 3.4
  • Transportation: 4.9
  • Ease of Planning: 5.0
  • Infrastructure: 5.8
  • Interactivity: 3.9
  • Airport: Yes
Historical Immersion

3.6 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Historical Context: 1.6
  • Monuments: 6.1
  • Quality*: 6.0
  • Landscape: 2.5
  • Vineyards: 0
Authenticity

4.5 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Undiscovered: 1.4
  • Cultural Immersion: 7.4
  • Tradition*: 5.0

Navigation

Westphalia

Timeless villages and moated castles

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