Top 13 Castles around Metelen
Best castles around Metelen are primarily found in the surrounding region, with the town itself having historical roots in a monastery from 889 and 16th-century defensive structures. The area is notable for its historical water castles, which are significant landmarks in Westphalia. These historical sites offer insights into the region's past and architectural evolution. The landscape around Metelen provides a setting for exploring these ancient structures.
Best castles around Metelen
- The most popular castles is Steinfurt Castle, a castle…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Burgsteinfurt Castle Mill
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Steinfurt Castle
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Haus Welbergen Water Castle
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Hohes Haus Nienborg
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Haus Horst Water Castle
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A family cemetery is located nearby on Van-Dalwigk-Straße.
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Popular around Metelen
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Beautiful, but also quite small moated castle
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Very beautiful water castle. Unfortunately you can only admire them through the bushes.
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The Schlossmühle in Burgsteinfurt is a former watermill that is now used as an Italian restaurant. It is located directly opposite Burgsteinfurt Castle on the Steinfurter Aa. The mill was first mentioned in a document in 1348. It originally served as a grain mill and later also as a sawmill. In 1907 the mill was shut down and converted into a residential building. In 1985 the castle mill was acquired and restored by the city of Steinfurt. It has been used as a restaurant since 1990. The castle mill is a listed building. It is a two-story brick building with a mansard roof. The building has numerous decorations, such as shutters and doors in the Renaissance style. The Schlossmühle is a popular tourist attraction in Burgsteinfurt. It is a beautiful example of a historic watermill and provides a unique setting for dinner.
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The beautifully situated Westphalian castle is worth a visit. The courtyard, which is very worthwhile, is freely accessible. However, bicycles must be parked outside the castle.
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A lovely garden to relax in with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. However, the Dutch owners are only open in the summer, and then only on Sundays.
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Haus Welbergen is perhaps one of the most beautiful secrets of the Münsterland. Although the moated castle is not as well known as many other castles in Westphalia, it is in no way inferior to them in terms of beauty and charm. Embedded in a small forest area, Haus Welbergen is located about 5 kilometers from Ochtrup.
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More commonly known as Horst Moated Castle or Haus Keppelhorst. See also: • https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haus_Horst_(Heek) • https://www.alleburgen.de/bd.php?id=19043
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Haus Horst is a 16th-century moated castle. It is located in the municipality of Heek. A family cemetery is located nearby on Van-Dalwigk-Straße.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical castles can I expect to find around Metelen?
The region around Metelen is particularly known for its historical water castles. These structures, often surrounded by moats, offer a glimpse into Westphalia's past. A prime example is Steinfurt Castle, widely regarded as the oldest water castle in Westphalia.
Are there any castles near Metelen that are still inhabited?
Yes, Steinfurt Castle is still inhabited by representatives of the Bentheim-Steinfurt family. While much of the interior is private, visitors can explore the exterior spaces and the surrounding park.
Which castles around Metelen offer public access to their grounds or courtyards?
The inner courtyard of Haus Welbergen Water Castle is freely accessible, allowing visitors to experience its historical setting. For Steinfurt Castle, the exterior and adjacent Bagno Park are open for exploration.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities near Metelen?
Many of the castles, like Steinfurt Castle and Haus Welbergen Water Castle, are considered family-friendly due to their accessible exteriors and surrounding areas perfect for walks. The nearby Burgsteinfurt Castle Mill, now an Italian restaurant, offers a pleasant dining experience with castle views for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The areas around the castles offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, gravel biking routes, and easy hikes. For instance, there are several easy hikes around Metelen, including the Gauxbach Trail. You can explore these options further in our guides for Running Trails around Metelen, Gravel biking around Metelen, and Easy hikes around Metelen.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the castles?
Yes, near Steinfurt Castle, you'll find the Burgsteinfurt Castle Mill, a former watermill now operating as an Italian restaurant with views of the castle. The town center of Burgsteinfurt, just 500 meters away, also offers cozy cafes and ice cream parlors. Hohes Haus Nienborg also occasionally operates as a café.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Metelen?
While specific opening hours vary, the castles and their surrounding parks are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn. Autumn can be particularly picturesque with changing foliage, enhancing the beauty of the moated settings.
Are there any lesser-known castles or historical sites worth exploring?
Beyond the more prominent ones, you might consider Hohes Haus Nienborg, which was part of a former ring castle complex and now hosts events. Another interesting site is Haus Horst Water Castle, a 16th-century moated castle located in Heek.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque settings of the moated castles, such as Steinfurt Castle, and the historical ambiance. The freely accessible courtyards, like at Haus Welbergen Water Castle, are also highly appreciated for offering a direct experience of the historical architecture.
Is public transport available to reach the castles near Metelen?
While Metelen itself has historical roots, the most prominent castles like Steinfurt Castle are located in nearby towns. Public transport options, such as regional buses, connect Metelen to these towns, but direct access to every castle entrance might require some walking or a short taxi ride from the nearest stop.
Are there viewpoints or natural features near the castles?
Yes, Steinfurt Castle is situated on an artificial island encircled by the Steinfurter Aa river, offering picturesque views. The adjacent Bagno Park is also ideal for walks and provides natural beauty. Haus Welbergen Water Castle is beautifully situated amidst natural surroundings, including forests.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle near Metelen?
The duration of a visit can vary. For castles like Steinfurt Castle, where only the exterior and grounds are accessible, an hour or two might suffice to explore the architecture and surrounding park. For castles with accessible courtyards or nearby dining options, you might want to allocate more time, perhaps half a day, to enjoy the full experience.
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