Looking for a weekend getaway that will surprise and delight you? Consider Münster. Consistently named one of Germany’s greenest, most liveable, and most cyclable cities, Münster has an incredible history, a beautiful old town, tons of green space, a rocking urban lake, and a nonstop array of year-round cool activities and destinations.

5 Must-Do’s in Münster

A city of just over 300,000 people in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (just north of Rheinland-Pfalz), Münster rarely gets a lot of love when it comes to must-see destinations in Germany. Maybe it’s the name. After all, Münster does sound an awful like ‘monster,’ even in German.

But there’s nothing monstrous about Münster. This is a city that’s been a center of commerce and culture for more than a millennium. It was once named the world’s most liveable city, thanks to its laid-back vibe, economic vitality, and plentiful green space. It has more than enough fun for several long weekends, so it’s definitely worth your attention. Without further ado, then, here are five must-do’s in Münster.

See the ‘Peace of Westphalia’ Hall

Europe, of course, has seen its share of terrible wars. Before the modern era, one of the worst was the Thirty Years’ War, which raged across Europe during the first half of the 17th century. This war was so unbelievably destructive that some parts of Germany lost half their population.

When peace was finally achieved, it happened in Münster, over the course of several years. The peace in Münster did more than just end the war: it put in place a structural approach to keeping the peace in Europe that lasted for more than 200 years, until the even more destructive 20th century.

A trip to the Peace Hall, located inside Münster’s amazing old town hall, is well worth any visitor’s time – if only to remind you of the horrors of war, the importance of peace, and the importance of paying attention.

Chill out at Lake Aa

Münster has what just may be the best named lake of all time. Say it with me now: Lake Aa. Can’t you just feel your cares floating away?

To be fair, the German “Aasee” also sounds pretty entertaining. And both names don’t really convey the more accurate idea that Aasee is actually Münster’s gorgeous (It was voted most beautiful in Europe in 2009) central park.

But let’s not get caught up on names. This is a definite must-do, even if the weather happens to be less than great (which does occur sometimes…one of Lake Aa’s best attractions is the Münster Zoo, which is literally called the ‘All-weather zoo’). There’s so much to do here. You can walk, run, bike, picnic, take naps in the grass, sail, people watch, eat, or drink. Or you can just chill out!

Visit the Münster Wochenmarkt

As a general rule, German markets are awesome. There’s something kind of incredible about having all those fairly priced meats, cheeses, vegetables, honeys, and flowers in one beautiful space.

Munster’s weekly market is next level. We’re talking more than 150 (often very friendly) vendors in the plaza right outside the city’s famous St. Paulus Dom (also known as the Münster cathedral, which is iconic and worth a visit). The market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Also good to know: unlike many places in Germany, dogs are not allowed at the Wochenmarkt.

Walk Münster’s Old Town

For more than 400 years in the middle ages, Münster was part of the Hanseatic League which, in its prime, was a network of roughly 200 cities connected by commerce and trade. The impact of Münster’s affiliation can still be seen – and felt – today, especially in the Old Town. Cobblestone streets, gabled buildings, and still plenty of shops.

The Prinzipalmarkt is a must-see, and is honestly one of the most beautiful town centers in Germany. You can wander, shop, eat and drink there. You are also super close to some of the city’s best sights, including the Rathaus (city hall, which offers stunning views of the city from its top floor), Peace Hall, the Dom, and more.

Visit the Botanical Garden

Münster’s botanical garden is part of the University of Münster, more than 200 years old, and is fantastic. It offers thousands of plant species, six large greenhouses open to the public, cool tropical plants, gorgeous flowers, and much more.

Located at the edge of the city center, visitors can easily spend a couple of hours there. Even better, the garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Getting to Münster

By car, Münster is about 4 hours from Kaiserslautern, 3 hours from Wiesbaden, and 5 hours from Stuttgart. Check with Deutsche Bahn for train options.