The town of Dülmen is located in the park landscape of Münsterland in North Rhine-Westphalia. Dülmen offers many sights worth seeing, from castles to churches and beautiful parks. Here you can cycle, hike and follow in the footsteps of history.
Here are our top 5 sights in Dülmen in Münsterland.
1. THE WILD HORSES OF DÜLMEN
Dülmen is known as the "town of wild horses" because here, in the Merfelder Bruch to the west of the town, you will find the only wild horse track existing in Europe today. The herd of around 400 animals lives freely all year round on this area which covers around 400 hectares. In May, the "Catching of the Wild Horses in Merfelder Bruch" takes place, during which the one-year-old stallions are caught. The event attracts a large number of visitors each year.
Outside of this event, you can go on a guided tour to visit the wild horses and cute ponies.
2. BURG VISCHERING IN LÜDINGHAUSEN
The castle Burg Vischering, 15 kilometres from Dülmen, is a worthwhile destination. The picturesque moated castle typical of the Münsterland region was first mentioned in writing in the 13th century. Today, the castle houses a museum, where you can interactively learn about its history. You can also book a guided tour.
The castle and museum are open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.
3. HEILIG KREUZ CHURCH AND GRAVE OF ANNA KATHARINA EMMERICK
When the medieval St. Victor's Church was no longer sufficient, the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche (Holy Cross Church), designed by Dominikus Böhm, was built in 1936. The crypt of the church holds the tomb of the beatified "mystic of the Münsterland", Anna Katharina Emmerick, who lived in Dülmen in the 18th and early 19th century. The grave can be visited daily. On Saturday afternoons, interested visitors can also visit the memorial under the crypt.
The Anna Katharina Emmerick Pilgrimage Route is ideal for a bicycle tour; there is also a city walk that informs about her life.
4. DÜLMEN GAME PARK
The huge game park in Dülmen (“Dülmener Wildpark”) is certainly one of the most beautiful parks in Münsterland and is a wonderful place for a hike. On more than 250 hectares, you can enjoy the countryside and observe moorland sheep, sheep, fallow deer and, with a bit of luck, even red deer. The history of the park in the west of Dülmen goes back to the 19th century. The Dülmen Game Park is open around the clock and does not charge admission.
5. ALPACA FARM ABOLENGO DE ALPACA
There are alpacas in the Münsterland? These fluffy animals can be admired at the alpaca farm Abolengo de Alpaca in Lüdinghausen, 20 kilometres from Dülmen. The farm offers alpaca walks, guided tours, courses and even yoga retreats by appointment. During these, you can get to know the animals, which originally come from the Andes, better. Sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. Cosy socks and other products made from the fine alpaca wool are on sale in the farm shop.