Münster Maps

Münster is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with approximately 308,000 inhabitants, located on the Münstersche Aa River. The city is renowned as Germany's bicycle capital, with more bikes than residents and extensive cycling infrastructure. Münster played a crucial role in European history as the site where the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated in 1648, ending the Thirty Years' War. The city successfully combines historical heritage with a vibrant university atmosphere.

The St. Paulus Cathedral (St. Paulus Dom), built between 1225 and 1264, exemplifies Westphalian Gothic architecture with notable astronomical clock from 1540 that displays calendar information and performs daily at noon. The Prinzipalmarkt, the historic market street, features distinctive gabled houses with arcades, meticulously reconstructed after World War II destruction. The St. Lamberti Church tower displays three iron cages where bodies of Anabaptist leaders were exhibited in 1536 after their failed rebellion.

The Historic City Hall (Historisches Rathaus), particularly the Peace Hall (Friedenssaal), was where the Peace of Westphalia was signed, ending decades of religious warfare. The building now houses a museum about the peace negotiations. The LWL Museum of Art and Culture features extensive collections spanning medieval to contemporary art. The Aasee, an artificial lake, offers recreational opportunities including sailing, walking, and open-air theater.

The University of Münster, founded in 1780, is one of Germany's largest universities with over 45,000 students, creating a youthful, dynamic atmosphere. The concentration of students profoundly influences city culture and economy. Münster's economy emphasizes services, insurance companies, biotechnology, and nanotechnology research.

The city's bicycle culture is legendary, with dedicated bike lanes, parking facilities, and the train station's massive bicycle parking garage. The promenade, a ring road converted to a pedestrian and bicycle path encircling the old town, exemplifies Münster's commitment to sustainable transportation. The city hosts Germany's largest annual cycle race, the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro.