Picture a moated castle. It stands as a testament to centuries of Muenster history. This is Schloß Wilkinghege.
Schloß Wilkinghege’s story began in 1311. It was first documented as a feudal estate. The von Rhemen zu Barensfeld family owned it. Later, it passed to the Cleyhorst family. They were Muenster patricians.
In 1550, the Steveninck zu Broich family rebuilt the castle. They gave it the form you see today. Herr von Harde and his wife Katharina von Keppel commissioned a renovation in 1719. Gottfried Laurenz Pictorius rebuilt it. He used the late Renaissance style. Two lions hold a double coat of arms above the entrance. This is evidence of the rebuild.
Ownership of Schloß Wilkinghege changed hands many times. In 1779, the von Rhemen zu Barensfeld family regained ownership.
Many important people have stayed at Schloß Wilkinghege. These include Prince-Bishop Franz von Waldeck. Also Prince-Bishop Christoph Bernhard von Galen. And Franz Freiherr von Fürstenberg. Marshal Kléber of Napoleon’s army visited. The famous poet Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff was a guest.
The von Rhemen zu Barensfeld family eventually died out. The grandfather of the current owner Rembert Winnecken acquired the estate. It was run as a country estate until 1955.
In 1955, Schloß Wilkinghege became a hotel-restaurant. A golf course was added. In 1958, a fire damaged the castle. It was rebuilt. The original castle character was largely preserved.
Schloß Wilkinghege has a rich history. It blends different architectural styles. It stands as a landmark in Muenster. The Winnecken family still owns the estate. They maintain its legacy.
Today, Schloß Wilkinghege offers elegant rooms and a romantic setting. Once a defensive structure it is now a place for relaxation. The building’s spirit remains. It provides a glimpse into the past. It meets the highest standards of hospitality. The former outbuildings were integrated into the hotel area in 1970. In this part of the house, the number of beds was reduced 20 years later in order to create an offering for the highest demands by redesigning the rooms and suites.
Schloß Wilkinghege stands as a reminder of Muenster’s rich heritage. From its origins as a moated castle to its current role as a hotel. It welcomes guests to experience its unique charm.