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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region
Kreis Unna

Selm

Attractions and Places To See around Selm - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Selm include historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites within the Unna region of Germany. The town is situated on the edge of the Hohe Mark-Westmünsterland Nature Park, offering extensive natural landscapes with rolling hills, forests, and lakes. Selm features moated castles and disused canal sections, providing diverse opportunities for exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Selm

  • The most popular attractions is Vischering Castle, a castle that was founded as…

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Nordkirchen Palace

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The castle Nordkirchen is a baroque palace complex in the southern Münsterland. The landmarked moated castle is the largest and most important Baroque residence in Westphalia and is also referred …

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Vischering Castle

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This castle is a nice destination. It houses a museum, a café, a medieval bakery and is surrounded by greenery.

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Horstmarer Lake Beach

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The Seepark is located on the site of the Lünen State Horticultural Show (“LaGaLü”), which took place here in 1996. It is about 60 hectares in size and partly covers …

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Prussia Port

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The Preußenhafen, which was once a transshipment point for coal and steel, is still a transshipment point today; but for coffee, cake, beer and sausages. 😜

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The Alte Fahrt is a disused branch of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. With the growing ship traffic on the canal, various side arms had to be built as early as 1929, …

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Hiking from castle to castle in Münsterland

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Hiking around Selm

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Hiking from castle to castle in Münsterland

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Tips from the Community

Pulp🎳Fiction
June 3, 2022, Horstmarer See Beach

Emscher Landscape Park - The green heart of the Ruhr Metropolis 15 unique park landscapes for 5.3 million inhabitants of the Ruhr area This includes the Seepark in Lünen in the district of Unna Industry nature between mine dumps and blast furnaces that runs through the Ruhr area.

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The Old Ride is a disused section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. The 8 1/2 km long section extends from the Datteln canal junction to behind Olfen. A beautiful footpath and cycle path leads directly along the water.

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Beautiful section of the route in the direction of Olfen. You should definitely drive down along the water (not up on the road) to really enjoy it.

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Nordkirchen Castle is located in the middle of a spacious landscape park and is the largest and most important of the Westphalian moated castles.

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Wieb
March 21, 2021, Horstmarer See Beach

With 24 holes, the disc golf course in Lünen is the largest disc golf course in Germany and one of the 6 largest disc golf courses in Europe! In October 2007, this was inaugurated in cooperation with the city of Lünen and Hartmut Wahrmann as the first disc golf course in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Seepark Lünen was created 11 years earlier as part of the State Horticultural Show on a former mining area of the Prussia colliery.

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Rinaldini
March 21, 2021, Preußenhafen

is a port built in 1924/1925 and commissioned in autumn 1925 on the Datteln-Hamm Canal (canal km 14.16 - 14.34) in Lünen-Süd. Originally it served as a transshipment point for the Prussian collieries in Horstmar and the Gneisenau colliery in Dortmund-Derne.

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Stephan
October 6, 2020, Preußenhafen

The first section of the Datteln-Hamm Canal was completed in 1914. In 1933 it reached its current length of approx. 47 km. More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datteln-Hamm-Kanal

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Das Schloss Nordkirchen ist eine barocke Schlossanlage im südlichen Münsterland und liegt gut 25 Kilometer von Münster entfernt auf dem Gebiet der Gemeinde Nordkirchen im nordrhein-westfälischen Kreis Coesfeld. Das denkmalgeschützte Wasserschloss ist die größte und bedeutendste Barockresidenz Westfalens und wird aufgrund seiner Ausmaße und architektonischen Gestaltung auch als das „Westfälische Versailles“ bezeichnet. Die Ursprünge des heutigen Schlosses liegen in einer Wasserburg der Familie Morrien, die Gerhard III. von Morrien zu Beginn des 16. Jahrhunderts zu einem der am stärksten befestigten Wasserschlösser des Münsterlandes ausbauen ließ. Nach dem Aussterben der männlichen Familienlinie verkauften die Erben die Anlage 1694 an Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg, den Fürstbischof von Münster. Seine Familie ließ das Schloss im 18. Jahrhundert im Verlauf von mehr als 30 Jahre andauernden Bauarbeiten zu einer repräsentativen, barocken Residenz umgestalten. Nach Abschluss der Arbeiten 1734 zählte der Nordkirchener Schlossgarten zu den berühmtesten Gärten Europas.[3] Als der Schlossherr Ferdinand von Plettenberg 1737 starb, hinterließ er einen hochverschuldeten Besitz, den nachfolgende Generationen nur mit Mühe unterhalten konnten. Als die Familie von Plettenberg 1813 im Mannesstamm ausgestorben war, ging das Eigentum des Anwesens über die Erbtochter Maria von Plettenberg auf ihren Sohn Miklós Esterházy de Galántha über. Er ließ Veränderungen im Garten und an den Innenräumen vornehmen. Nach seinem Tod verkauften seine ungarischen Verwandten die Anlage an den Herzog Engelbert-Maria von Arenberg. Er ließ die mittlerweile heruntergekommenen Gebäude nicht nur sanieren und modernisieren, sondern vergrößerte überdies das Hauptgebäude. Auch den großen Schlossgarten ließ er zum Teil wiederherstellen und erweitern. Nachdem die herzogliche Familie das Schloss nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs nicht mehr als Wohnsitz nutzte, verfiel die Anlage allmählich. 1949 mietete das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen das Schloss an und betrieb in den zwischenzeitlich einsturzgefährdeten Schlossgebäuden nach einer ersten Renovierung ab 1950 seine Landesfinanzschule, aus der später die Fachhochschule für Finanzen des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen entstand. 1958 erwarb das Land die Schlossinsel samt Hauptgebäude sowie einen Teil des Schlossparks und startete eine langjährige Restaurierungskampagne, die mit der Wiederherstellung der barocken Venusinsel nördlich des Schlosses 1991 ihren vorläufigen Abschluss fand. Erweiterungsbauten für die Fachhochschule wurden insbesondere 1970/1971 an den Rändern des Schlossparks errichtet. Schloss und Park wurden von der UNESCO als „Gesamtkunstwerk von internationalem Rang“ für schutzwürdig erklärt. Die Gebäude beherbergen noch heute die Fachhochschule für Finanzen Nordrhein-Westfalen mit rund 1000 Studierenden.[5] Im Gewölbekeller ist ein Restaurant untergebracht. Einige Bereiche des Schlosses sind für Besucher freigegeben und können im Rahmen von Führungen besichtigt werden. Im Jahr 1988 machten 50.000 Besucher von dieser Möglichkeit Gebrauch.[6] Der Schlosspark ist ebenfalls für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Die Schlosskapelle kann für Trauungen angemietet werden. Quelle: Wikipedia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore around Selm?

The region around Selm is rich in history, featuring several impressive castles. You can visit Nordkirchen Palace, known as the 'Westphalian Versailles' and the largest Baroque residence in Westphalia. Another notable site is Vischering Castle, a 13th-century moated castle with a museum and café. Cappenberg Castle, located directly in Selm, also offers a glimpse into the area's past.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Selm and the surrounding area?

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Horstmarer Lake Beach offers a bathing lake and a wide range of leisure activities. The Selm Zoo is recommended for observing animals up close, and the 'NaturErlebnisPfad' near Cappenberg provides a forest nature trail for families to explore. Both Nordkirchen Palace and Vischering Castle are also considered family-friendly attractions.

What natural features and scenic viewpoints can I find near Selm?

Selm is situated on the edge of the Hohe Mark-Westmünsterland Nature Park, offering extensive natural landscapes. The Selbach Valley provides beautiful hiking routes along a river. The Haardwald Forest features dense beech and oak forests and small streams, particularly picturesque in spring and autumn. You can also explore the Alte Fahrt between Datteln and Olfen, a disused section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal that now serves as a biotope with a footpath and cycle path, offering views of the higher canal.

What outdoor activities are available around Selm?

The area around Selm is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling and hiking. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Westerwinkel Castle – View of Nordkirchen Palace loop' or the 'AquaClimb at Ternsche Lake – Ternscher Lake loop'. Hikers can enjoy trails such as the 'View of Cappenberg Castle – RuheForst Cappenberg loop' or the 'Lake Ternscher – North Shore of Ternscher Lake loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Selm and Hiking around Selm guides.

When is the best time to visit Selm for outdoor activities?

The best seasons for hiking and other outdoor activities in Selm are spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is mild, and the scenery is particularly vibrant, with blooming flowers in spring and changing leaves in autumn.

Are there any lakes or beaches near Selm?

Yes, Seepark Ternsche, located just 2.9 km from downtown Selm, is a popular lake area. It includes Horstmarer Lake Beach, which offers a bathing lake and extensive green areas for leisure activities.

What is the 'Alte Fahrt' and what can I do there?

The Alte Fahrt between Datteln and Olfen is a disused section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, stretching 8.6 km. It has been transformed into a beautiful biotope and offers a scenic footpath and cycle path directly along the water. An interesting feature is a natural amphitheater with grass steps, where theatrical and musical events are sometimes held.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Selm?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. Highlights like Nordkirchen Palace are praised for their architectural design and extensive parks, while Vischering Castle is noted for its museum and medieval charm. The natural areas, such as the Alte Fahrt and Horstmarer Lake Beach, are valued for their recreational opportunities and peaceful atmosphere.

Are there opportunities for cycling near Selm's attractions?

Absolutely. The region is very cyclist-friendly. Nordkirchen Palace, for instance, has accessible parks for cyclists. The Alte Fahrt between Datteln and Olfen also features a dedicated cycle path. You can explore various routes, including road cycling options like the 'Ternscher Lake – Steverweg loop' or the 'Windmill Tower of Nordkirchen – Prince-Bishop's Palace Münster loop'. More routes are detailed in the Cycling around Selm and Road Cycling Routes around Selm guides.

What is the Preußenhafen and what can I see there?

The Preußen Harbor, Lünen and the Mohr Crane, once a significant transshipment point for coal and steel, is now a modern hub connecting the Ruhr region with the Münsterland recreational landscape. Visitors can see the imposing Moor crane, a reminder of its industrial past, and enjoy the area as a rest stop by the water, offering cafes and restaurants.

Are there any specific hiking trails recommended for families or those seeking easy walks?

For families and those looking for easier walks, the 'NaturErlebnisPfad' near Cappenberg is a great option. The Selbach Valley also offers well-marked trails suitable for all ages. For a moderate hike, the 'Totenpfuhl – Kohuesholz Trailhead Parking loop' is an accessible choice. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Selm guide.

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