City of Münster –
a great place to live
The city of Münster is in the western part of Germany, close to the Netherlands, at the heart of Europe. Covering 300 km², Münster has a population of about 315,000, and is known for its university, its economic strength, and its commitment to peace as well as to social and ecological issues.
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The city of Münster dates back to the 8th century, when the first monastery was founded in 793, but there is evidence of even older settlements in the area. The historic Peace of Westphalia treaty was signed in Münster in 1648 – in a council chamber that has remained almost unchanged over the centuries and that is now open to visitors. This treaty can be seen as an important stepping-stone on the path towards the European Union today. Münster is still full of many historic buildings, including the cathedral, the chateau, and the Erbdrostenhof.
The historic and picturesque city of Münster is a great place to live, especially for families and young people. It is ranked among the best towns to live in Germany. Münster has a very lively city centre with a colourful mix of shops and restaurants where visitors can shop and linger. Münster has been officially named a green and sustainable city, and its many bicycles make it known as a “bike town”. Münster also has much to offer in terms of culture and leisure: there are museums, a theatre, cinemas, festivals, and a zoo. It is therefore no surprise that a recent survey has found that its inhabitants are among the happiest in all of Germany.
Photograph: Presseamt Münster/Tilman Roßmöller