Literary Münster: Annette von Droste-Hülshoff

Her ballad "Der Knabe im Moor" ("The Lad on the Moor"), the novella "Die Judenbuche" ("The Jew’s Beech") or one of her many poems are read by virtually all schoolchildren in Germany at some point during their education. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff (1797 - 1848) is one of the most well-known female authors in the German-speaking world. She was born at "Burg Hülshoff" (Hülshoff Castle), just outside Münster. In later years, she lived in "Haus Rüschhaus" in the Nienberge district. Her works illustrate her attachment to the natural beauty present in her local area. Her prose is characterised by a sober, powerful and typically Westphalian beauty. A summary of the author's life has been drawn up by the Annette-von-Droste Society and can be found at:

• www.droste-gesellschaft.de
• Tip: a bicycle tour is an ideal way to trace the author's history. "Burg Hülshoff" and "Haus Rüschhaus" are situated to the west of the city. A proposed 23 km tour, which starts in the city centre, can be found at:
  www.bikemap.net/route/254235#lat=51.96857840707&lng=7.564955&zoom=13&maptype=ts_terrain

"Burg Hülshoff" (Hülshoff Castle)

"Burg Hülshoff" is a moated castle built in typical Westphalian style. The property was first mentioned in a document dating back to the 11th century. It is situated between Münster-Roxel and Havixbeck. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff was born here in 1797. The castle management claims it is possible to experience the ghostliness and eerie atmosphere which is a frequent feature of her works during a dawn walk through the castle grounds.

• Burg Hülshoff (Hülshoff Castle), Schonebeck 6, 48329 Havixbeck
  ph. 0 25 34 / 10 52
  info(at)burg-huelshoff.de
• www.burg-huelshoff.de
  The grounds, museum and café-restaurant are open daily from the beginning of April to the end of October from 11 am – 6:30 pm. In November from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 am – 5 pm. Entrance to the grounds and café is free, while a fee is charged to visit the museum, which is located in the castle's upper chamber.

Haus Rüschhaus

Westphalian Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun, who designed Münster's Schloss (Castle), the Clemenskirche (Clemens Church) and the Erbdrostenhof (a Baroque palace), drew up plans for Haus Rüschhaus, which he intended as his own country seat, between 1745 and 1749. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff's father purchased the property in 1825. The author lived and worked there from 1826 to 1846. It is possible to visit her parlour and study, lovingly nicknamed "Schneckenhäuschen" ("little snail house"), which has been carefully maintained. The "Rüschhaus" is situated near Münster-Gievenbeck.

• Haus Rüschhaus, Am Rüschhaus 81
  Group registration: ph. 0 25 34 / 10 52
  info(at)burg-huelshoff.de
• haus-rueschhaus.de
  Guided tours of the house's interior from April to October, during the wintertime on request only.