Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in North Rhine – Westphalia:
1Rotkreuz-Museum vogelsang ip
SchleidenThe Red Cross Museum vogelsang ip, located in the former NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang, is one of the largest Red Cross museums in Europe. It spans over 600 m² of usable space and 550 m² of exhibition space across two floors. The museum provides an overview of the worldwide humanitarian aid of the Red Cross, showcasing the organization's significant contributions to global relief efforts. 2National Socialism Documentation Center
CologneThe NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne (The National Socialism Documentation Center) is a memorial site that is housed in the EL-DE Haus, the headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo. The NS DOcumentation Centre is the largest regional memorial site in Germany for the victims the Nazi regime. 3Walkenbrückentor
CoesfeldThe Walkenbrückentor is not just a historical monument, but also a cultural hub. Since 1988, it has been home to the Municipal Tower Gallery and the City Museum. The museum was thoroughly renovated and redesigned before its reopening under the name 'Das Tor' on January 29, 2012. It offers a unique insight into the city's history and culture. 4Aliso (Roman camp)
Haltern am SeeAliso, a Roman military establishment, was built by Augustus near the current Haltern am See. This was part of his plan to create the Roman province of Germania. Today, this historical site offers a glimpse into the past, providing an understanding of the Roman military strategies and architectural prowess. 5Heimathaus Verl
VerlThe Heimathaus Verl is a historical building that dates back to around 1615. Today, it is used by the local association of the city of Verl, located in the district of Gütersloh in North Rhine-Westphalia, for various cultural events. This includes readings, concerts, and art exhibitions, making it a vibrant hub of local culture and history. 6Villa ten Hompel
MünsterThe Villa ten Hompel, located in the city of Münster in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, serves as a memorial site. It is dedicated to the offenses committed by the police and government administration during the National Socialist period. This historical site provides a unique insight into the past, allowing visitors to learn about the role of the police and government administration during this time. 7Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum
WittenThe German Mining and Field Railway Museum, located in Witten - Bommern in the Ruhr area, is a technical museum that offers a unique insight into the history of mining and field railways. The museum is situated on the grounds of the Zeche Theresia mine, which closed in 1892, and is part of the Muttental mining trail. This location not only provides a historical context for the exhibits but also offers a scenic backdrop for visitors. 8Wewelsburg District Museum
BürenWewelsburg is a Renaissance castle situated in the village of the same name in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The castle is surrounded on three sides by the village, which is now part of the city of Büren. The castle was built in its current form between 1603 and 1609 as the second home to Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg. Today, the castle appears as a remodeling and inclusion of earlier buildings on the site, with the first buildings erected as early as the 8th and 9th centuries. 9Museum Huertgen Forest 1944 and in Peacetime
HürtgenwaldThe Museum Hürtgenwald 1944 and in Peacetime is situated in the scenic town of Vossenack, within the municipality of Hürtgenwald in the district of Düren, North Rhine-Westphalia. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich historical context for visitors interested in World War II history. 10Museum Menden
Menden (Sauerland)The Museum Menden, located in Menden (Sauerland), is a local history museum that was established by Friedrich Glunz in 1912. This makes it one of the oldest museums in Westphalia, a region rich in history and culture. The museum is a testament to the region's past, offering visitors a glimpse into the local history and traditions of Menden and the surrounding areas. 11Ausweichsitz NRW
KallThe bunker, which has been preserved in its original state, is now a documentation site. Visitors can explore the bunker by appointment. This provides an opportunity to learn about the history and purpose of the bunker, as well as the living conditions of those who would have sought shelter there during a nuclear war. 12Eiskeller Altenberge
AltenbergeThe Eiskeller Altenberge is a significant historical site in Altenberge, Münsterland, in northern North Rhine-Westphalia. It is an underground ice cellar system that was part of the former Beuing Brothers Brewery. The site is recognized as a protected monument, making it a point of interest for those interested in history and architecture. 13Rotkreuzgeschichtliche Sammlung in Westfalen-Lippe
SchlangenThe Red Cross Historical Collection in Westphalia-Lippe is a museum dedicated to the history and work of the Red Cross. It is located in the municipality of Schlangen, in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The museum offers a unique insight into the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, humanitarian work, or the Red Cross itself. 14Resistance & Persecution Museum
DortmundThe Steinwache is a memorial museum in Dortmund. It is a Resistance & Persecution Museum housed in the police station Steinwache that was established in 1906. In 1933 the Gestapo took over the prison and imprisoned and tortured opponents of the Nazi regime. Between 1933 and 1945 more than 66,000 peo 15Zellentrakt Gedenkstätte
HerfordThe Zellentrakt Memorial in Herford is a significant site dedicated to the victims of National Socialism. Established in 2005, the memorial is located in the former detention rooms of the police, which were in use from 1917. These rooms are situated in the basement vaults of the Herford Town Hall, adding a historical dimension to the memorial. 16Mahn- und Gedenkstätte Düsseldorf
DüsseldorfThe new permanent exhibition of the memorial and memorial site, Mahn- und Gedenkstätte, deals with the topic "Dusseldorf children and young people under National Socialism". Through selected biographies, it is examined how children and adolescents behaved during the period of National Socialism, how 17Bunker Hagen
HagenThe Bunkermuseum Hagen, opened in 2013, is situated in the basement of a high bunker in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia. This unique location provides an authentic setting for the museum, allowing visitors to experience the history of the bunker and its role during the Second World War. 18Osthofentor Museum
SoestThe Osthofentor is a significant historical structure in the Hanseatic city of Soest. It was newly erected between 1523 and 1526, serving as a city gate on the Hellweg. This green sandstone building is the last remaining of the original eight main and two secondary gates of the Soest city fortification. 19LWL-Preußenmuseum Minden
MindenThe LWL-Preußenmuseum Minden is a historical museum situated in the city of Minden, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It offers a deep dive into the history of Prussia, with a focus on its influence in Westphalia. The museum is housed in the former Defensionskaserne, a fortress in Minden, which adds to the historical significance of the museum.