Münster

Considered to be the cultural capital of the Westphalia region, Münster is a mid-sized city situated on the River Aa surrounded by rural landscapes of the Müsterland. Alternately called the city of science, city of peace, city of bicycles, and city of sculptures, Münster is known today for its leading universities, and as the bicycle capital of Germany. The city claims that its bicycle traffic has exceeded car traffic since 2007, and maintains a network of popular bicycle paths that encircle its center. The kulptur projekte münster, whereby contemporary artists create sculptures and display them all over the city, is one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions in Germany. Cultural offerings in music, theater, and art are in no short supply for visitors, but top highlights include the Münster Museum of Pablo Picasso Art and the LWL Museum for Art and Culture. Recently, the city has hosted a biennial international jazz festival.