A small river dissects this lovely green city of nearly 200,000. Walking paths, parks and outdoor cafes along the river offer passersby the chance to enjoy nature.

A vantage point 100 feet (30 m) above the river is the setting of a castle, built in the 1550s, which today houses an art museum and a waxworks museum. Spread out at the foot of the castle is a magnificent botanical garden that houses a centuries-old Orangery and a tropical greenhouse. In a more modern part of the gardens, picnic tables are arranged in beautiful landscape settings, perfect for a scenic meal.

This is one of two major botanical gardens found here. The city is known as the birthplace of one of history’s greatest botanists, whose museum and garden (the oldest botanical garden in the country) can still be toured today.

The city originated about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the modern city, at the site of a great temple where Norse gods Tyr, Odin, Thor and Frigg (from whom the days of the week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday derived) were worshipped and sacrifices made. Today, the only evidence of this time is the burial mounds of three legendary kings. A historical center helps to illuminate these ancient times, and displays artifacts found at nearby archaeological sites. Religion still reigns in this city, which is the ecclesiastical center for the country, with a massive Gothic cathedral soaring 390 feet (119 m) high.

The historic center of the town is dominated by a university that was founded in the 15th century. This center of learning and science has played a role on the world stage with famous graduates in botany, physics and astronomy. The old university library’s display hall proudly displays the country’s most valuable book, a record of four of the gospels written with gold and silver ink on purple vellum in the early 6th century, in a now-extinct Gothic language.

Where am I?

Send your answer to goworld@goworldpublishing.com. All readers correctly identifying this city and country will be entered in a drawing to receive a recently published travel book.

Münster, Germany

Answer to the August 2006 “Where in the World” Contest

Last month’s mystery destination was Münster, Germany. Our photo showed historic Prinzipalmarkt street in the heart of the city.

Thanks to all who wrote in their guesses. This month’s winner is Marjorie Kehoe from Alexandria, VA. Congratulations Marjorie!