The 12 Best Things To Do In Braunschweig, Germany

1. Burgplatz and the Brunswick Lion

The Brunswick Lion is the most iconic monument of Braunschweig. Built sometime between 1164 and 1178, the statue evokes the reign of the Hanoverian Duke Henry the Lion and is a emblem of Braunschweig’s noble history. The Brunswick Lion that stands guard in Burgplatz is actually a replica; the original monument is in Dankwarderode Castle. You can learn more about the legend of the lion as you explore the historic square, and take pictures with Braunschweig’s most celebrate symbol.

Braunschweig Lion

Address: Burglöwe, Burgpl., 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Braunschweig Lion

2. Braunschweiger Dom

The Braunschweiger Dom, also known as the Brunswick Cathedral, was built by Henry the Lion, the duke of Saxony and Bavaria. The cathedral is a marvel of architectural beauty with Romanesque construction and a gorgeous Gothic window. Centuries of legends and stories surround the Dom, and guests can learn more on the building’s history on a guided tour, where you can also view the unique collection of art and relics. The Dom is an impressive sight to behold, and a lovely thing to listen to as well! Keep an ear out for the chiming of the bells, ten of which have been ringing in the cathedral since medieval times.

Braunschweiger Dom

Address: Dompl. 5, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Braunschweiger Dom

3. Natural History Museum in Braunschweig

One of Braunschweig’s longest-running institutions, the Natural History Museum boasts some of the largest and oldest collections of attractions in Germany. Discover indigenous fauna and wonder at the magnitude of the Insect Room where you can get up close and personal with such small creatures. The museum also has one of the largest assemblies of bird species and a delightful aquarium that will entertain guests of all ages. A wide assortment of fossils rounds out the assortments on show at this extensive museum.

Staatliches Naturhistorisches Museum

Address: Pockelsstraße 10, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Staatliches Naturhistorisches Museum

4. Happy Rizzi House

The Rizzi House is a unique attraction that amazes and astounds the eye. The building, with its vibrant graffiti style, stands out in stark contrast to the more traditional architecture styles throughout the city. The Rizzi House is the work of artist James Rizzi and architect Konrad Kloster and the building was finally completed in 2001. Since then, the animated building has been a brilliant backdrop for tourists and locals alike.

Happy Rizzi House

Address: Ackerhof 1, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Happy Rizzi House (in German)

5. Dankwarderode Castle

Another construction by Henry the Lion, the Dankwarderode Castle has stood in Braunschweig since 1175. The castle stands in Burgplatz along with the Braunschweiger Dom and the Brunswick Lion, so you can knock three attractions off in one trip. Inside the castle, you can view the medieval collection of the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum and also see the original Braunschweig Lion monument.

Dankwarderode Castle

Address: Burgpl. 4, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Dankwarderode Castle

6. Prinz-Albrecht Park

Originally built from a parade ground, Prinz-Albrecht Park has been offering Braunschweig residents peaceful respite since 1895. This lovely park has been designated as a landscape protected area, and is a wonderful spot to revel in and escape the hubbub of sightseeing. Pack a picnic, or simply enjoy a pleasant walk along quiet paths shaded by ancient trees. As you meander through this natural space, you are sure to see adults and children alike taking advantage of the play areas as rollerbladers, skaters, and cyclists whizz past you.

Prinz-Albrecht Park

Address: Prinz-Albrecht Park, 38104 Brunswick, Germany

Website: Prinz-Albrecht Park (in German)

7. St. Magnus' Church

The Magni Quarter is one of the oldest parts of Braunschweig. The highlight of the district is St. Magnus’ Church which was built in the 11th-century. Despite being damaged in World War II, the church today has been restored to its beautiful former glory. With historic gravitas and lovely stained glass windows, St. Magnus’ Church is a wonderful place to quietly reflect as you explore the surrounding area.

St. Magnus' Church

Address: Hinter der Magnikirche 7, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: St. Magnus’ Church (in German)

8. Staatstheater

The magnificent Staatstheater is a theatre and opera house that has been entertaining visitors since 1690. Even more impressive than the building’s beautiful architecture are the 700 events that are performed in the venue annually. From modern dance ensembles to contemporary literary adaptations to opulent operatic performances, you can always expect superb entertainment at the Staatstheater. Their calendar of events is also supplemented by special guests, seasonal routines and performances, and festivals. An evening at the Staatstheater always promises to be a spectacular night out on the town.

Staatstheater

Address: Am Theater, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Staatstheater (in German)

9. Arche Noah Zoo

A family-fun adventure awaits you at Arche Noah Zoo. Set in a beautiful, lush park, the zoo houses more than 300 animals in gorgeous, enriching exhibits. With a carousel, trampoline park, and pony rides, children will be entertained for hours, and older guests will love the delicious treats and coffees offered by the zoo’s café. This zoo may be small, but there’s plenty of fun to be had by everyone.

Arche Noah Zoo

Address: Leipziger Str. 190, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Arche Noah Zoo

10. Altstadtmarkt

The Altstadtmarkt, or Old Town market, is a 700 year old tradition in Braunschweig. A place of social gathering since medieval times, this market overflows with fresh fruits and vegetables, local meat and sausage specialties, imported goods, and seasonal treats every week. Pick up a cup of coffee, and shop the stalls like a local. In addition to being a great place to shop, the Altstadtmarkt is surrounded by picturesque, traditional architecture.

Altstadtmarkt

Address: Altstadtmarkt, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Altstadtmarkt (in German)

11. Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum

Standing in Braunschweig since 1754, the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum is one of the oldest museums in Europe. The sheer volume of the museum’s collections are astounding to behold and will make any art enthusiast rejoice. Masterpieces from Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Rubens can be viewed here, as well as works from other old Western masters like Cranach and Holbein. With over 100,000 prints and 10,000 drawings on display, the print room is a tour de force in and of itself. Expect to spend a couple of hours wandering through the museum’s exhaustive collections. Also, a highlight is the museum’s medieval collection, which is held in Dankwarderode Castle.

Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum

Address: Museumstraße 1, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum (in German)

12. Braunschweiger Schloss

Also known as Brunswick Palace, the Braunschweiger Schloss has stood in the heart of Braunschweig since 1753. The palace stood in the town for centuries, but had to undergo major reconstruction after suffering major damage during World War II. In 2005, the palace was once again open to the public and now offers visitors and locals the chance to explore the inside of the magnificent building and check out the city library and archives. The Schlossmuseum will delight historians as 19th-century furniture, paintings and artworks recreate what court life was like for the dukes who used to live in the palace.

Braunschweiger Schloss

Address: Schloßstraße 1, 38100 Braunschweig, Germany

Website: Braunschweiger Schloss (in German)

The medieval and the modern in Braunschweig

A trip to Braunschweig is a cultural adventure. History has marked the German town with winding alleyways, half-timbered houses, and elaborately lavish state buildings. Underneath the amazing architecture, is a city that revels in art, science, and tradition. Rich museums and beautiful natural spaces round out the highlights of this charming city. Put Braunschweig on your bucket list and enjoy a town where past and present blend together seamlessly.