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Braunschweig

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City
—°102327
Braunschweig (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Braunschweig

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Burgplatz early in the morning to avoid crowds around the Lion Monument.
  • Parking is easiest in the Schloss-Arkaden parking garage, which is central.
  • Try exploring the Oker river by renting a boat or taking a raft tour in summer.
  • Save money by buying the Braunschweig-Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums in the city.

🍽 Food

🍽
Braunkohl with Bregenwurst

Try this hearty curly kale specialty during winter in traditional taverns in the Magni-Viertel.

🍽
Braunschweiger Mumme

A traditional malt extract used in food and drinks; look for Mumme beer or Mumme roast in local pubs.

🍽
Asparagus dishes

In spring, enjoy fresh asparagus from the nearby region at restaurants around the Altstadtmarkt.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Magni-Viertel

Browse boutiques and small artisan shops in the historic half-timbered house district.

🛍
Altstadtmarkt

Buy fresh regional produce at the traditional farmers market held on the historic square.

🧘
Bürgerpark

A large, English-style landscape park well-suited for a relaxing stroll along the Oker river.

🧘
Riddagshausen Nature Reserve

Explore the peaceful walking trails around the ponds and the old Cistercian abbey.

Highlights of 2026

10

Braunschweig, also known as the Lion City, is a prominent center for science and culture located in southeastern Lower Saxony. The city's history was fundamentally shaped by Henry the Lion, who in the 12th century developed it into his primary residence and erected the bronze Lion of Brunswick on the Burgplatz as a symbol of his power. During the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a powerful member of the Hanseatic League, serving as a vital trade hub in Northern Germany for centuries. The historical ensemble around the Altstadtmarkt, featuring the Gewandhaus and the Old Town Hall, continues to showcase the former wealth of its merchant citizens. Although the city suffered extensive damage during the Second World War, significant landmarks such as the Residential Palace with its massive quadriga have been meticulously reconstructed. Today, Braunschweig is home to the Federal Physical and Technical Institute (PTB), which manages the legal time for Germany, and is recognized as one of the most research-intensive regions in Europe. This unique blend of medieval heritage and cutting-edge scientific innovation characterizes the city's modern identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C014913171919151052
Rain mm684750376060876557585966

Geography

Population
244,715
Coordinates
52.26890, 10.52680

Facts

  • Henry the Lion established the city as his official residence in the 12th century.
  • The Brunswick Lion statue on the Burgplatz was cast in the year 1166.
  • Braunschweig served as the capital of the State of Brunswick until 1946.
  • The Federal Physical and Technical Institute operates the German atomic clocks here.
  • The quadriga atop the palace is the largest reconstruction of its kind in Europe.
  • The city has been a significant member of the Hanseatic League since the 13th century.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Braunschweig (23)

Braunschweig Cathedral

A major Romanesque church and the burial site of Henry the Lion and his consort Matilda of England.

Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum

One of Europe's oldest art museums, housing a world-class collection of Old Masters like Rembrandt.

Richmond Palace

An English-style pleasure palace built for Duchess Augusta, set within a beautiful landscape garden.

Old Town Market

A historic square surrounded by the Old Town Hall, the Gewandhaus, and the Gothic Mary's Fountain.

Rizzi House

A lively and colorful modern building designed by James Rizzi, offering a playful contrast to the old town.

Schlossmuseum🏛 museum

The museum in the reconstructed residential palace showcases the history of the building and its residents.

🕒 Th-Su 10:00-17:00; Tu 10:00-17:00; We 13:00-20:00💶

Staatstheater Großes Haus🎭 culture

The main house of the Braunschweig State Theatre is a traditional venue for opera and drama performances.

Staatliches Naturhistorisches Museum Braunschweig🏛 museum

It is the oldest natural history museum in Germany, showcasing significant collections of zoology and paleontology.

🕒 Tu,Th-Su 09:00-17:00, We 09:00-19:00💶

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig🏛 museum

The museum is dedicated to the history and art of the city of Braunschweig from its beginnings to the present.

🕒 Tu-Su 11:00-17:00💶

Wasserwelt👨‍👩‍👧 family

Wasserwelt Braunschweig is a modern leisure and water park with various pools and slides.

🕒 Mo-Sa 08:00-21:30; Su 08:00-20:30

LSG Parkgebiet Richmond🌿 nature

A nature reserve in Braunschweig encompassing the historic Richmond Castle gardens.

Theaterpark🌳 park

A public park in Braunschweig located directly adjacent to the State Theatre.

Museumpark🌳 park

A park in Braunschweig surrounding the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

Katharinenfriedhof (Garnisonsfriedhof)🌳 park

A historic cemetery in Braunschweig that is used today as a public green space.

ehem. Rednertribüne🏺 historical

The remains of a former speaker's rostrum on the Franzsches Feld in Braunschweig, dating from the National Socialist era.

Dominikanerkloster St. Albertus Magnus⛪ religious

A modern Dominican monastery and Catholic church in Braunschweig dedicated to Saint Albertus Magnus.

Domfriedhofskapelle⛪ religious

A chapel in the cathedral cemetery in Braunschweig, used for funeral ceremonies and remembrance.

Soldekk🎡 recreation

Soldekk in Braunschweig.

🕒 Mo-Fr 16:00+; Sa,Su,PH 14:00+🆓

Badestelle Heidbergsee🎡 recreation

Badestelle Heidbergsee is located in Braunschweig.

Südsee🌿 nature

A scenic lake in Braunschweig good for walking and relaxation.

Moorhüttenteich🌿 nature

A quiet lake in Braunschweig surrounded by nature.

Gamer - Die Gameshow👨‍👩‍👧 family

An indoor entertainment center for families in Braunschweig.

Spa and Wellness Braunschweig👨‍👩‍👧 family

The Spa and Wellness Braunschweig in Braunschweig is a wellness destination for relaxation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Braunschweig?
The Brunswick Lion on Burgplatz. The original statue from 1166 is now kept in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.
What is the Happy Rizzi House?
An extremely colorful office building designed by James Rizzi at Ackerhof. It's a popular photo spot but can only be viewed from the outside.
Can you go boating on the Oker river?
Yes, from April to October, raft tours and pedal boat rentals are available around the historic city center.
Where is the best place to shop in Braunschweig?
In the pedestrian zone around Kohlmarkt or in the Schloss-Arkaden, a large shopping mall behind the reconstructed palace facade.
Is the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of the oldest museums in Europe and houses works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens.
Braunschweig: where is it located?
Braunschweig is located in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Braunschweig: what is there to see?
Highlights include Braunschweig Cathedral, Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Richmond Palace.
Braunschweig: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Braunschweig: why is it worth visiting?
Braunschweig, also known as the Lion City, is a prominent center for science and culture located in southeastern Lower Saxony.
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