The Top 9 Things to See and Do in Braunschweig (Brunswick), Germany

This rather simple bronze-cut statue has great historical importance, so much so that it can safely be called an icon of Braunschweig. It was commissioned by Henry The Lion, who ruled as the Duke of Saxony and later the Duke of Bavaria, and was perhaps the most legendary ruler of his time. The Romanesque statue, made in 1166, was meant to be a symbol of Henry’s supreme rule and jurisdiction. It was originally gold-plated.

The imperial castle of Dankwarderode was built between 1160 and 1175 for Henry The Lion, originally meant to be a defensive structure. The castle, as it can be seen today, was almost completely rebuilt in 1887. Visitors are welcome to explore medieval artifacts in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Guelph treasures and the original Braunschweig Lion sculpture.

Burgplatz 4, Braunschweig, Germany +49 531 12250

Just a hop away from the Burgplatz is Braunschweig’s historic old town. This public square, built in the 12th century, has stood sentinel to centuries of fun fairs, open market, games, parades as well as executions. The Altstadtmarkt is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture of immense historical importance. A stroll along this square would lead you past the Old City Hall (Altstadtrathaus), Church of St. Martin (built between the 12th and 14th centuries), the 17th-century Old Customs House (Altes Zollhaus), the Renaissance-style 16th-century Cloth Merchant’s House (Gewandhaus) and the Fountain of the Virgin Mary (Marienbrunnen) from 1408.

For a tryst with pristine nature away from the concrete of the main town, head to the banks of the River Oker. Connecting the historic old town to the more modern (19th and 20th century) parts of the city, the Oker River offers panoramic boat trips and a chance to stroll, have a picnic and gaze at the most beautiful houses in the city.

This historic Riddagshausen Abbey was constructed in 1145 by a courtesan to Henry the Lion. It enjoyed great religious influence till it was dissolved in 1809. This site is worth a stop because of the lovely St. Maria Abbey Cistercian Church (the oldest Gothic structure in Germany) and the Cistercian Museum, which traces the evolution, history, culture and art of the Cistercian Order. Additionally, this is one of the greenest parts of town, and is a great starting point for hikes through the Riddagshausen Nature Reserve.

Riddagshausen mit Klosterkirche St. Maria, Klostergang 65, Braunschweig, Germany +49 531 372900

Hagenmarkt is another important market square in Braunschweig that enjoyed abundant activity in its prime days. A gem of this square is the 12th-century St. Catherine’s Church (Katharinenkirche) that houses a unique organ made from the parts of an older Baroque organ. In this square, you would also find the Heinrichsbrunnen (Henry’s Fountain), erected in honour of the legendary prince, Henry The Lion.