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There are an array of things to do in Germany, with Gottingen sharing quite a few of those!
Prepare to be enchanted by the whimsical charm of Gottingen, a city that will take you on a journey through history and culture.
From quaint cobblestone streets to vibrant marketplaces, there is no shortage of things to explore and experience in this enchanting city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gottingen:
1. St John’s Church
St John’s Church is a historic church located in the heart of Gottingen, Germany, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive stained glass windows, intricate altar, and ornate organ pipes inside the church. Take a stroll through the peaceful churchyard and soak up the serene atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Be sure to attend a worship service or concert in the church, which boasts fantastic acoustics perfect for classical music performances.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in the history of the church and its role in the community, book a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable local docents.
Remember to dress respectfully during your visit and avoid taking flash photography inside the church.
2. Gänseliesel Fountain
Gänseliesel Fountain is a bronze statue of a little girl holding a goose, located in the heart of Gottingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a photo with the statue and throw a coin in the fountain for good luck.
In addition, the surrounding area is full of beautiful historic buildings and charming cafes, making it a perfect place to relax and soak up the local culture.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the tradition of the “Gänseliesel-Fest” which takes place every year when new students receive a kiss from the Gänseliesal statue as a sign of good luck.
Insider travel tips: For the best views of the fountain, visit early in the morning before it gets too crowded with tourists.
Also, take a walk around the nearby University of Göttingen campus, which is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
3. Old Botanical Garden
A historic botanical garden, founded in 1736, located in the heart of the city of Gottingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful collection of plants and flowers from around the world, including rare species of ferns, orchids, and exotic trees.
Take a peaceful stroll through the lush green lawns and enjoy the serene ambiance of the garden. You can also visit the garden’s greenhouses and see the fascinating world of plants up close.
Don’t miss: The giant sequoia tree, which is over 150 years old and stands at a height of about 35 meters.
Also, don’t miss the palm house, which dates back to the mid-1800s and houses some of the garden’s most prized collections.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden during the spring or summer months to see the flowers and plants in full bloom. Entry to the garden is free, but it’s closed on Mondays.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the plants and their history, hire a guide for a personal tour. Pack a picnic, grab a book, and enjoy a lazy afternoon in the peaceful surroundings of the garden.
4. Alte Universität
The Alte Universität is a historic building located in the city of Göttingen, Germany. It was once the main building of the University of Göttingen, but now serves as a museum and cultural center.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of the Alte Universität, which dates back to the 18th century. Inside, there are exhibits showcasing the history of the university and the city of Göttingen.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the famous “Great Hall” in the Alte Universität, which was once used as a lecture hall and now serves as a venue for concerts and other cultural events.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours of the Alte Universität are available in both German and English.
5. City Museum Göttingen
The City Museum in Göttingen is a museum that showcases the history of the town and the surrounding region. It is housed in a beautiful 14th-century half-timbered building in the Old Town.
What to see or do: The museum has several interesting exhibitions showcasing the town’s history, including archaeology, ethnography, and art collections from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century.
You can see a range of artifacts from the Stone Age to the present day.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s main attraction, the world-famous Guelph Treasure. This medieval art treasure was discovered in 1929 and consists of liturgical objects made of gold and other precious materials.
It is considered one of the most important medieval art collections in the world.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays but open every other day of the week.
6. Göttingen Observatory
Göttingen Observatory is an astronomical observatory operated by the University of Göttingen, established in 1806.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the observatory’s historical instruments and equipment, including the oldest telescope in Germany. There are also regular lectures and night sky observations open to the public.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Great Refractor, a massive telescope with a 30 cm diameter lens, which was once the largest telescope in Germany.
The observatory’s rooftop terrace also offers stunning views of the surrounding city.
Insider travel tips: – The observatory is open to the public on selected dates, so be sure to check the calendar before planning your visit.
7. Gravity Monument
The Gravity Monument is a unique structure located in the city of Gottingen, Germany.
What to see or do: The monument comprises a pair of granite pillars that are around 16 feet tall and weigh over 40 tons each. The pillars represent the importance of gravity and its discovery by physicist George Gabrielle in the city in 1785.
Don’t miss: The monument offers a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of science, and particularly physics. Be sure to take a photo of the striking monument and its surroundings.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in science and physics, you could also explore the university and its museums that have connections to famous scientists.
Also, take time to explore the charming town of Gottingen, known for its quaint timber-framed buildings, lively markets and vibrant culture.
8. German Theater Gottingen
The German Theater (Deutsches Theater) in Göttingen is a historic theater built in 1823.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend performances ranging from classic plays to modern productions, musicals, and operas. The theater also hosts various cultural events such as concerts and readings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see a performance in one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in Germany. The stage technology used in the theater is top-notch, adding a unique touch to the performances.
Insider travel tips: – Book tickets well in advance to get the best seats for the shows.
9. Gottingen State and University Library
Gottingen State and University Library is one of the largest and oldest academic libraries in Germany.
What to see or do: The library houses over 8 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Visitors can explore the vast collection and learn about the library’s rich history and cultural significance.
Don’t miss: The library’s most famous holdings include the Gutenberg Bible, the oldest surviving manuscript of the Icelandic sagas, and numerous other rare and valuable documents.
Insider travel tips: -Visitors can participate in guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the library’s collections and architecture.
10. Bismarckhäuschen
The Bismarckhäuschen is a historic tower in Göttingen, Germany, named after the former German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Göttingen and the surrounding countryside. The tower also has an exhibition on the life and work of Otto von Bismarck.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take in the stunning views of Göttingen’s medieval skyline from the top of the tower.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes for the climb up the tower’s spiral staircase. For a truly unique experience, visit the tower at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights.
11. Augustinerkloster
Augustinerkloster, also known as the Augustinian Monastery, is a historic monastery located in the city of Gottingen in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful medieval architecture of the monastery, including the cloister, chapter house, and refectory. The monastery also houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the Augustinian order and the Reformation.
Don’t miss: The stunning Gothic-style church, which dates back to the 14th century and features an impressive organ and beautiful stained glass windows.
Also, don’t miss the chance to walk through the peaceful gardens and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the monastery.
Visitors should also check the schedule for concerts and other events held in the church, as they offer a unique and memorable experience.
12. Paulinerkirche
A historic church located in the heart of the city of Gottingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, which dates back to the 14th century.
The church features both Gothic and Baroque elements, and visitors can also marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows and intricate interior design.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Paulinerkirche is the famous “Pauliner Altar,” a stunning masterpiece of German Baroque art.
Visitors should also make sure to check out the monument dedicated to Georg August University, located in front of the church.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit during one of the church’s regular concerts or events, as the acoustics inside the church are truly incredible.
Additionally, visitors should take the time to explore the surrounding neighborhood, which is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and shops.
13. Deutsches Theatermuseum
The Deutsches Theatermuseum in Gottingen is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the history of German-speaking theater.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of over 1.2 million objects, including manuscripts, photographs, costumes, and set designs from important theatrical productions throughout history.
The museum also features rotating exhibitions on various aspects of theatrical history and culture.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the reconstructed model of the first Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.
The museum’s extensive collection of costumes, including those worn by famous actors such as Marlene Dietrich and Gustaf Gründgens, is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers guided tours in English and German.
14. Stadtmauer Göttingen
The Stadtmauer Göttingen is a medieval city wall that surrounds the historic center of Göttingen.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the Stadtmauer Göttingen and admire the preserved architectural features of the wall. Keep an eye out for the many towers and gates along the way, such as the Kehr or Weender Tor.
Don’t miss: The iconic Weender Gate tower, which is the oldest surviving tower of the Stadtmauer Göttingen. Also, don’t miss the stunning view of the city from the top of the Eden Tower.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the evening or at night to experience the Stadtmauer Göttingen lit up in all its glory. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear as the path along the wall can be uneven in some places.
Additionally, bring a camera to capture the beautiful views and scenery.
15. Rote Strasse
Bustling street in the heart of Gottingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Window shop at the local boutiques, dine at one of the many restaurants and bars, or people watch from a café.
Don’t miss: The picturesque architecture and street art, especially the murals by local artists.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening when the street is lit up with fairy lights, and be sure to try the local specialty dish of ‘Grüne Soße’ at one of the restaurants.
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