Holiday in Braunschweig

What makes Braunschweig special as a destination?

Braunschweig, the Lion City, is inseparably linked to Henry the Lion, the powerful Welf duke of the 12th century. His bronze lion in the Burgplatz, erected around 1166, is the oldest preserved large sculpture of the Middle Ages north of the Alps and the city's landmark. The Burgplatz itself, framed by the cathedral, Burg Dankwarderode, and half-timbered houses, is one of the most beautiful square ensembles in Northern Germany. The Braunschweig Cathedral houses the grave of Henry the Lion and his wife Matilda — the Imervard Cross from the 12th century and the seven-branched chandelier are among the most significant Romanesque artworks in Germany. Next door, Burg Dankwarderode hosts the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, one of the oldest art museums in Europe with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Cranach. Braunschweig is a prominent science city: The TU Braunschweig (founded in 1745) is one of the oldest technical universities, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) defines Germany's official time, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has a large site here. Around 27 research institutions make Braunschweig the most research-intensive region in Europe per capita. The Braunschweig Carnival (Schoduvel) is the largest carnival parade in Northern Germany and attracts over 250,000 spectators annually. The Happy Rizzi Houses by artist James Rizzi — brightly painted office buildings at Ackerhalle — are a pop-art landmark and a popular photo motif.