town & cityscapes Stroll and discover Niedersachsen

www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

Vibrant atmosphere of the city metropolis

Historical ambiance

Federal state capital Hannover Oldenburg · Osnabrück · Göttingen Wolfsburg · Braunschweig

Lüneburg · Celle · GifhornHildesheim · Hann. Münden Hameln · Goslar and Hahnenklee Wolfenbüttel · Emsland

from page 6 from page 13

2

Maritime charmWilhelmshaven · LeerWorpswede · Bremerhaven Stade · Buxtehude

What makes the cities of Niedersachsen so unique? Everything! There is so much diversity to discover ranging from the North Sea across the moors to the far reaches of the Harz, yet these cities all have much in common: Each one of them has something special to offer. Be captivated by the romantic charm of the historical old city quarters, expe-rience the colourful hustle and bustle of the metropolises of Niedersachsen and immerse yourself in the blue diver-sity of the maritime harbour cities. No doubt everything there is to discover will come as a surprise: UNESCO world heritage sites in the midst of lively towns, products renowned around the globe with only very few in the know that they are in fact “Made in Niedersachsen” and the fascinating architecture of places where you never expected to find such gems – and where you would now be happy to linger longer, even spend a few days. Has this sparked your curiosity? Then come and see for yourself...

from page 23

3

HannoverAmsterdam

Köln

Berlin

Kiel

München

245 km

280 km

630 km

295 km

375 km

How to get thereBe it with your own car, public transport, by ship or air – all routes lead to Nieder-sachsen.

By air: Hannover Airport (HAJ) in the Nieder-sachsen federal state capital is the main hub from which to get there. Other inter-national airports can be found in close proximity:· Hamburg Airport (HAM)· Paderborn Airport (PAD)· Airport Münster / Osnabrück (FMO)· Airport Bremen (BRE)

By car or by ferry: Are you thinking of travelling to Nieder-sachsen in your own car taking advan-tage of the ferry links to Germany, the Netherlands or France? You will find that you will reach Niedersachsen within only a few hours after embarking by ferry. The infrastructure at the disposal of this state is very good. Especially the A7 (running north to south) Autobahn and the A2 (run-ning east to west) Autobahn make for fast connections.

An overview of distances: Amsterdam–Hannover: 3 hours 45 minutesCalais–Hannover: 6 hoursFlensburg–Hannover: 3 hoursHamburg–Hannover: 1 hour 15 minutesKiel–Hannover: 2 hours 30 minutesRotterdam/Hoek van Holland–Hannover: 4 hours 25 minutes

By train: One option worth considering for your trip to Niedersachsen is public trans-port. The majority of Niedersachsen cit-ies are linked to the ICE rail network of the Deutsche Bahn.

For further information go to:

www.niedersachsen-tourism.comunder the “Service” category.

Quality seal of approval: ServiceQualität Deutschland.

Backing ServiceQualität Deutschland, Germany’s quality management system, are 330 quality conscious service providers from very diverse in-dustries. They all subscribe to one common goal: To cover the entire Niedersachsen area when it comes to quality service provision and expand this on an ongoing basis so that we can offer you the guest the best possible service quality. Be it as a guest or customer, you have the op-portunity to choose from a multitude of spe-cials on offer and compare them among your-selves. The quality seal makes it an easy task

for you to maintain your perception. You are assured of guidance that can be relied on in your search for the right service providers. Se-lect businesses denoted with a letter “Q” for special attention and good service during your stay here. Let us bring a smile to your face! When booking be sure you look out for busines-ses that have been awarded the letter “Q”. For further information go to:www.servicequalität-niedersachsen.de.

What’s behind all this?

4

Contents

Hannover – EXPO hub, trade fair city and federal state capital ..................................................... page 7

Oldenburg – Surprisingly personable ....................................................................................... page 8

Osnabrück – “City of the peace” (“Friedensstadt”) situated in a nature reserve ...................................page 9

Göttingen – University city bursting with tradition and quality of life ..................................................page 10

Wolfsburg – Pure fascination .........................................................................................................page 11

Braunschweig – House of Guelph, a Hanse town, “physics for brilliant minds” ....................................page 11

ZeitOrte – A journey through time ..................................................................................................page 12

Lüneburg und Celle – Romantic Lüneburger Heide cities ..................................................................page 14

Celle – Surprisingly personable .............................................................................................. page 15

Gifhorn – Let this city inspire you ...................................................................................................page 16

Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim – Gods, graves and history ..........................................page 16

Hildesheim – rich historical and cultural heritage .............................................................................page 17

Hann. Münden – Timber framework and three river city ..................................................................page 18

Hameln – The Pied Piper of Hamelin ............................................................................................page 19

Goslar and Hahnenklee – 1000 year-old Harz region history ........................................................page 20

Wolfenbüttel – The Guelphs‘ Residence and home to Jägermeister ....................................................page 21

Emsland – Corn distilleries, night watchmen and drummer boys ........................................................page 22

Wilhelmshaven – Maritime and port city .................................................................................. page 24

Leer – The gateway to Ostfriesland .......................................................................................... page 25

Worpswede – Discover art and culture ..........................................................................................page 25

Bremerhaven – Experience the sea ................................................................................................page 26

Stade und Buxtehude – Two maritime Hanse towns .........................................................................page 27

What is your favourite dish? A culinary journey through Niedersachsen’s cities .......................... page 28

World class design and architecture .............................................................................. from page 30

Events highlights in Niedersachsen’s cities ....................................................................................page 36

Niedersachsen at a glance .........................................................................................................page 38

Christmas Markets ......................................................................................................................page 39

Further brochures for your Niedersachsen holiday ......................................................................page 40

Contact details – How to reach us ..............................................................................................page 41

5

Big city metropolis atmosphere Anyone undertaking a tour of a big city metropolis is bound to have an experience of a lifetime – in any event this stands true for Niedersachsen. Be it an expo, trade fair or capital city, “the city of the day after tomorrow” (Űbermorgenstadt) as Oldenburg tends to be referred to, a university city, a “City of the Peace”, a city founded by Duke Henry the Lion: All offer a colourful mix of historical places of interest, contemporary architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, parks and natural landscapes, museums, castles, shopping miles, lakes, lifestyle and idyllic historical old city quarters – not to mention that every city has its very own highlights. Visit polar bears, elephants and the fictional children’s book village of Mulle-wapp with its cosy farm in one of Germany’s most magnificent zoos in the federal state capital of Han-nover, take in the impressive imposing architecture of an internationally acclaimed architect in the midst of a nature reserve, quench your thirst for knowledge in “the city of science” and take a tour of five “tradition-al islands” at the heart of a city. Perhaps by now your appetite has been whet for the big city metropolis ex-perience? If so we have one more surprise in store for you: A journey through time. As you can see there is nothing that cannot be found in the big city metropo-lis of Niedersachsen. This being said… one thing you will not come across is the big city mad rush.

6 vibrant

Hannover Marketing & Tourismus GmbHwww.hannover.de 1

A brilliant jewel of the city is the Royal Gardens of Her-renhausen (Herrenhäuser Gärten). The Baroque Great Garden becomes a paradisiacal setting for fireworks, theatre, small-scale performing arts and concerts in the summer. The horizontal lift that takes you up to the town hall dome is most impressive. The view across the city from there is absolutely awesome.

Hannover’s adventure zoo, the Erlebnis-Zoo, with its spe-cies-appropriate habitats for animals in seven fascinating theme worlds makes it Germany’s most spectacular zoo. Yukon Bay, the new Canadian theme world is home to po-lar bears, caribous, penguins, timber wolves, bisons and seals. This landscape covers 22 000 m² with a bay, fasci-nating underwater world and experimental gastronomy. The vibrant city of Hannover with its expansive pedestri-an zone, the newly established Ernst-August Gallery and

fine shopping malls is an open invitation for shop-pers. You can amble through the alleys of the his-torical old city or relax on the banks of the River Leine or in one of countless coffee shops. Thea-tre, opera, concerts and arts of the highest qual-ity, as well as an abundance of museums and ar-chitectural landmarks will fascinate culture lovers the world over. Hannover’s international atmosphere is very prev-alent with it being a trade fair, events and sports city. Top class stars do the honours and Hannover rocks with their entertainment. Among the annual visitor magnets are the Maschsee Lake Festival (Maschseefest), the world’s bigmarkmen’s funfair (Schützenfest), and the International Fireworks Competition. There is hardly a big city metropolis that can offer such a variety of appealing leisure activities in the way that the federal state capital Hannover can: Amble through the Royal Gardens of Herrenhaus-en or enjoy the greenery of the city’s Eilenriede Forest. Maschsee Lake is a treat with its Medi-terranean atmosphere. The Leineauen meadows lure hikers and cyclists to their wide expanses.

Hannover

Garden art to the utmost perfection can be taken in at Royal Gardens of Herren-hausen. A walk through one of Europe’s most beautiful parks awaits you here. The Great Garden as an unchanged example of a Baroque garden with its captivating ornaments, bubbling cas-cades and spectacular fountains, invi-tes you to take a stroll.

Outdoor and indoor art

170 street art objects charac-terise the cityscape of Han-nover. The famous Nanas by Niki des Saint Phalle stand out on the banks of the River Line. Controversial at first, they have long since become the city’s most photographed at-traction. Indoors, the Sprengel Museum is regarded as one of the most significant art venues of the 20th and 21st centuries. www.hannover.de

7vibrant

Übermorgenstadt Oldenburg– Surprisingly personable

Welcoming, likeable and cosmopolitan, honest, authentic and tradition conscious: With a population of more than 160 000, an energetic commercial sector and a unique cultural site, Über-morgenstadt Oldenburg is the best kept secret. The variety and splendour of the architecture is what catches the eye. Its silhouette is characterised by elegant residential ar-eas, a small city harbour and obviously the imposing castle. Ad-ditionally a varied theatre scene with the imposing state theatre permeates Oldenburg’s cultural landscape. You will also enjoy charming, vibrant, colourful market-style and varied gastronomic shopping experience, because aside from the big world of shop-ping and exclusive fashion boutiques, there are the romantic al-leys with charming shops that turn Oldenburg into an excellent shopping destination.

3 for 2:Übermorgenstadt Oldenburg offers you a third night’s stay for free Is it possible to see, take in and experience Oldenburg in two days? Not a chance! That is why you will receive your third night in your hotel free as a guest at the expense of Übermorgenstadt. Doubles from 99 € per person, singles from 148 € per person (3rd overnight stay in a three-star hotel includes breakfast), arriv-als daily and available throughout the year

Horst-Janssen-Museum

In 2000 the city of Oldenburg honoured its sensational art-ists in the true sense of the word with their own museum. Re-gardless of how eccentric Horst Janssen (1929–1995) may have been, his drawings and etchings gained world fame and turned him into one of the biggest illustrators and graphic de-signers of the 20th century.

Oldenburg Tourismus und Marketing GmbHwww.oldenburg-tourist.de 

2

Museum of Nature and Man (Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch)

What makes this state-run natural history museum so unique is that it showcases the North West’s di-versity under one roof: Taking the three dominant landscapes of the moors and heaths, the coast and the marshes as a vantage point, the museum displays bog bodies, rare objects that have been found and animals of the regions. Its artistic pres-entation that makes the museum so unique is what has specially singled it out for its award winning in-novative design.

8 vibrant

Together with Münster, Osnabrück was once the negotiation city for the Peace of Westphalia, a peace treaty signing that stands out in the city’s history, with the tradition associated with it being maintained to this very day: In October around 1200 fourth-year pupils will ride down the town hall stairs with their homemade hobby horses to com-memorate the Peace of Westphalia. The city tours begin on the his-torical benches of the Hall of Peace (Friedenssaal) as do the popular night watchman tours. Today’s colourful atmosphere can be ascribed to the combination of modern buildings such as the Felix-Nussbaum-Haus or the Kamp-Promenade alongside the delightful historical old city alleys in the Heger-Tor quarter. The partly preserved medieval warehouses, so-called stone works, today house galleries, coffee shops and bistros. The market square is the “heart of the city”: It is here where weddings, festivals, wine and Christmas markets take place. The coffee shops and restaurants take their wicker chairs outdoors lin-ing them up outside the red and yellow gabled houses. With a great view of the town hall (Rathaus) and the Church of St Mary (Marien-kirche) this is the place to indulge in a slice of cake or a more hearty meal. A little further on Saint Peter’s Cathedral (Dom St. Petrus) dating back to the 13th century never fails to impress with its varied towers, its tranquil cloister and its sought after treasures in the Diocesan Museum (Diözesanmuseum). Osna-brück is the only big city metropolis to be located in the middle of a nature reserve, the TERRA.vita Geopark. This means that your outing into nature can already begin in the city with designated cycle routes and walking trails.

Tourist Information Osnabrückwww.osnabrueck.de3

Osnabrück“City of the peace” (“Friedensstadt”) situated in a nature reserve

“Himmlische Frauen” – A women’s best friends day

Sip a cappuccino at sunrise, a cocktail at sunset and indulge in a whole day of chatting, looking around and shopping. The “Himmlische Frauen” Osnabrück city tour offers endless enjoyment and a great experience. You have the option of booking for one day only or a whole weekend. For more information and bookings go to: www.osnabrueck.de/angebote

Zoo Option

The Underground Zoo (“Unterirdische Zoo”) was launched at the Osnabrück Zoo in 2009 and is the only one of its kind in the whole of Germany and takes its visitors through a labyrinth. Above ground “Takamanda”, an African adventure world, was added to it in 2010. The Zoo Option offered by the “advena ho-tel Hohenzollern” is particularly appealing to families.www.advenahotels.de/osnabrueck/specials

9vibrant

Göttingen – University city bursting with tradition and quality of lifeGöttingen – is known as an academic and scientific hub, a university city, a student city, the city of 18th century scientist and mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauß and to experimental physicist Georg Chris-toph Lichtenberg. Far and wide Göttingen is however also known as a festival city where theatre, literature and music come into their own. The Händel Festival fea-tures prominently on the annual events di-ary as do the Jazz festival and the autumn literary festival “Literaturherbst”. Its histori-cal downtown characterised by medieval churches and a magnificent old town hall (Rathaus) is home to the expansive pedes-trian zone. Specialist stores beckon you to take a stroll through the attractive side streets, while the diversity of restaurants and cuisine on offer invites you in. In the summer the street cafés make for a Medi-

terranean vibe while in winter many of the restaurants convey a cosy at-mosphere, offering their guests a di-versity of dishes from the four corners of the world and for every budget.

The city’s easy accessibility remains unsur-passed: However you see it – Göttingen is always located in the middle of Ger-many. With its optimal connection to road and rail traffic you will reach the city in the shortest possible time from any direc-tion, e.g. comfortably by bus or car via the North-South Bypass, the A 7, and the new East-West Connection, the A 38. More than 100 ICE connections conveniently facilitate daily access by rail. Göttingen: Liveable and likeable, easy to get to, with its many facets that are worth exploring.

The scope of Göttingen’s restaurant industry will captivate you with its flair for diversity: From the rustic pubs to the backstreet coffee shops in seven-ties style, from Bismarck’s good middle class fare to exquisite upscale star-rated restaurants. When it comes to enjoying food, even in a university city the motto should be: Try it out and see for yourself.

Retailers who live the lifestyle can be found in the many side streets of the his-torical old city. Trend-setter boutiques, stores selling accessories for the home, jewellery designers and many more, leave nothing to be desired. A wide se-lection, individual consultations and ex-cellent service will turn your shopping ex-cursion in this historical atmosphere into an unusual shopping delight.

Göttingenwww.goettingen-tourismus.de 

4

10 vibrant

With a population of around 250,000 it is the biggest city between Hannover and Berlin. Guelph Duke Henry the Lion made Braunschweig his royal capital in the 12th

century and turned it into a powerful trade centre. The city founded by Duke Henry the Lion has much to offer both as a tradition rich and modern-day big city metrop-olis: Historical attractions and authentic city quarters, contemporary architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, an extensive sport and leisure repertoire, as well as expan-sive parks and natural landscapes. The historico-cultural museums as well as the impressive architecture replete with history bear testimony to a history going back more than a thousand years and which characterises the city-scape. Among the many attractions is the Ducal Palace or Braunschweig Residenzschloss. It has served as the platform for Europe’s biggest quadriga since 2008. Its visitor viewing point makes for a unique view of Braun-schweig’s inner city, which can almost be completely circumnavigated by boat on the River Oker.

The young and hospitable city on the Mittelland Canal is synonymous with tradition and all things modern and will whet your appetite for adventure. Are you interest-ed in art and culture, adventure and leisure activities, as well as having fun and enjoying some relaxation? Then let Wolfsburg’s multi-facetted offers enthral you.

At the heart of the city lies the automobile transportation adventure world, the Volkswagen Auto City. Embedded in a 25 hectare park and lagoon landscape this unique theme park offers you an unusual destination for a short getaway or group tour. The Phæno Science Centre – Guests to this experimental setting have numerous op-tions of discovering the fascinating phenomena of our world via 300 interactive experimentation stations.

Wolfsburg also has many surprises in store when it comes to sport: First class national league soccer in one of Germany’s most spectacular stadiums, national league ice hockey in the skating arena, and leisure ac-tivities in northern Germany’s biggest water park, the Aquapark Badeland Wolfsburg, and great fun is to be had with the Treetop Assault Course.

Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbHwww.braunschweig.de6Braunschweig

– House of Guelph, a Hanse town, “physics for brilliant minds”

Mumme, a top-fermented dark beer, of Braunschweig cuisine. Acquire a taste for it and make forays into the culinary history of Duke Henry the Lion. Special offer: One or two overnight stays/breakfast, Braunschweig Mum-me meal, “Mumme-Bummel” city ramble with Mumme tasting at the Mumme store and complimentary Mumme cookbook.

For further informationand bookings go to: www.braunschweig.de/reiseangebote

Wolfsburg – Pure fascination

Experience the topic of cars and automobile trans-portation in a completely new way. Regardless of whether you do your trip in the spring or in winter – unusual events and unique stage performances will be on offer all year round. Our offer: From 72 € per person· 1 overnight stay (per double) including breakfast· Auto City day ticket· Auto City meal voucher 10 € · Welcome drink at the hotelwww.wolfsburg-reisen.de

Wolfsburg Marketing GmbHwww.wolfsburg-reisen.de 5

11vibrant

Welcome to the land of time travel!The rich history of this region manifests itself in treasures of the past, pacesetters of the present time and laboratories of the fu-ture. ZeitOrte are historic settings such as excavated, geologi-cally unique phenomena, archaeological excavations, medieval buildings or complexes, libraries of the Enlightenment, old fac-tory premises, modern sites of art and architecture, museums of the future and world-renowned production facilities.

Take an exciting journey through time in our cities:… Retrace the steps of the Guelphs in Medieval Braunschweig… Relive the Baroque and Enlightenment eras in Wolfenbüttel (the city renowned for philosopher and author Lessing) … Experience the cradle of industrialisation on the terrain of the Ilseder Hütte iron and steel works in the Peine administrative district and the history of salt production in Salzgitter… Marvel at the oldest machines in the world at the windmill outdoor museum in Gifhorn… Stay hot on the trail of domestic German transport past and present with the Helmstedt project “Grenzenlos – Wege zum Nachbarn” or “The way to your neighbour – without any borders”… Experiment in the futuristic orientated phæno Science Centre in Wolfsburg… Visit the automobile transportation theme worlds at Autostadt Wolfsburg

Discovering ZeitOrte: Exciting and very different experiences from prehistoric times until the present day are guaranteed. Take as much time as you need!

ZeitOrte– Take a journey through time

Have your finger tips at the pulse of time when it comes to attractive shop-ping options in the region’s inner cit-ies and shopping centres or outlets. Sports fans will get their money’s worth at the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig national league basket-ball games, from the Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg Ice Hockey Club or at first class national league football by VfL Wolfsburg.

Heide | BraunschweigerLAND | Harzwww.ZeitOrte.de 7

On a city expedition:

Scout the ZeitOrte for a thematic city excursion. Life in Medieval times, the Baroque era’s zest for life, the history of industrialisation and futuristic archi-tecture are brought to life by our visitor guides who will share their anecdotes and things worth knowing with you. For specials and other city experiences go to: www.ZeitOrte.de

Heide | BraunschweigerLAND | Harz

Tip

12 vibrant

Historical Ambience“Once upon a time …” fairytale-like, romantic, majes-tic and exciting is what the stories that Niedersachs-en’s historic cities have to tell are like. They invite you to a journey into the past. A journey past UNESCO world heritage sites, past medieval city walls of vari-ous Hanse towns, past magnificent architecture and old timber framework takes you through winding al-leys and across bascule bridges decorated with flow-ers. We acquaint ourselves with Dr. Eisenbart, Casano-va and a world famous Pied Piper before we take the time to recuperate with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake in an idyllic courtyard atmosphere fit for a movie set. Perhaps you care for a small shopping spree? We amble through the historical settings to make our way to fashionable shops that bring us back to a reality full of life and variety: Imposing cruise ships pass by us here, while elsewhere proud horses show us what they can do and during a tour of a corn distillery we learn a lot: “Cheers!”. We saunter across the beauti-ful promenade along the bank to where the ships are moored and once more pass the romantic setting that is gradually fading away in the glowing red of the set-ting sun, this time observing it from our steamer boat excursion. One thing is certain: We will be back in the Advent period running up to Christmas when the historic squares of the romantic cities are transformed into magical Christmas markets once more.

13historical

It is their special atmosphere that invites every guest to am-ble along, spend time and enjoy our Lüneburger Heide cit-ies for a mini getaway or day trip.

The over 1000-year old salt and Hanse town of Lüneburg with its gothic brick facades is not only the location where the ARD Telenovela “Rote Rosen” is broadcast from, but the countless historic landmarks and museums create a special symbiosis between old and new. Behind the medieval fa-cades, trendy pubs, restaurants and modern shops invite

you to shop and amble along.

The residence city Celle with its Welf castle and over 450 lovingly restored timber framework houses from the 16th, 17th and 18th century lend a very spe-cial charm to the city. Found between winding alleys and the historical tim-ber is the old town hall (Rathaus), as well as Celle Castle in the middle of the city. Not only is Celle renowned

for its history but also thanks to the annual Celle stud pa-rade for its world famous Niedersachsen State Stud.

Consider paying a visit to the Celle Christmas market or fol-low in the footsteps of a master salt maker during the “Sülf-meistertage”, Lüneburg’s master salt maker event.

For further information on visitor attractions, events and accommodation go to: www.lueneburger-heide.de

The Lüneburger Rathaus or town hall is con-sidered one of Germany’s most beautiful town halls thanks to its combination of differ-ent epochs. Follow in the footsteps of “White Gold” at the German Salt Museum to find out how Lüneburg came to its wealth. The stint market or “Stintmarkt” beckons you to dine at its inviting restaurants and pubs along the Il-menau River.

Lüneburg & Celle– Romantic Lüneburger Heide cities

The Welf Castle with the oldest Baroque castle theatre (Schlosstheater) still in operation is the city’s highlight. The castle can be found bordering the French Garden (Französischer Garten) together with the Residence Museum. Another highlight is the Bomann Museum with an ethnology collection rep-resenting Eastern Niedersachsen, as is the Niedersachsen Celle State Stud.

Lüneburger Heide GmbHwww.lueneburger-heide.de8

14 historical

Celle offers timber framework architecture that is centuries old, as well as unrivalled attractions from courtly times as a regal re-sidence. Seven hundred years of city history is still alive in Celle today. The enclosed core of the historical inner old city compri-ses more than 500 timber framework houses dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th century. Secluded inner courtyards, expansi-vely designed squares and facades are testimony to centuries gone by and are still a source of fascination to this day.

Celle – A vast array of art and culture Premiers at the Schlosstheater and vernissages artistically for-ge a bridge between the epochs. The museums remain ali-ve amid the changes of eventful history: Both traditional and contemporary. Standing out prominently is the Residence Museum found in the Celle Castle, the Bomann Museum –Niedersachsen’s third largest museum – and the 24-hour Mu-seum of Arts with its Robert Simon collection. Celle invites you to stay. Be it in the homely hotel, in the cosy coffee shop, in the quaint wine cellar, in the pub around the corner or in the sophisticated restaurant. Shopping is fun in the boutiques and shops of the residence city of Celle.

Celle – Great cultural moments

2 overnight stays including breakfast in a 3 to 5 star hotel in-cluding theme tour of the Celle Castle, a visit to the world’s first 24-hour art museum that is home to collections by Rob-ert Smon and Bomann. 2 × 3 course gourmet meals at the Pal-io Taverna&Trattoria and at the Postmeister Weinkeller von Hinüber, including afternoon tea at a coffee shop from 175 €

per person. www.kultur-sternstunden.de Celle– Residence and timber framework city

Tourismus Region Celle GmbHwww.celle-tourismus.de

9

Celle – Great taste sensation moments

2 overnight stays with breakfast in a 3 to 5 star hotel including “Barocke Tafelfreuden” (a Baroque culinary delights theme tour of Celle Castle), a 3-course gourmet meal, a 5-course gourmet meal, a taste sensation ram-ble that comes with a talk on coffee and complimentary 250 g pack Celle refined roast, liqueur tasting of the Sanddorn liqueur “Herzog Georg Wil-helm” with complimentary 100ml miniature bottle, from 205 € per person.www.genuss-sternstunden.de

15historical

The Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum is one of the most significant mu-seums of Northern Germany and particularly renowned for its world famous treasures of ancient Egyptian art. Centre of attention are the 4000 year-old finds from the Giza Plateau of the Egyptian pyramids – among them the life-sized statue of Hem-iunu, whom traditional history records as having been in charge of building the Pyramid of Cheops.

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of this massive collection: On 26th February 2011 the last section of the newly conceptualised permanent exhibition “ÄGYPTEN” (EGYPT) will open its doors. “Der Tod in der Wüste” (Death in the Desert) is dedicated to the afterlife as perceived by the ancient Egyptians, to which the Hildesheim collection is mak-ing an invaluable contribution with its treasure trove of unique items. From 16th April to 21st August the special exhibition “GIZA – Am Fuß der großen Pyramiden” (GIZA – Gateway to the Great Pyramids) will show findings from the most famous excavations that have taken place in Giza. In collaboration with international partners, the exhibition will reunite findings in their original context for the first time since their separation by official division more than 100 years ago.

Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim www.rpmuseum.de · www.giza-ausstellung.de

11

Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim – Gods, graves and history

Gifhorn, known as City of Mills, is located in the southern Lüneb-urger Heath. The open-air mill museum with its 16 mills from all over the world is unique in Europe. The history of the picturesque old town goes back 800 years, where you can still find modern shops and boutiques in half-timber houses. The Renaissance cas-tle of the Guelph duke Franz accommodates an exhibition of the regional culture on three floors. More lovely destinations are the Gifhorn Heath, the swimming paradise Tankumsee and the Otter-Center in Hankensbüttel.

Gifhorn – Let this city inspire you

Südheide Gifhorn GmbH · www.suedheide-gifhorn.de10

16 historical

Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim – Gods, graves and history

Hildesheim, located 30 kilometres south of Han-nover has plenty to offer in terms of tourism: The city is particularly famous for its churches, of which Saint Mary’s Cathedral (Mariendom) and the thousand-year-old Church of Saint Michael (St. Michaeliskirche) were recognised as UN-ESCO Heritage sites in 1985 for the exception-al testimony they bear to the religious art of the Romantic period. What is very impressive about these churches is their large number of historic or-naments. The 1000 year-old rosebush entwined with legends and that can be found at the apses of the Mariendom deserves special mention.

The Hildesheim Museums are home to world-fa-mous history of art. The Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum is known for its 100-year-old Egyptian collection, which forms part of the most signifi-cant in Europe and regularly showcases top-class special exhibitions on different topics. The munic-ipal museum is located in the famous Butcher’s Guild Hall (Knochenhauer-Amtshaus) and has on display presentations on the history of Hildesheim and the region. It is located right by the historical market square, Hildesheim’s tourism focal point. Its imposing timber framework houses takes the visitor many centuries back in time.

The Theater für Niedersachsen (TfN) is the hall-mark of Hildesheim’s theatre scene for which it is renowned, giving performances throughout the whole of Germany from its base here. Its open-air theatres and cultural scene, not to mention its 7500 students and a varied events calendar, make for Hildesheim’s reputation as a vibrant and creative big city metropolis.

Hildesheim– Rich historical and cultural heritage

“Museumstage” – Museum Days

Discover Hildesheim’s treasure trove within the context of its “Muse-umstage”: 2 overnight stays including breakfast in a 4-star hotel, wel-coming cocktail, 4-course meal, museum entrance fee either for the Stadtmuseum or the Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim for 136.50 € per person sharing (double).

tourist information Hildesheimwww.hildesheim.de/english12

“Hildesheim zum Kennenlernen” – Getting to know Hildesheim

Using this as its slogan, a two-hour city tour on foot will take you from the historical Marktplatz market square to the UN-ESCO heritage sites of Saint Mary’s Cathedral (Mariendom) and the Church of Saint Michael (St. Michaeliskirche). The tour is ideally suited to get a first impression of the city’s histo-ry and its most important attractions. For further information and bookings go to: www.hildesheim.de/tourismus

17historical

Distinctive to Hann. Münden, unlike most other cities, is its location on the three rivers and its timber framework houses numbering more than 700 that date back to six different centuries. Magnificent timber framework architectural styles from every epoch, defence towers, fortifications, the Welf castle, stone bridge and a Weser Renaissance period town hall are a reflection of its rich history.

Thanks to intense restoration efforts Hann. Münden is today regard-ed as a timber framework city of European renown. Interactive wa-ter fountains decorate central inner city squares and attract both young and old. Explore the magnificent timber framework architec-ture with its inscriptions, bays and gables, historical doors and por-tals. Dine at one of the rustic restaurants or go on one of the guid-ed city walks. History comes alive in Hann. Münden. The historical old city with its idyllic alleys and streets is also ideal for a Sunday outing on foot, with its shops and coffee shops open for business.

You may also come across the legendary Baroque physician, Doc-tor Eisenbart who, using humour, rids people of their toothache eve-ry Saturday at 1.30pm from May through to October. Hann. Münden is a sought after city travel destination with piz-zazz. All kinds of accommodation from privately-run timber frame-work hotels to camper van camping sites can be found online for every budget. Tourist Information provides comprehensive information on all specials and sub-jects in your native language by going to: www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de

Hann. Münden– Timber framework and three river city

Shopping at its best in Hann. Münden

Shopping in the historical old city of Hann. Münden is magical. Many small specialty shops with their own individual choice and rustic an-tique shops with rarities, not to mention culinary specialities are yours to discover. Suitable for the whole family the shops are also open on the first Sunday of every month from 2pm to 6pm.

„Wo Werra sich und Fulda küssen,

sie ihren Namen büßen müssen,

und hier entsteht durch diesen Kuss,

Deutsch bis zum Meer der Weserfluss“

This poetic commemorative slab was put up in 1899 where the Rivers Werra and Fulda meet and which reads something along the lines of:

“Where the River Werra and Fulda merge, is where they must surrender their names, and through the merger what will emerge is the River Weser, with German spoken all along its banks, until it reaches the sea”

It is at this plaque that the round trip cruises start. Also located here is a site for camper van holiday makers. www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de/hann-muenden-fuer/camper-und-wohnmobilisten.html

Touristik Naturpark Münden e. V.www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de

13

Tip

18 historical

Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbHwww.hameln.com 

14

If you happen to visit Hameln in the summer you may even experience the Pied Piper live. The open-air Pied Piper performance lures thousands of visitors to the historical old city at noon every Sunday from mid-May to mid-September. The hu-morous Pied Piper musical “RATS” can be expe-rienced every Wednesday from 4.30pm. Visitors get to see both attractions free of charge.

Hameln – The Pied Piper of Hameln

Here there is no need for the visitor having to decide between sightseeing and shopping. The lovingly restored houses from the Weser-Re-naissance era with their wood carved grimac-ing faces and gargoyles, the golden inscrip-tions on their gables and the colourful facades are home to many shops that allow for excel-lent browsing.

Touristik Naturpark Münden e. V.www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de

Hameln’s pearl of the Weser River Moun-tain Country (Weserberglandes) and home to the intriguing Pied Piper, lies 45 km south-west of the federal state capi-tal. At a first glance, the city with a popu-lation of 60 000 captivates with its fas-cinating architecture, mysterious history and scenic appeal.

Simply taking a walk through the inner city is an attraction. Even better: Find a seat at one of the street cafés and mar-vel at the unusual architecture while sip-ping your cup of tea. Architecture fans call Hameln’s historical old city the jewel of the Weser-Renaissance, although the stone relics are more inclined to bear tes-timony to the story of the city’s Pied Piper, for example the Pied Piper House (Ratten-fängerhaus) that dates back to 1602 with the inscription recounting the story of the children taking off with the Pied Piper – ar-guably Hameln’s most well known histori-cal event. In 1284, 130 children are pur-ported to have disappeared from Hameln in a mysterious way. Legend has it that the strange Pied Piper led the children out the city as an act of revenge. Everywhere

you go in Hameln – not only in the mu-seum – you will come across this unusual fellow – and the legend of the Pied Piper holds its own to this very day.

A city walkabout is not complete without a visit to the glass blowing workshop in the historic Pulverturm or powder tower. The River Weser also cannot be missed. The promenade along its banks is an open in-vitation to go for a marvellous walk and also marks the start of a cycle route that takes you through the Weser River Moun-tain Country. Another way to take in sce-nic Hameln is on a river cruise.

19historical

The millennium city Goslar is an exciting city destination to travel to, aside from which it is located in superb nature right by the Harz region. Its special tradition-rich atmosphere and cultural treasures, such as the historical old city core, churches and museums are an exceptional experience (not only) for culture enthusiasts, but also if a relax-

ing holiday is what you really want Gos-lar is the place to be. The atmosphere in the small alleys or at the vibrant market square with its coffee shops and restau-rants invites you to come along and enjoy. The Rammelsberg ore mine and the his-toric old city of Goslar were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1992 that was expanded with the “Oberharzer

Wasserwirtschaft” or Upper Harz wa-ter conservancy in 2010. An impressive award that turns Goslar’s testimonies of ore mining and the city’s history into one of Germany’s most valuable cultural mon-uments. Other city attractions are the monumental imperial palace, the Kaiserp-falz and the Mönchehaus Museum with its prominent modern art exhibitions.

The climatically healthy spa town of Hah-nenklee-Bockswiese 16 km south of Gos-lar lies on a sunny plateau and is the ide-al holiday resort for old and young.

Irrespective of whether you prefer to take a leisurely walk along the ponds replete with cranes in the spa gardens or prefer to while away the time on the path with its lovingly designed lover’s benches that make for spectacular views of the Harz foothills, or if you wish to acquaint your-self with the expansive network of hiking

trails in and surrounding Hahnenklee-Bockswiese – the many leisure options on offer will not only guarantee you rest and relaxation but also a variety of things to do and entertain you.

For example you can broaden your knowledge by joining a city guided tour. Our hiking guide will also take you around the Oberharzer Wasser-wirtschaft for you to enjoy the charm-ing landscape.

Goslar

Hahnenklee

– vibrant 1000 year-old Harz region history

– appealing at any time of year

HAHNENKLEE tourismus marketing gmbhwww.hahnenklee.de 16

Tourist-Information der GOSLAR marketing gmbhwww.goslar.de 

15

Spatial experience in the Huldigungssaal or Hall of Hom-age: The former governing council meeting hall, the Ratssit-zungssaal in Goslar’s historic town hall (Rathaus) is an inval-uable gem of late Gothic spatial art and painted all around with impressive works of art. A multimedia presentation visu-ally replicates the history of the room to resemble the original as closely as possible. www.goslar.de

Discover the beauty of Hahnenklee-Bocks-wiese and the attractions that it has to of-fer, for example the unique Stabkirche or stave church. The Stabkirche, Hahnen-klee’s landmark, is a uniquely built church using the Norwegian wooden version as its template. It is very impressive with its modern carillon comprising four octaves. Why not see and hear for yourself? www.stabkirche.de

20 historical

Enjoy a festive dinner with Casanova at Wolfenbüttel Pal-ace, invite Mr Lessing to afternoon tea at your hotel, taste our world famous digestive – Jägermeister – or marvel at the famous library – Herzog August Bibliothek. Where else but in Wolfenbüttel – the vibrant timber framework town be-tween the Harz Mountains and the Lüneburger Heide – will you be able to experience these things?

Begin your visit to our town with a discovery tour of the his-torical old town and acquaint yourself with “Little Venice” (Klein Venedig), the Ducal Liberty district, the magnificent church architecture and the Palace District (Schlossviertel). Your very accomplished tour guide will take you to one of our restaurants in the historical old town to give you the chance to re-energise for the rest of the day. Let the dance master sweep you off on an adventure tour through the pal-ace state rooms with coffee and cake served afterwards to round off an unforgettable day in Wolfenbüttel.

Of course the best way to discover our town and its delight-ful surroundings is to stay for a few days. Our special “Drei wundervolle Tage in Wolfenbüttel’’ offers you three marvel-lous days in Wolfenbüttel and aside from organised excur-sions and tours, allows for enough time each day to enjoy a dinner out or an event of cultural interest. There is also room for an excursion to the surrounding areas, like the Harz Mountains or the world heritage sites of Goslar, Quedlin-burg or Hildesheim, the Mühlenmuseum (Mill Museum) in Gifhorn or Auto City in Wolfsburg: All these destinations are within 50 km of Wolfenbüttel. How does that sound?

Wolfenbüttel – The Guelphs’ Residence and home to Jägermeister

Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel

A must for every visitor is this world famous library, strong-hold of the most spectacular and valuable manuscripts of theMiddle Ages such as the Gospelbook of Duke Henry the Lion(1188). The most famous librarian was Lessing, in whose hon-our a Museum of Literature was established in the Lessing-haus alongside the library.

Jägermeister + Culture + Enjoyment = Wolfenbüttel

Experience an interesting tour through the production line of the famous Firma Jägermeister, which produces the delicious herbal di-gestive with the same name. Add astroll through the historical old townto it and to this add a delicious meal in a restaurant there – then the result has to be the Wolfenbüt-tel experience! For further informa-tion and bookings go to: www.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de

Stadtmarketing Wolfenbüttel GmbH & Co.KGwww.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de 17

21historical

– Corn distilleries, night watchmen and drummer boys

Lingen is the biggest city in the Emsland. The vibrant hub is an open invitation for shopping trips, with museums and art galleries not far off. The coffee shops on the historical Marktplatz or mar-ket square are ideal for taking a relaxing break. The Kivelinge, the young sons of the city’s residents, take you on the tours to the beat of a drum.

Meppen is the city by the water’s edge. The rivers Ems and Hase meet up here. Attractions not to be missed in the historical old city: The Baroque Gymnasialkirche church, the Stadtmuseum municipal museum and the old town hall (Rathaus). The open-air stage offers musicals in the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a culinary city tour or follow the night watchman. Haselünne, the Emsland’s oldest city, is renowned for its corn distill-eries. Among the distilleries that offer tours are Berentzen-Hof and Kornbrennerei Heydt, while a “Corn Academy” can be found at Brennerei Rosche. Tasting is a given. Groups can take advantage of the “Juniper Test” and the Haselünn Lake for its water sports.

All three cities are situated in the countryside and alongside the water and are ideal van-tage points to head out on a cy-cling or canoe trip from. Lingen’s canoe and climbing camp of-fers adventure tours for all age groups, while Meppen offers a combo two-river experience. Haselünne with its inviting farm-yard coffee shops lies along the Hase-Ems River Tour – and it is also possible to take a canoe from here.

Tip

Emsland Touristik GmbHwww.emsland.com 18

Emsland

– cruise ships, recreational boats and the Papenburg barges

Emsland Touristik GmbHwww.emsland.com 18

Emsland – cruise ships, recreational boats and the Papenburg barges – the name is synony-mous with dreamlike cruise ships which are built in the renowned Meyer Werft dockyard and transported to the North Sea via the River Ems watched by thousands of spectators. A glance into the construction dock of Meyer Werft is spectacular. The bascule and swivel bridges dec-orated with flowers for the most part and the historical ships in the long canals make the city-scape a site well worth seeing. The Gut Altenkamp estate, the Meyers Mühle mill and the Von-Velen Museum can be found on the many cycling routes that intersect in Papenburg outside the old town hall (Rathaus) and in front of the Brigg Friederike, an ancient seagoing vessel.

Haren (Ems), the harbour city: 300 maritime vessels and 50 inland ships are in operation run by Harener Reeder ship owners. A short distance from the Maritime Museum (Schifffahrts-museum) where the Spitzpünte Helene is moored is where the passenger ship Amisia casts off to take passengers on a cruise on the River Ems. Captains of both leisure and sports ves-sels traverse the Haren-Rütenbrock Canal to the Netherlands. A must for visitors to Haren: The Emsland Cathedral, the mill museum (Mühlenmuseum) and the Dankern Castle Holiday Centre.

Emsland

The history of Papenburg is cap-tured and presented interactively at the “Zeitspeicher” and there are numerous options you can take part in. There is a holiday centre at Dankern Castle in Ha-ren that has everything you could wish for. Never a dull moment at the 5.000 m2 roofed over amuse-ment park. www.emsland.com

22 historical

Maritime CharmAhoy! Join us on a journey through Niedersachsen’s most beautiful maritime cities. Drop anchor with us at busy harbours and idyllic fishing villages. Learn what there is to know about the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site (Weltnaturerbe Wattenmeer) and its inhabitants – and listen to the captivating sailors’ yarns of the fishermen. Take a museum ship and join us at the diving station to experience the magnificent un-derwater world. Revitalise yourself in one of the cosy harbour restaurants and enjoy the freshly caught fish from “Neptune’s Empire – God of the Sea”, or crabs straight from the cutter at the docks. Trace your herit-age at the German Emigration Centre or stare into the future from the JadeWeserPort. Perhaps you have the urge to try your hand at sailing. No problem – here you are always guaranteed six inches of water under the keel. Sail inland across rivers and canals past light-houses, cruise ships, picturesque villages, and moor landscapes – always accompanied by a fresh breeze. All hands on deck? Then the journey can begin: “Cast off! Full steam ahead!”

23maritime

Wilhelmshaven Touristik & Freizeit GmbHwww.wilhelmshaven-touristik.de

19

Wilhelmshaven– Maritime and port city

A harbour atmosphere at its best, big city liv-ing and maritime attractions – the North Sea city of Wilhelmshaven located on the south-ern Jadebusen bay has far more to offer than sea and sun. Countless cultural institutions in-vite you to enjoy its theatre, art, music and comedy.

Six worlds of experience are lined up at the Wilhelmshaven Maritime Mile (Maritime Meile Wilhelmshaven) all bringing home the subject of the “ocean” to the visitor: The Coastal Museum (Küstenmuseum), the Aquar-ium, the German Navy Museum (Deutsches Marinemuseum), the “Wadden Sea House” (Wattenmeerhaus), the 5D cinematic experi-ence “Nordsee-Welten” and harbour cruises on the MS Harle Kurier.

A striking landmark of the city is the Emper-or William Bridge (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke) that is over 100 years old. The iron structure towers above the Großer Hafen section of the harbour. Every year countless tradition-al sailing ships drop anchor here from all over Europe, especially for the “Weekend on the Jade” (“Wochenende an der Jade”) re-nowned far beyond the city’s borders and for the “JadeWeser-Port-CUP”. A colourful fringe events programme of music, entertainment, games and enjoyment lures thousands of visi-tors to the city on the River Jade.

From the beach, the Südstrandprome-nade, you will have an excellent view of the UNESCO Wad-den Sea World Her-itage Site. In season harbour cruises and excursions to the deep-sea island of Helgoland start from here.

A futuristic harbour experience can be head up close at the JadeWeserPort oceanic con-struction site. Germany’s only deepwater port will be able to handle the world’s biggest con-tainer ships as from 2012.

Sailing, surfing, rowing or canoeing – the conditions for watersports fanatics are ideal here.

If you prefer to remain on terra firma you will still get your money’s worth here, i.e. you can play a game of golf or go cycling.

Maritime Elegance

Stay at the COLUMBIA Hotel Wilhelmshaven and get a panoramic view of the harbour Großer Hafen. Awaiting you here is a breakfast buffet, a three-course dinner in the Harbour View Restaurant, a 30-minute back massage, the COLUMBIA wellness package with plenty of extras, as well as a visit to the Coastal Museum. From 210 € per person sharing (double).

Constables, murderers and scoundrels

Go on a cycling tour through the Wilhelmshaven’s police and judiciary history, which will take you to various crime scenes culminating in the museum bunker of the city’s correctional facility.www.wilhelmshaven-touristik.de

24 maritime

Worpswede is an artistic “metropolis” in the midst of the tran-quillity of the countryside and nature. Situated outside the Bremen gateway in the Teufelsmoor (Devil’s Moor), museum and studio visits, art and architecture, artistic gardens and moor terrain can be combined into one unforgettable expe-rience in this German artists’ town. At present the big mu-seums are being modernised successively. In 2012 the city’s museums will present a comprehensive retrospective on the multifaceted works of artist Heinrich Vogeler.

Kulturland Teufelsmoor, Worpswedewww.worpswede.de · www.teufelsmoor.de21

– Discover art and cultureWorpswede

– The gateway to OstfrieslandLeer

The picturesque histori-cal old city and town hall (Rathaus), the countless number of lovingly restored houses, the striking commer-cial buildings, its churches and alleys all constitute the heart of Leer.

There is a direct connec-tion between the historical old city and the attractive pedestrian zone, as well as the Museum Harbour (Muse-umshafen) and tourist port.

The pedestrian zone with its successful combination of contemporary shopping experiences combined with traditional shops, comple-mented by cosy restaurants, coffee shops and tea rooms, has turned the city of Leer into the shopping city in Os-tfriesland.

Leer Harbour melds his-tory and things contem-porary in an impressive manner. Across from the Mu-

seum Harbour is the trendy Nesse Penin-sula. The Nesse Pen-insula is joined to the historical old city with an architectural-ly unique pedestrian bridge.

Take part in a harbour tour and treat yourself to tea af-terwards to take in more of this port city’s pizzazz.

Stadt Leer (Ostfriesland) www.leer.de

20

Allow yourself to be captivated by a tour of the Even Castle (Even-burg) and the magnificent palace gardens (Schlosspark).

25maritime

– Experience the seaBremerhaven

Sea Fish Cooking Studio – a showcase for the fishing port

Head Chef Michael Gorich reveals his tips and tricks for both classical and avant-garde delicacies from “Neptune’s Kingdom – God of the Sea”. A hot and cold fish buffet is served afterwards.

Overnight stays at the Roter Sand Lighthouse are extremely popular. Bookings for the follow-ing year commence mid-Novem-ber. Anyone wishing to stay at the landmark lighthouse should book early to avoid disappoint-ment. Legend has it that the red sand of the sandbank came about thanks to a giant called Rik. The outings start in May. For further information and bookings go to: www.bremerhaven-tourism.de

BIS Bremerhaven Touristikwww.bremerhaven-tourism.dewww.bremerhaven.de

22

Where the River Weser flows into the North Sea is where the largest city on the North Sea Coast, Bremerhaven lies. Emotional stagings and an exciting means of transferring knowledge make the Harbor Worlds Bremerhaven a constant source of fascination: The emigra-tion era is brought to life at the German Emigration Center (Deut-sches Auswandererhaus®), while the climate theme center Klimahaus®

Bremerhaven 8° Ost takes you on a journey through the world’s diffe-rent climate zones. The world’s oldest cog is displayed at the German Maritime Museum (Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum), while polar bears, penguins and co. go about their business at the Bremerhaven Zoo at the sea. Ocean liners head for the port city, museum ships grace the

harbor and the HafenBus-Tour will give you an insight into car and container transshipment at the international port. The His-torical Museum Bremerhaven takes you back in time to work and life in the worlds of the past along our coast. Fish “live” is showcased wherever you go in the fishing port: In the Atlanticum with its seawater aquarium, on the Gera trawler, in the Sea Fish Cooking Studio (Seefischkochstudio) or in its restaurants. An adventure filled mix of maritime tradition and modernism awaits you.

26 maritime

Stade and Buxtehude– Two maritime Hanse towns

The thousand year old sister cities Buxtehude and Stade are located in Urlaubsregion Altes Land am Elbstrom,

Germany’s biggest orchard with more than 16-million fruit trees. Nearly 100 kilometres of this holiday region dis-

tinguished for its fruit and maritime access runs along the River Elbe on its journey to where it joins the North Sea.

Located in a very unique landscape surrounded by a sea of blossoms are two charming Hanse towns: Buxtehude

und Stade.

Stade – A cool breeze in the north.Today you will find small speciality shops, cosy pubs and coffee shops with inviting summer terraces right by the water where Han-se ships were offloaded in days gone by. The Hanse harbour in the middle of the historical old city is well worth a visit, with the museum ship, cruise boats and sports skipper in the busy city harbour along-side side it indicative of Stade’s affinity with water and seafaring that continues to live on to this very day.

Buxtehude – Good work if you are there already.The hometown of the Hare and the Hedgehog, whose fairytale race is renowned worldwide, does indeed exist. A stroll through the historical old city may seem like a journey through time to the good old days; it is as if previous centuries come alive before your very eyes. Make your way through the narrow cobbled alleys and marvel at the carefully restored merchants’ houses with their artisti-cally decorated framework timber gables.

Two charming medieval Hanse towns

On the trail of the Hanse town

Take a guided city walk through 350 years of Hanse history. You will have eight different characters in historical outfits recount some very entertaining stories of everyday life in the town. Duration 90 minutes.

Tourismusverband Landkreis Stade/Elbe e. V.www.urlaubsregion-altesland.de 23

Has-und-Igel-Tour – the Hare and the Hedgehog tour

The Hare and the Hedgehog will tell you stories from Buxtehude in an entertaining city ramble that takes you through the historical old city. Join these two fairytale figures on a journey of discovery and lis-ten carefully to their tales: Their amazing race and all about the “Jun-gmühle”. Duration 90 minutes.

27maritime

What is your favourite dish?For you good food is synonymous with a city tour? You enjoy din-ing in exclusive atmospheres or are keen to try dishes that have been prepared according to historical recipes? Then a culinary journey through the past, the present and the future of Nieder- sachsen’s cities is just up your street! Your culinary journey through time will allow you to enjoy specialities of an epoch vis-ited and will give you the opportunity to feast on anything from Niedersachsen traditional fare to star-rated futuristic cuisine. Be-gin your journey through time in the past and acquaint yourself with Braunschweiger Mumme, a top-fermented dark beer from the Middle Ages. A right royal meal can be had in the Baroque ambience of Celle Castle and in Hameln you will meet the city’s famous Pied Piper after whom the famous “flambéed rats tails” have been named.

Refreshingly maritime is how the journey will continue along Niedersachsen’s coastline where our next stops are Wilhelms-haven and Bremerhaven. A cooking lesson will teach you differ-ent ways to prepare fish specialities or you will have the oppor-tunity to try some of the delicacies from the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. Perhaps you are still keen to try some more maritime delights? Aside from ocean cruise ships you will

come across a delicious sweet specialty, the buck-wheat pan-cake, in Papenburg. You absolutely have to try it!

First class star-rated cuisine is what Wolfsburg is known for. Be it in a museum overlooking the city’s rooftops or in the very un-usual atmosphere of the Autostadt, you will find the most sumptu-ous dishes on the menus of star-rated chefs. Besides which, their preparation is environmentally friendly!

Have you ever had the desire to become a student once again? A journey back to your own student years is something you can take in Göttingen, where you can sit and relax in one of the rus-tic pubs. You may even meet a television top chef! Oldenburg is another city that will rekindle this student atmosphere. It is home to Europe’s first “Green Cabbage Academy” and you can do your Bachelors’ degree with “Green Cabbage” as a subject. You will be surprised at the delicious dishes that can be con-jured up from it.

There is much to discover and savour in the cities of Niedersach-sen! For up to date culinary city options go to: www.staedtereisen-niedersachsen.de

A culinary journey through Niedersachsen’s cities

28

Sounds and the City

NIEDERSACHSEN

PartiTouren

ww

w.fa

ssm

er-m

arke

ting.

de

Come and hear the resonant sounds of cultural cities!

PartiTouren Niedersachsen offers you extraordinary concert

experiences with an exclusive programme of accompanying

events and adds an individual touch to your visit to the most

beautiful cities in the German federal state of Lower Saxony.

Enjoy a trip composed especially for you! You can fi nd descriptions of

the PartiTouren packages online or in the PartiTouren brochure. Do you

like the sound of this? If so, then order your free brochure now:

Phone + 49 511 27048877; bestellung@partitouren-niedersachsen.de www.partitouren-niedersachsen.de

Your short break with musical accompaniment.

TMN-AZ-0003 Anzeige Staedtebroschuere__RZ_GB.indd 1 26.01.11 12:18

Saver faresTravel from any German station to Nieder-sachsen’s most sought after cities from as lit-tle as 29 € in 2nd class or 49 € in 1st class, one way, with Deutsche Bahn’s saver fares, also by ICE.

Two people can travel together from as little as 49 € in 2nd class and may be accompa-nied by 3 further travel companions paying a supplement starting from 20 € each. Bahn-Card holders are entitled to a 25 % discount on all saver fares. Children under 15 years of age travel for free if they are accompa-nied by a parent or grandparent. Tickets are

for a specifi c train and must be purchased at least 3 days in advance, subject to avail-ability.

Group travelGroup travel is so much more fun and with our Group&Save fares six people or more travelling together can save up to 70 % on long-distance rail travel in Germany. Trav-el in comfort, and free of stress and traffi c jams, with fellow club members, friends or colleagues. Save money and at the same time make an active contribution to protect-ing the environment.

Niedersachsen TicketIrrespective of whether you are travelling on your own, with someone else or in a group of up to 5 people, the Niedersachsen Ticket will always ensure you travel at a fair price. The ticket is valid from Monday to Friday for one day of your choice from 9am until 3am of the following day. On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays it is valid all day long until 3am the following day. The Nieder-sachsen Ticket can be used on all local trains and local transport networks within Nieder-sachsen, Bremen and Hamburg.

Status: January 2011

– take the train to travel quickly, inexpensively and in an environmentally friendly way

Discover Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony)

design andMore than a thousand years of architectural history and design-er products from various centuries are waiting to be discovered in Niedersachsen. Go in search of design classics and modern day collections, architectural monuments and avant garde archi-tecture, traditional artisan art and contemporary design.

The UNESCO heritage site of Saint Mary’s Cathedral (Marien-dom), century-old monuments that bear testimony to the industri-al heritage and contemporary buildings by world renowned ar-chitects. Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid feature prominently when it comes to the latter, but by the same token they only form the tip of the iceberg when it comes to matters architectural. Museums, hotels, adventure worlds and production sites can be found in all of Niedersachsen’s areas, which all represent architecture and interior design well worth seeing in the true sense of the words,

starting at Hannover’s designer bus stops all the way through to the city of Celle’s art museum.

When it comes to architectural design, here in Niedersachsen it absolutely comes into its own. An excursion to the production sites will give you a good idea where Niedersachsen’s export hits originate from. Stock up on the latest “made in Niedersach-sen” creations at the factory sales or make a detour to one of the museums or exhibitions for a peek into the long history of arts and crafts and design.

We would like to give you a small taster on what Niedersachsen has to offer when it comes to architecture and design on the fol-lowing pages.

architectureWorld-class

30 contemporary

Be it purses by Bree, porcelain by Fürstenberg, chairs by Wilkhahn or the world famous Jägermeister liqueur – these are Niedersach-sen specialities that are sought-after worldwide. And where better to get to know more about them than on their home turf?

For example, at the FÜRSTENBERG porcelain manufacturing plant. At the visitor’s workshop at the castle you can experience how its unique porcelain creations come about. Their brand logo: An underglazed blue “F” that stands for consistent manufactur-ing quality at the highest level. Or find out more about the Jäger-meister liqueur in Wolfenbüttel, the city renowned for philosopher and author Lessing with its Herzog August Bibliothek – the library

that shot to fame in the 17th century as the eighth Wonder of the World.

Go on the “Architek-Tour” architectural tour afterwards to the city of Wolfsburg for example. Here the Phæno Science Centre by ar-chitect Zaha Hadid has been enthralling visitors year after year with its avant garde design. Other architectural treats can be tak-en in at the Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° Ost, at the Uelzen sta-tion designed by Austrian artist Hundertwasser, at the landmark BUSSTOPS of Hannover or even deep inside a mountain at Os-terode in the Harz region. Here you will find the Iberg Dripstone Cave which forms part of the “Cave Experience Centre”.

phæno Wolfsburg The British daily newspaper “The Guardian” has evaluated the Phæno as one of the twelve most significant modern architectural structures of the world. Not only does the imposing structure serve to impress with its avant garde design language, but it also pro-vides for flexibility in its uses and could not be more appropriate for this “experimental museum” with its over 350 interactive ex-hibits taken from nature and technology. The unique architectur-al experience is the brainchild of British Iraqi star architect Zaha Hadid. The building that was launched in November 2005 trans-gresses many norms and has set new constructional standards.www.phaeno.de

HöhlenErlebnisZentrum Iberger Tropfsteinhöhle (Bad Grund) (The Cave Experience Centre Iberg Dripstone Cave) The entire exhibition is underground! Launched in July 2008, the Cave Experience Centre Iberg Dripstone Cave brings alive the history of earth and is an outstanding example of exhibition architecture with an element of adventure. This innovative con-cept has turned this facility into a “Germany – Land of Ideas” (“Deutschland – Land der Ideen”) national contest award winner.www.hoehlen-erlebnis-zentrum.de

FÜRSTENBERG porcelain manufacturing plant (Porzellanmanufaktur FÜRSTENBERG)It was the Duke of Braunschweig Carl the First who was instrumental in the founding of the FÜRSTENBERG porcelain manufacturing plant. Only the idyllic castle precinct and the countless exhibits in the por-celain museum bear testimony to its 200 year-old existence, certainly not the porcelain made available for industrial selling. Here you will find dinner service sets from the classical era through to the modern age, outrageous gift items and unusual design objects.www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com

Architecture & Design31contemporary

Uelzen Hundertwasser Railway Station (“Hundertwasser-Bahnhof Uelzen”)An exciting synthesis between railway station architecture from the Wilhelminian period and art can be found here at the heart of the Lüneburger Heide: The organic colours and design lan-guage of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser has turned the rail-way station built in 1887 into an obligatory stop – a stop cer-tainly not limited to those with a passion for art and architecture. www.uelzen.de

Art Museum Celle and the Robert Simon Collection (“Kunstmuseum Celle mit Sammlung Robert Simon”)Around the clock art – A world first 24-hour art museum is what makes Celle fascinating with its exciting exhibitions and works by very diverse artists in the day, becoming a light display at night: It is at night when the glass cube of the building, with its multi-coloured lighting from inside, is ablaze with light. In 2007 an international jury evaluating the industry ranked Art Museum Celle in fifth place in the context of contemporary architecture in Germany. Also highly ranked is the innovative museum concept that obtained an award from the “Germany – Land of Ideas” initiative in 2007.www.kunst.celle.de

Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° OstIt is not only the unique world of knowledge and adventure sur-rounding the climate as a topic that is well worth a visit here, but also the imposing architecture. Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° Ost is made up of two sections completely separated from one another. The interior made of concrete is surrounded by a glass casing and the building only comes alive with the help of the most sophisticated computer technology. Not one of the glass plates comprising the 10 000 m² surface resembles another. www.klimahaus-bremerhaven.de

BUSSTOPS belonging to Hannover’s public transport operator üstraThis is how pleasurable waiting for the bus can really be: The BUS-STOPS refers to a total of nine bus stops that have been conceptu-alised by internationally acclaimed architects and designers and are spread across the city of Hannover. They are the product of a design project of the nineties designated as “Art in Public” (“Kunst im öffentlichen Raum”) the aim of which was to give art a concre-te use. Go to: www.uestra.de using the search word “BUSSTOPS”www.hannover.de

32 contemporary

Industrial heritage & architecture

Autostadt Wolfsburg and VW Plant WolfsburgAutostadt Wolfsburg is Volkswagen AG’s brainchild for mem-bers of the public to experience technology, design and history in a way that is very unique to this day. Not only does the ad-venture park alongside the Volkswagen plant attract visitors with its ultramodern infotainment and plant tours – but a visit to the 25-hectare terrain also constitutes a tour of contemporary architec-ture and landscape architecture. The two glass office towers, the AutoTürme, both 48 metres in height, create an unmistakable silhou-ette on the skyline forming the Autostadt characteristic landmark.www.autostadt.de

MEYER WERFT dockyard in Papenburg Get new insights into an industry that has been around for a very long time – the launching ground for ocean voyages and cruise ships. The MEYER WERFT Visitors’ Centre in Papenburg will let you experience the latest luxury liners up close and immerse yourself in the impressive world of ship building. The highlight: The undocking and transfer of the luxury liners is a spectacular event that attracts thousands of people every year. Visitors to MEYER WERFT will learn all about state-of-the-art ship building from ship and cabin models.www.meyerwerft.com

When you think of factories do you think of grey purpose-built structures with billowing chimneys? Then it is about time you acquaint yourself with the industrial heritage of Niedersachsen.

Take the city of Nordhorn in the west of the country for ex-ample. Immerse yourself in the industrial past of a city that once belonged to the most significant centres of Germany’s textile industry by visiting the Povelturm tower built in 1906. Another highlight is the Alfeld Fagus-Werke, a factory in Al-feld near Hannover commissioned by Carl Benscheidt and built by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, and which repre-sents the cornerstone of the epoch’s building style.

Even modern-day production facilities can offer visitors a substantial outing, as the examples that follow will go to show: While the MEYER WERFT dockyard in Papenburg will allow you to experience how the world’s largest and most majestic cruise ships come about, Autostadt Wolfsburg will introduce you to the fascinating world of automobile transportation – and you could even end up being an ar-dent fan of the industrial culture of Niedersachsen yourself!

33contemporary

The Gropius Fagus-Werk The shoelast factory commissioned by Carl Benscheidt in 1911 and built by architect and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius can be regarded as the cornerstone of the modern age – even if this was the first work of architect Walter Gropius who later became world famous. Production still takes place at the Fagus plant nominated as a world heritage site. Aside from shoelasts, tech-nologies for solid wood processing are developed here. The former factory’s warehouse showcases the Fagus-Gropius Exhi-bition (Fagus-Gropius-Ausstellung) in a 3000 m² area taking up eleven floors, around topics such as wood as the raw material, wood and the processing thereof and last but not least, a cen-tury of shoe history. www.fagus-gropius.com

The Povelturm tower and the “Old Weaving Mill” (Alte Weberei) in NordhornThe history of textiles has left its indelible mark in Nordhorn’s design and architecture. The City Museum (Stadtmuseum) uses two industrial buildings of the Povel textile factory protecting these buildings as historic monuments for its ongoing and spe-cial exhibitions. The Povelturm tower was built in 1906 as a dust filter and cooling tower and extensively restored in 1993/94. Not only does it bring to life the industrial culture, but it has also become integral to the fashion and advertising designs of the Nordhorn textile products. Artisans in the nearby “Old Weaving Mill” will demonstrate the former production process of a textile factory on machines that are still operating. Even the old villas of the factory workers bear testimony to Nordhorn’s heritage as a textile city. www.nordhorn.de

34 contemporary

Accommodation at its best

Hotel Seesteg at Norderney Formerly used as a warehouse for the peninsula pier of the North Sea island of Norderney, the building dating back to 1893 serves as the luxurious designer Hotel Seesteg today. The hotel located directly on the island’s North Sea beach will not fail to impress its guests with its exciting mix of natural materials and design, aside from spoiling you with unremitting comfort.www.seesteg-norderney.de

In Niedersachsen design and architecture are not only there to be admired. Excellent accom-modation awaits you everywhere. Enjoy comfort at its best accompanied by contemporary interior design within the walls of a historical building. Spend a day in the seventies. Or revel in the iso-lation of a forest retreat – obviously once again without having to compromise on a designer set-ting. Niedersachsen’s laureates can make it hap-pen: Every part of the region is host to award winning hotels, excellent buildings and prize win-ning tourist destinations.

Retro Design Hotel, Langeoog Take a vacation in the seventies. With its “egg chairs”, ball strobe lights, bean bag chairs, lava lamps and garish wallpa-per, the Retro Design Hotel on the North Sea island of Langeoog will give you the chance to relive this wild epoch. A feast for the eyes awaits design enthusiasts and design professionals alike. The hotel also received an award for its authentic implementa-tion of the theme from n.design in 2010 in an architectural and design contest run by the design studio.www.retro-design-hotel.de

Hotel Freigeist Design in harmony with nature is what awaits you at the life-style Hotel Freigeist. Located in the middle of an idyllic forest area in Northeim in southern Niedersachsen, the hotel pro-vides an oasis for rest and inspiration. With a successful com-bination of classical elements such as oil finished oak floors and contemporary interiors the hotel was awarded Germany’s renowned Prize for Interdisciplinary Design in 2009 (Preis für interdisziplinäre Gestaltung). www.hotel-freigeist.de

35contemporary

Goslar

Walpurgis Night, annually on 30th AprilAn attraction for the whole family is Walpurgis Night typical to the Harz region. It will take place on the historical Market Square (Marktplatz) in Goslar inviting you with eerily beautiful decora-tions and live music. www.goslar.de

Craft market (Kunsthandwerkermarkt) annually in AugustDuring the first weekend in August the market spills into the picturesque alleys of Goslar’s histori-cal old city with its 150 or so exhibitors casting its spell on thousands of visitors with their top qual-ity wares. www.goslar.de

Göttingen

International Händel Festival annually to coincide with WitsunEvery Spring classical music lovers meet at the In-ternational Händel Festival, which enthrals its au-diences especially with opera performances in which renowned international artists participate. www.haendel-festspiele.de

Göttinger Literaturherbst annually in OctoberGöttingen’s literary festival “Literaturherbst”, North-ern Germany’s biggest literary festival, presents a snapshot of contemporary literature annually in a series of performances and media projects.www.literaturherbst.de

Hameln

Musical RATS annually from May to September Every Wednesday at 4.30pm the visitor to Hame-lin will come across the humorous Musical RATS. Zappy dialogue and great songs is what its popu-larity can be ascribed to.www.musical-rats.de

Hann. Münden

Rose Festival (Rosenfest) annually in JuneIt is a two-day festival in the historical old city (Alt-stadtfest) with plenty of flower stands, minor arts and a music programme on several stages, with the obligatory election of the “Rose Fairy” and Münden culinary fare at its best. www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen

Hannover

International fireworks competition annually from May to SeptemberThere are five dates designated between May and September with the world’s best pyrotechnics experts transforming the night sky with their fire-work displays against the backdrop of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen (Herrenhäuser Gärten). www.hannover.de/feuerwerk

The Maschsee Lake Festival (Maschseefest) annually in AugustConcerts, minor arts and culinary delights. Every year from the end of July to the middle of August more than two-million visitors converge on this massive party with Mediterranean flair. www.hannover.de/maschseefest

Shooting Festival (Schützenfest) annually in JulyThe world’s biggest shooting festival lasts for ten days and nights. A cultural hustle and bustle and a giant fair ensure that high spirits abound. The highlight is the tradition rich parade with 12 000 participants. www.hannover.de/schuetzenfest

Hildesheim

The Auto Mile and Bus Pulling annually in MayThe latest vehicle models, a colourful entertain-ment programme and Niedersachen’s Bus Pull-ing championship are worth looking out for in Hildesheim’s inner city in May. www.hildesheim.de/veranstaltungen

Wine Festival annually on Ascension DayEvery year during Ascension Day vintners, wine merchants and restaurant owners invite you to a traditional Hildesheim Wine Festival. www.hildesheim.de/veranstaltungen

Jazztime annually to coincide with WhitsunJazz, blues and country lovers will get their mon-ey’s worth at Jazztime. The festival has gained recognition countrywide and has since evolved into a definite size.www.jazztime-hildesheim.de

Braunschweig

“Schoduvel” – Braunschweig’s annual carnival that coincides with Rose Monday Braunschweig is the north of Germany’s carnival stronghold. The last Monday before the season of Lent is when “Schoduvel”, one of Germany’s big-gest carnival processions, transforms the city into a colourful and crazy family of clowns.www.braunschweig.de/karneval

The Mumme Mile (Mumme-Meile) held annually in NovemberFor a whole weekend in November everything re-volves around the historical drink made of malt and water: The Mumme. Live music, a varied pro-gramme, Mumme specialities, cooking demon-strations and shops open for business on the Sun-day are the order of the day throughout.www.braunschweig.de

Bremerhaven

Bremerhavener Festival Week held annually in JulyNo city boasts as many harbours and wharfs as Bremerhaven. With this a given, this world of harbours cannot help celebrating the fact with a huge festival for the whole family held every year in July. www.bremerhaven.de

Celle

Celle Jazz Streetparade annually in MayMarching bands, jazz, rhythm & blues, world mu-sic against the backdrop of the magical Celle his-torical old city. Not to be missed!www.streetparade-celle.de

Celle Wine Market (Celle Weinmarkt) annually in JulyTaste wines from around the world in the heart of Celle’s old historical city. Besides this there will be a varied music programme, as well as culinary de-lights on offer. www.celle.de

The Celle Stag Parade (Celler Hengstparade) takes place annually in September and OctoberThe famous Celle Stag Parade will take place against the backdrop of the historical building of the Celle National Stud Farm (Celler Landgestütes) on five Saturdays in September/October as from 1.00pm. Seats are from 30.80 € per person. www.landgestuetcelle.de

Events highlightsin Niedersachsen’s cities

36

An Evening with Casanova (Ein Abend mit Casanova) annually on different datesCasanova has the honour of inviting you personal-ly to a stylish three course meal and accompanying drinks on this evening. For dates available go to:www.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de

Wolfsburg

Movimentos Festival Weeks in the Autostadt annually in April and MayThe programme includes classical, jazz and pop-ular concerts, readings and talks, discussions and scenic evenings, as well as dance companies from renowned choreographers. www.autostadt.de

International summer Open-Air-Festival annually in June (Internationale Sommerbühne)Wolfsburg, immersed in tradition, invites interna-tional artists from all walks of cultural life to Wolfs-burg Castle (Schloss Wolfsburg) on four consecu-tive wakens.www.wolfsburg.de

Historical old city festival (Altstadtfest) in Fallersleben annually in AugustThe historical old city festival in Fallersleben be-longs to the oldest city festivals of Niedersachsen and attracts countless visitors every year. www.fallersleben.de

Worpswede

Throughout the year the German artists’ city of Worpswede has various events on offer in differ-ent genres. Be it theatre and music performances or art – every taste is catered for. www.worpswede.de

For further Niedersachsen events go to our events database online at:www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

37

Leer

Traditional Boat Festival (Treffen der Traditionsschiffe) from 29th to 31st July 2011 (held every two years)Every two years in the summer a multitude of tradi-tional boat lovers will gather at the Leer Museum Harbour (Museumshafen) with their boats. www.leer.de

The Gallimarkt Folk Festival with Galliviehmarkt Cattle Market annually in OctoberThis event that has been running annually since 1508 and attracts some 500-thousand visitors to Leer’s historical old city.www.leer.de

Lingen

Kivelingsfest 11th to 13th June 2011 (held every three years)A big medieval folk festival in honour of the drum-mer boys of the boys’ guild made up of the bach-elor sons of the residents, who once rescued the city from occupation.www.lingen.de

Lüneburg

“Sülfmeistertage”, Lüneburg’s master salt maker event annually in OctoberA medieval market, a historical festival parade, mu-sic and theatre make up this medieval salt extrava-ganza, which is held at the beginning of October. www.lueneburger-heide.de

Oldenburg

International Ceramic Days Oldenburg (Internationalen Keramiktage) annually in AugustInternational Ceramic Days Oldenburg enjoys plenty of recognition well beyond Germany. Its fo-cal point is a two-day ceramics market (Keramik-markt) with more than one hundred leading inter-national ceramics artists. www.keramiktage.com

International Film Festival annually in SeptemberOldenburg International Film Festival: It devotes it-self to international works for the cinema as a “non- competitive film festival”. It constitutes one of the most important festivals for indie films in Europe. www.filmfest-oldenburg.de

Osnabrück

May Week (Maiwoche) annually in MayPopular music festival with comedy acts and shows performed on over ten stages in the inner city – open-air and free of charge.www.osnabrueck.de/maiwoche

Papenburg

Meyer Werft dockyard, various dates throughout the yearDockyard tour for members of the public through the home of numerous ocean giants. For dates on cruise ship undockings/transfers go to:www.papenburg-tourismus.de

Stade

Holk Festival annually in AugustVarious musical genres and unusual performance locations turn this high-end event into a cultural delight. www.stadeum.de/holk-fest

Wilhelmshaven

“Weekend on the Jade” (“Wochenende an der Jade”) – annual city and harbour festival held end of June/beginning of JulyOn the first weekend in July Wilhelmshaven cele-brates a maritime festival with countless traditional sailing boats, some 80 music groups and the mar-ket (Kajenmarkt).www.wochenendeanderjade.de

JadeWeserPort-CUP annually in OctoberOn the first weekend of October is when countless traditional sailing boats will follow the instruction “cast off!” to take part in an exciting regatta on the River Jade for the coveted JadeWeserPort-CUP. www.jadeweserport-cup.de

Wolfenbüttel

Wolfenbütteler Cultural Summer (Kultursommer) annually from June to AugustThe castle inner courtyard in Wolfenbüttel is trans-formed into a large open air stage with theatre, cabaret, comedy, both light and serious music, children’s theatre, music, dance and song the or-der of the day. www.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de

Wald

Städtischer Ballungsraumüber 100000 Einwohner

Flüsse

Gewässer

Autobahn

Sonstige Straßen(in Auswahl)

Bundesstraße

Eisenbahn mitPersonenverkehr Kanäle

FähreKatamaran

Unter 15000 Einwohner

Über 15000 Einwohner

Über 30 000 Einwohner

Über 50 000 Einwohner

FALLERSLEBEN Friedeburg Neuhaus

LebenstedtHARBURGDAMME Vechelde

BREMENLÜNEBURG

LAATZEN Seevetal

HORNBURG

Städte Stadtteile Gemeinden Gemeindeteile

Unter 15 000 Einwohner

Über 15 000 Einwohner

Über 30 000 Einwohner

Über 50 000 Einwohner

Über 100 000 Einwohner

30

Erlebnis-Tipps

Kultur-Tipps

Nationalpark

Flughafen

ICE-Bahnhof

30 km20100

Maßstab 1: ???LGN 2008

Erlebnis-Tipps

Kultur-Tipps

Nationalpark

Flughafen

ICE-Bahnhof

Autobahn

Sonstige Straßen

Bundesstraße

Eisenbahn mit Personenverkehr

FähreKatamaran

30

Städtischer Ballungsraumüber 100000 Einwohner

Unter 15000 Einwohner

Über 15000 Einwohner

Über 30 000 Einwohner

Über 50 000 Einwohner

Flüsse

Gewässer

Kanäle

Stadt / Stadtteil

Gemeinde / Gemeindeteil

In Niedersachsen sind alle Städte und Gemeinden verzeichnet.Bei Samtgemeinden ist die Gemeinde mit dem Sitz der Samtgemeindeverwaltungverzeichnet.Außerhalb Niedersachsens sind alle Städte verzeichnet. Bei Gemeinden, Verwaltungsgemein-schaften und Ämtern sind die Orte mit dem Sitz der Verwaltung nur in Auswahl verzeichnet.

Kreisfreie Stadt /Stadt mit Sitz einer Kreisverwaltung

29

28

31

31

31

1

1

27

27

7

7

7

7

30

302

2

39

38

395

250

28

39

33

Nordseeküste

Grafschaft

Bentheim

LüneburgerHeide

OldenburgerMünsterland

Emsland

Ostfr iesland

Hannover Region

Weser- bergland

Osnabrücker Land

Braunschweiger

Land

Mittelweser

Harz

Das Land zwischen

Elbe und Weser

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Sachsen-Anhalt

Thüringen

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Hessen

NIEDERLANDE

Schleswig-Holstein

Brandenburg

2 h

1 h 15 min

45 m

in

45 min30 min

45 min 1 h

30

min

Helgoland H

elgoland

3 h 30 min

4 h 30 min

1 h 3

0 m

in

3 h

2 h 10 min

Helgoland

Steinhude

Hodenhagen

Butjadingen

Werdum

NeuharlingersielDornumersiel BensersielNeßmersiel

HarlesielHorumersiel

Schilling

Sittensen

Hooksiel

Bispingen

Bad Eilsen

NationalparkNiedersächsischesWattenmeer

NationalparkHarz

Borkum

Norderney

30 km20100

Scale 1: 1.800.000LGN 2008

National Park

Cultural Tips

National Park

Airport

ICE Station

Autobahn Motorway

Other Streets

Federal Highways

Commuter Railway

FerryCatamaran

30

City conurbation of more than 100 000 residents

Under 15 000 residents

Over 15 000 residents

Over 30 000 residents

Over 50 000 residents

Rivers

Lakes and Ponds

Canals

30 km20100

Scale 1: 1.800.000LGN 2008

National Park

Cultural Tips

National Park

Airport

ICE Station

Autobahn Motorway

Other Streets

Federal Highways

Commuter Railway

FerryCatamaran

30

City conurbation of more than 100 000 residents

Under 15 000 residents

Over 15 000 residents

Over 30 000 residents

Over 50 000 residents

Rivers

Lakes and Ponds

Canals

30 km20100

Scale 1: 1.800.000LGN 2008

National Park

Cultural Tips

National Park

Airport

ICE Station

Autobahn Motorway

Other Streets

Federal Highways

Commuter Railway

FerryCatamaran

30

City conurbation of more than 100 000 residents

Under 15 000 residents

Over 15 000 residents

Over 30 000 residents

Over 50 000 residents

Rivers

Lakes and Ponds

Canals

30 km20100

Scale 1: 1.800.000LGN 2008

National Park

Cultural Tips

National Park

Airport

ICE Station

Autobahn Motorway

Other Streets

Federal Highways

Commuter Railway

FerryCatamaran

30

City conurbation of more than 100 000 residents

Under 15 000 residents

Over 15 000 residents

Over 30 000 residents

Over 50 000 residents

Rivers

Lakes and Ponds

Canals

KeyEditorTourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbHEssener Straße 1 · 30173 Hannovert +49 (0) 511 2704880 · f +49 (0) 511 27048888info@tourismusniedersachsen.de · www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

DesignB:SiGN Werbeagentur GmbHEllernstraße 3630175 Hannover

PrintersBWH GmbHBeckstraße 1030457 Hannover

Imprint

3838

OldenburgThe gables of the historical houses shine with the city’s bright lights at Christmas time eve-ry year. Tip: It is in a Lüneburg courtyard that you will find the tiniest most romantic Christ-mas Market that Germany has to offer. www.oldenburg-tourist.de

HannoverHannover has three Christmas Markets run-ning concurrently in the inner city: One at the Market Church (Marktkirche), and an-other on the Lister Meile and as a special tribute to Christmas, the Finish Christmas Market in the historical old city. The feel of Christmas can also be experienced at the Winter Zoo: A toboggan run, an ice skating rink and Christmas Market around “Mey-er’s Farm” (Meyers Hof) turn the zoo into the perfect winter outing.www.hannover.de/tourismus

OsnabrückThe Christmas illuminations set against the historical backdrop of the town hall (Rathaus), Church of Saint Mary (Ma-rienkirche), Saint Peter’s Cathedral (Dom) and the Saint John (Johanniskirche) have turned Osnabrück’s Christmas market into one of the most spectacular in the North-ern Germany for many years now. www.osnabrueck.de/weihnachtsmarkt

GöttingenPermeating the area surrounding the me-dieval town hall (Alte Rathaus) and church (Kirche St. Johannis) is Göttingen’s Christ-mas market with its fare of arts and crafts and culinary delights giving the historical old city the feel of Christmas.www.goettinger-weihnachtsmarkt.de

WolfsburgAutostadt Winter MarketDuring the Advent period leading up to Christmas the Wolfsburg Autostadt invites its guests to a winter wonderland journey across ten countries and cultures around the world. A special Ice Show is also on offer. www.autostadt.de

BraunschweigIn a medieval setting surrounding the Braun-schweig Cathedral of Duke Henry the Lion (Dom Heinrichs des Löwen) is where you will find this Christmas Market. Winter deli-cacies and specialities unique to Braunsch-weig are bound to turn browsing into a culi-nary experience as well. www.braunschweig.de/weihnachtsmarkt

BremerhavenThe spectacularly decorated Bremerhaven inner city is the place to be to experience a Christmas wonderland by the sea. www.bremerhaven.de

LüneburgThe gables of the historical houses shine with the city’s bright lights at Christmas time eve-ry year. Tip: It is in a Lüneburg courtyard that you will find the tiniest most romantic Christ-mas Market that Germany has to offer. www.lueneburg.de

Hann. MündenA small romantic Christmas Market nestled between the city’s market square, town hall and church has arts and crafts, culinary de-lights and tourist attraction specials to of-fer its visitors. www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de

CelleCelle’s Christmas Market runs for four weeks beginning on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent. With more than a hundred stands in the alleys of the historical old city it offers many attractions. www.weihnachtsmarkt-celle.de

HildesheimThe Hildesheim Christmas market: Year af-ter it lures countless visitors to amble through and enjoy this impressive setting at the his-torical market square (Marktplatz).www.hildesheim-weihnachtsmarkt.de

HamelnSeventy festively decorated wooden hous-es invite you to ramble about the Wedding House (Hochzeitshaus), Market Church (Marktkirche) and the 11-metre high Christ-mas Pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide) all forming part of what makes the Hamelin Christmas Market what it is. www.weihnachtsmarkt-hameln.de

GifhornThe Gifhorn Christmas Market opens its doors in the inner city’s pedestrian zone every year. The Gifhorn Christmas Market is located in the heart of the historic old town. About 40 wood-en huts with culinary delicacies and a chang-ing entertainment programme are on offer. www.suedheide-gifhorn.de

WolfenbüttelSince 1585, Wolfenbüttel’s Christmas Mar-ket, one of the oldest in Germany, and its one thousand candles have lit brightly the frame-work houses all around the traditional Market Square and the two goblins “Wölfchen and Büttelchen”, just like in a fairy tale.www.weihnachtsmarkt-wolfenbuettel.de

EmslandBeginning of December: The Haselünn Christmas Market in front of the historical “Westerholtschen Burgmannshof” court-yard. Four weeks before Christmas: The Meppen and Lingen Christmas Markets both have an ice rink.www.emsland.com

WilhelmshavenChristmas by the sea with ice skating arena.Traditionally at the end of November the Wil-hemshaven Christmas Market opens its doors on the Valoisplatz square with an ice skating arena and magical pine forest. www.weihnachten-am-meer.de

WorpswedeA Christmas Market with a difference is how best to define the Worpswede Christmas Market held in the city’s music hall.www.musichall-worpswede.de

Stade und BuxtehudeChristmas Market in the “Christ Child Village” of Himmelpforten (Christkinddorf Himmelpforten)This Christmas Market held outside the city’s cultural and registry offices, the Villa von Is-sendorf, holds a very special charm. Here chil-dren can drop of their wish lists with Santa.www.christkindmarkt-himmelpforten.de

LeerThe big beautifully decorated Christmas Pyr-amid of the North (Weihnachtspyramide des Nordens) welcomes guests to the city’s pedestrian zone at Christmas time. www.stadt-leer.de

GoslarGermany’s only Christmas Forest offers a magical Christmas treat against a beautiful background of timber-framed houses. The historic marketplace is located in close prox-imity to the Christmas Forest and is home to an attractively designed Christmas market boasting over 80 stalls offering food and drink delicacies and handcrafted goods.www.weihnachtswald.de

Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)

39

www.golfl and-niedersachsen.com

golf guide 2011golf courses and hotel in the “golfl and niedersachsen”

www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

active & outdoorsHiking, cycling and more in Niedersachsen

www.golfl and-niedersachsen.com

golf guide 2011golf courses and hotel in the “golfl and niedersachsen”

Genießen Sie sich.In Niedersachsen. Reiseland für Ihre schönsten Seiten.

Lust auf Komfort- und Vitalurlaub?

Entdecken Sie exklusive Wohlfühl-Angebote, bestellen Sie Ihr kostenloses Reisemagazin und gewinnen Sie einen Genießer-Aufenthalt in Niedersachsen: www.geniessen-sie-sich.de

Jetzt Niedersachsen entdecken!

www.geniessen-sie-sich.de

Genießen Sie sich.In Niedersachsen. Reiseland für Ihre schönsten Seiten.

Lust auf Komfort- und Vitalurlaub?

Entdecken Sie exklusive Wohlfühl-Angebote, bestellen Sie Ihr kostenloses Reisemagazin und gewinnen Sie einen Genießer-Aufenthalt in Niedersachsen: www.geniessen-sie-sich.de

Jetzt Niedersachsen entdecken!

www.geniessen-sie-sich.de

Image CreditsCopyright and/or usage rights of the images rest/s with the following persons / institutions:

TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH, Foto: Björn Bönsch; Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH; Oldenburg Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, Foto: Verena Brandt; Osnabrück-Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, Foto: Detlef Heese/Roger Witte; Göttingen Tourismus e. V.; Wolfsburg Marketing GmbH, Foto: Klemens Ortmeyer; Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH / Daniel Müller; Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH / Sascha Gramann; Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH / okerland-archiv; Stadtmarketinggesellschaft Wolfenbüttel mbH & Co.KG; Wirtschafts- und Tourismusfördergesellschaft Landkreis Peine mbH (wito GmbH); Südheide Gifhorn GmbH; Lüneburger Heide GmbH; Tourismus Region Celle GmbH; Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim; Hildesheim Marketing; Hildesheim Marketing, Foto: Leif Obornik; Touristik Naturpark Münden e. V., Photo Burkhard; Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH; Stefan Schiefer, GOSLAR marketing gmbh; Mast-Jägermeister AG; Papenburg Tourismus GmbH; Tourist Info Haren; Lingen Wirtschaft und Tourismus; Tourist Info Meppen; Stadt Haselünne; Wilhelmshaven Touristik & Freizeit GmbH; Stadt Leer; Worpswede, Foto: Andreas Wilhelm; BIS Bremerhaven Touristik; Stadtmarketing Buxtehude; Tourismusverband Landkreis Stade / Elbe e. V.; Stade Tourismus GmbH; Deutsche Bahn AG; Archiv der TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH; TMN/ Peter Hamel; phæno gGmbH/ Foto: Jan Grothklags; HöhlenErlebnisZentrum Iberger Tropfsteinhöhle/ Foto: Günter Jentsch; Porzellanmanufaktur FÜRSTENBERG GmbH; Kunstmuseum Celle/ Foto: Tourismus Region Celle GmbH; BIS Bremerhaven Touristik; Stadt Uelzen; Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH; Autostadt GmbH; Papenburg Tourismus GmbH / Foto: Michael Wessels; Grafschaft Bentheim Tourismus e. V.; Fagus-GreCon; Hotel Freigeist/ Gräflicher Landsitz Hardenberg Hardenberg-Wilthen AG; Retro Design Hotel Langeoog; Hotel Seesteg OHG

Provided that it has not been specifically stated here, the copyright and/or usage rights rest/s with the respective originator of the editorial items.

40

www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de

natur-aktiv-erlebenWandern, Radeln und Meer in Niedersachsen

The latest brochures and pamphlets for the travel destina-tion Niedersachsen can be obtained online at no cost by going to www.niedersachsen-tourism.com or by calling +49 (0) 511/270 488-50.

For excursion tips, events highlights and route planners for your Niedersachsen holiday go to: www.niedersachsen-tourism.com. With a newsletter subscription you will regu-larly receive additional holiday ideas for Niedersachsen as your travel destination of choice.

www.facebook.com/LowerSaxony

www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de

Niedersachseninspiriert.

www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de

Niedersachseninspiriert.

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, TouristinformationErnst-August-Platz 830159 Hannovert +49 (0) 511 12345 111f +49 (0) 511 12345 112info@hannover-tourismus.dewww.hannover.de

Oldenburg Tourismus und Marketing GmbHTourist-InformationKleine Kirchenstraße 1026122 Oldenburgt +49 (0) 441 361 613 66f +49 (0) 441 361 613 50info@oldenburg-tourist.de www.oldenburg-tourist.de

Tourist Information Osnabrück/Osnabrücker LandBierstraße 22–2349074 Osnabrückt +49 (0) 541 323-2202f +49 (0) 541 323-2709tourist-information@osnabrueck.dewww.osnabrueck.de

GöttingenAltes Rathaus, Markt 937073 Göttingent +49 (0) 551 4 99 80-0f +49 (0) 551 4 99 80-10 tourismus@goettingen.dewww.goettingen-tourismus.de

Wolfsburg Marketing GmbHPorschestraße 238440 Wolfsburgt +49 (0) 5361 8999 444f +49 (0) 5361 8999 459service@wolfsburg-marketing.de www.wolfsburg-reisen.de

Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbHSchild 438100 Braunschweigt +49 (0) 531 470 20 48 f +49 (0) 531 470 44 45reiseangebote@braunschweig.de www.braunschweig.de

ZeitOrte – TourismusRegionBraunschweigerLAND e. V.Willy-Brandt-Platz 338440 Wolfsburgt +49 (0) 5361 89993-33 f +49 (0) 5361 89993-39 info@ZeitOrte.de www.ZeitOrte.de

Lüneburger Heide GmbHWallstraße 421335 Lüneburgt +49 (0) 700 20 99 30 99 f +49 (0) 4131 30 98 10 info@lueneburger-heide.de www.lueneburger-heide.de

Tourismus Region Celle GmbHMarkt 14–1629221 Cellet +49 (0) 5141 1212 f +49 (0) 5141 12459info@celle-tourismus.dewww.celle-tourismus.de

Südheide GIFHORN GmbHMarktplatz 138518 Gifhornt +49 (0) 5371 88175f +49 (0) 5371 88311info@suedheide-gifhorn.dewww.suedheide-gifhorn.de

Roemer- und Pelizaeus-MuseumHildesheim GmbHAm Steine 1-231134 Hildesheimt +49 (0) 5121 93690f +49 (0) 5121 35283info@rpmuseum.dewww.rpmuseum.de

tourist-information HildesheimRathausstraße 2031134 Hildesheimt +49 (0) 5121 1798-0 f +49 (0) 5121 1798-88 tourist-info@hildesheim-marketing.dewww.hildesheim.de

Touristik Naturpark Münden e. V.Rathaus, Lotzestraße 234346 Hann. Mündent +49 (0) 5541 75 -313 und -343 f +49 (0) 5541 75 404 info@hann.muenden-tourismus.de www.hann.muenden-tourismus.de

Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbHDeisterallee 131785 Hamelnt +49 (0) 5151 957823f +49 (0) 5151 957840 touristinfo@hameln.dewww.hameln.com

Tourist-Information der GOSLAR marketing gmbhMarkt 738640 Goslart +49 (0) 5321 78060t +49 (0) 5321 780644 tourist-information@goslar.dewww.goslar.de

HAHNENKLEE tourismus marketing gmbhKurhausweg 738644 Goslar-Hahnenkleet +49 (0) 5325 5104-0f +49 (0) 5325 5104-17info@hahnenklee.de www.hahnenklee.de

Stadtmarketing Wolfenbüttel GmbH & Co.KGStadtmarkt 738300 Wolfenbüttelt +49 (0) 5331 86280 f +49 (0) 5331 867708 touristinfo@wolfenbuettel.comwww.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de

Emsland Touristik GmbHOrdeniederung 149716 Meppent +49 (0) 5931 442266 f +49 (0) 5931 443644info@emsland.com www.emsland.com

Wilhelmshaven Touristik & Freizeit GmbHBahnhofsplatz 126382 Wilhelmshavent +49 (0) 4421 91 300-0f +49 (0) 4421 91 300-10tourist-info@wilhelmshaven-touristik.dewww.wilhelmshaven-touristik.de

Stadt Leer (Ostfriesland)Rathausstraße 126789 Leert +49 (0) 491 97 82-0 f +49 (0) 491 97 82-399 info@leer.dewww.leer.de

Kulturland Teufelsmoor, WorpswedeBergstraße 1327726 Worpswedet +49 (0) 47 92 93 58 20f +49 (0) 47 92 93 58 23 info@worpswede.dewww.worpswede.dewww.teufelsmoor.de

BIS Bremerhaven TouristikH.-H.-Meier-Str. 627568 Bremerhavent +49 (0) 471 41 41 41 f +49 (0) 471 9 46 46 190 touristik@bis-bremerhaven.de www.bremerhaven-tourism.dewww.bremerhaven.de

Tourismusverband Landkreis Stade/Elbe e. V.Kirchenstieg 3021720 Grünendeicht +49 (0) 4142 813838f +49 (0) 4142 813840 info@tourismusverband-stade.de www.urlaubsregion-altesland.de

STADE Tourismus-GmbHHansestraße 1621682 Stadet +49 (0) 4141 409170f +49 (0) 4141 409150info@stade-tourismus.dewww.stade-tourismus.de

StadtinformationBuxtehudeViverstraße 121614 Buxtehudet +49 (0) 4161 501-2345f +49 (0) 4161 501-52345stadtinfo@stadt.buxtehude.dewww.buxtehude.de

Addresses1

9

2

10

11

12

13

14

15

18

19

20

21

22

23

3

4

5

6

7

8

16

17

41