9 cities + 2 in Lower Saxony | railtour travel blog

Every town tells its own story and surprises visitors with its own unique charm. One moment you’ll be strolling through winding alleyways and historic market squares; the next, you’ll be soaking up the atmosphere at a street-side café, discovering fascinating museums or enjoying world-class culture and events. Green oases in the heart of these towns round off your break perfectly.

Thanks to short distances and good rail links, the towns can be easily combined – perfect for a weekend break or a multi-day journey of discovery across Lower Saxony. 

Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony, combines urban life with plenty of green spaces right in the heart of the city. Colourful neighbourhoods, the historic old town, street art, and cultural and music festivals are all on the agenda when visiting Hanover, as are relaxing moments by Lake Masch or in the Herrenhausen Gardens.

Braunschweig, the City of Lions, combines history with urban flair. Science, culture and a vibrant city centre define the character of the city. The medieval Burgplatz, with St Blasii’s Cathedral and Dankwarderode Castle, as well as other historic squares, museums and buildings, bring Braunschweig’s history to life.

One of Europe’s largest contiguous historic centres of half-timbered houses gives Celle its distinctive character. Over 400 lovingly restored houses, small shops and historic squares characterise the town centre. Celle Castle, home to the Residenzmuseum, is one of the town’s most important attractions.

Wolfenbüttel is synonymous with history, literature and a relaxed town life. The historic old town, with more than 1,000 half-timbered houses, small squares and the castle, invites visitors to explore. As the town of Lessing and a former royal residence, Wolfenbüttel combines cultural history with historic charm.

Goslar, with its historic old town and the Rammelsberg ore mine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies right on the edge of the Harz Mountains. Half-timbered houses, historic squares and narrow streets characterise the atmosphere of the old town. Hiking trails and opportunities to experience nature in the Harz Mountains begin right on the city’s doorstep.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to shape Hildesheim to this day. St Mary’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Church symbolise the city’s long history and are masterpieces of ecclesiastical architecture. On the historic market square, with the Knochenhauer-Amtshaus, Hildesheim reveals itself as a vibrant place with cafés and a colourful cultural programme.

As an international university town steeped in tradition, Göttingen is young, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Historic backdrops provide the setting for a vibrant student life. Small theatres, cafés and a thriving cultural scene contribute to the town’s unique charm.

In Einbeck, too, half-timbered houses characterise the townscape, whilst a culture of indulgence defines the atmosphere. Einbeck combines historic architecture with a beer-brewing tradition and motoring history. With the PS.SPEICHER interactive exhibition – Europe’s largest classic car museum – the town boasts a special highlight; and sampling the famous Einbeck beer is an absolute must during any visit.

In Hamelin, the world-famous Brothers Grimm legend of the Pied Piper is encountered at every turn. Nestled in the heart of the Weser Uplands region, the town charms visitors with its picturesque old town, magnificent Weser Renaissance buildings, cosy cafés and small shops. The legendary story comes to life during the open-air performance of «The Pied Piper» or on a guided tour of the town with the Pied Piper. Incidentally, the Brothers Grimm worked in Göttingen for many years and have left a rich legacy in this historic university town.

The Autostadt in Wolfsburg offers a unique way to experience mobility. As an international destination, it combines architecture, design and innovation with interactive exhibitions, striking pavilions, as well as concerts, festivals and seasonal events. One highlight is the ZeitHaus with its unique collection. Here, the narrative spans the history of mobility from its beginnings right through to the future.

Hanover Airport is more than just an international transport hub. With its interactive exhibition, ‘The World of Aviation’, it invites visitors to discover the history and technology of flying. There are several daily flights from Zurich to Hanover. From there, the cities can be easily reached by train or car.