What sort of trip would you like? Architecture or literature? The castle or the library? Biking or canoeing? Regardless which places or activities you enjoy, we have them … right on our doorstep and on the screen. Just let us know what kind of person you are or which activities you have in mind – we will provide you with a wide selection of Wolfenbüttel secret tips. Feel free to speak to our local insider or take a look at our website for inspiration.
Rhythm is a dancerDance like nobody’s watching
Pleasure meets leasureAge ain’t nothing but a number
You and the cityIt’s all about the gram
Foodie’s love languageThrough the stomach, to the heart
It doesn’t matter which Irish pub you go to anywhere in the world, you can bet it’ll be a local institution and the perfect place to relax with a drink after work. There’s always so much going on at the King’s Head Pub in Wolfenbüttel, so you never have to worry about being bored while you drink your beer.
Talking of beer – what do you fancy to drink? You can keep it classic with a King’s Brown Ale or Guinness, try the beer of the month or go for a rum, vodka or gin special. There are so many alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for you to choose from on the menu. Themed evenings keep the fun flowing, with a music and quiz night, (shuffle) karaoke and live music on the rota. If you’re hoping for a discount on your drinks, head to the pub on a Crazy Thursday!
All good things come in threes. That’s definitely the case at Veränder.Bar right at the heart of Wolfenbüttel. This inclusive venue is a bar, a stage and a lounge all in one. Just think of it as a second living room for locals and a home from home for tourists.
Diversity and tolerance are the core values here, while hate, discrimination and extremism are left at the door. It’s a modern forum and a platform where all kinds of artists and initiators can express themselves in so many different ways, including on the stage that provides 12 square metres of space. Veränder.Bar organises poetry slams, open stage events, drama evenings, concerts, exhibitions and so much more. You can check the programme on the Veränder.Bar website or find out what’s coming up by speaking to our local insiders at the hotel.
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Imperial Palace of Goslar – a site where world history was written
The Imperial Palace of Goslar was the most renowned imperial residence in Goslar and the government site most frequently visited by kings and emperors in the north of the Old Empire in the High Middle Ages.
It’s no wonder that this important piece of cultural heritage, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the local area, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1992 along with the Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System. The Imperial Palace was originally built under Henry III between 1040 and 1050. After several eventful centuries, the magnificent two-storey hall was renovated between 1867 and 1875 and adorned with historic scenes. History is brought to life in an exhibition in the vaults.
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Okeraue Swimming Pool – it’s always swimming season here
You can dive right in all year round at Okeraue Swimming Pool. The kids will have so much fun in the splash pool thanks to the climbing equipment, waterfall and whirlpool bubbles.
Fancy speeding down 83 metres? The tunnel slide times you, so you can aim to beat the all-time record and the best time of the day. The depth of the activity pool can be adjusted, making it ideal for all kinds of water-based sports. If you just want to swim, you can head straight for the indoor swimming pool with eight lanes and a length of 25 metres. The outdoor pool is open all year round too and has underwater loungers and massage jets. There are other ways to keep fit out of the water, with golf and canoeing also on offer.
While you won’t spot any big cats on this nature trail in the Lechlumer Holz forest on the outskirts of Wolfenbüttel, there’s plenty of fun adventures waiting for you. Spanning 2.5 kilometres, the path is part of a long-term ecological forest development project.
You’ll come across all kinds of activities along the way. Get ready to listen, climb, feel, jump, make music and more. There’s something for all the senses! Little adventurers and curious grown-ups can learn something new at the various stations and interact directly with the flora and fauna in the forest. Play the forest xylophone, enter the woodpecker hole, wear the forest glasses, relax on the woodland lounger, listen to the sounds of nature around you, master the balance beam and see what you can spot from the top of the tower. End the day on a high with a conversation on the tree telephone.
Emilia Galotti and Nathan the Wise are classics that have been taught in many a German lesson in Germany over the years. The plays were written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781), who was a poet, dramatist, critic and scholar.
He was also sworn in as the librarian at Wolfenbüttel Library in 1770. He initially moved into the rooms in Wolfenbüttel Palace that had previously been occupied by the crown prince. He relocated to the Meißnerhaus with his wife Eva König in 1776, before moving into the renovated house next door to the round library building about a year later. That was where he lived until he died in 1781. There have been so many renovations, new builds and demolitions on site, but the Lessinghaus itself is still standing. It was returned to the Herzog August Library and was opened as a museum in 1978.
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Herzog August Library – a dream come true for researchers
Researchers of cultural history are full of praise and respect for the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbüttel. And it’s no wonder because this is one of the world’s leading research institutions for the cultural history of the Middle Ages and the early modern period in Europe.
Its historical holdings are at its heart, with new additions arriving all the time. The unique collection includes manuscripts, incunabula, prints, graphics, paintings, maps and modern artists’ books. The Bibliotheca August museum space is home to a permanent exhibition of globes and old maps, offering visitors at least a brief insight into the artefacts in the collection. Special exhibitions showcasing research results and artwork by modern and contemporary artists in the Malerbuchsaal are not to be missed either.
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Little Venice in Wolfenbüttel – wonderful waterways
There’s a rather romantic spot in Wolfenbüttel’s old town. Don’t miss out on this fantastic photo opportunity or the chance to admire the work of the talented Dutch architects who built a canal system here at the end of the 16th century to reclaim the swampy ground for farming.
This photogenic area is known as Wolfenbüttel’s Little Venice. There’s one canal remaining with houses on both sides of it and a bridge covered in colourful flowers during the summer months. Vita Villa is the yellow house on the right of the bridge. It’s a public cultural centre that provides the venue for concerts and art exhibitions. The Federal Academy for Cultural Education is just next door inside what used to be the Schünemann’sche Mühle – one of the many mills in the city.
Alfio Fichera and his wife Saida have been serving up the flavours of their native Italy in Wolfenbüttel since 1983, so you could say they know what they’re doing. Having been a firm fixture of Schiffwall for 15 years, their Italian restaurant and bistro – Vinum Italicum – has all the atmosphere, delicious food and fine wine you can dream of.
Alfio learnt how to cook from his Sicilian family, but he still finds inspiration for new creations in seasonal ingredients and local produce. Fresh ideas strike him almost every day, so his Mediterranean menu is always full of surprises. Just make sure you try the Pasta a’ Muricà – a local dish made with pasta that has been bronze-drawn and dried at a low temperature for 20–24 hours. Visit the Vinoteca to pick up some wine, cheese, pasta and olive oil to take away with you.
Life is good at soldekk! That might have something to do with the extensive drinks menu, which has soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits and more. But it’s mostly down to the rooftop setting of this Wolfenbüttel hot spot. The summer vibes don’t stop flowing as you admire the incredible view of the city.
The bar is set up as one huge lounge area where you can chill out with your friends and family, enjoy an after-work drink with your colleagues or just relax on your own. For the ultimate relaxation, find yourself a lounger on the sand and lie back with a drink in your hand. Light bites and bar snacks are served alongside the cocktails and other drinks, so you can always order a Flammkuchen or a bowl if you’re feeling hungry. If coffee and cake is more your vibe, you won’t be disappointed by the home-made bakes from Café Bruns.
The half-timbered house at Großer Zimmerhof 13 in the centre of Wolfenbüttel can be traced all the way back to 1862. And now the Zimmerhof 13 restaurant is based in this beautiful building with its own bar and terrace overlooking the Oker.
At this point on the river that spans almost 130 kilometres, you can indulge in regional dishes and German wine in a rustic yet elegant setting. The produce for the meat and fish dishes, vegetarian options and cheese-based specials is sourced locally wherever possible. This culinary institution has come to be known for its commitment to quality, sustainability and fresh food. Artificial flavours are not welcome around here. Home-made bread is served with the delicious dishes. No matter how tempted you are to eat it all, make sure you leave room for dessert!
What could be better than a day at the beach? Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy fun in the sun and sand when you’re in Wolfenbüttel. Just head for Landeshuter Platz and soak up the summer holiday vibes. During the warmer months, part of the square is transformed into an urban beach. You can feel the sand beneath your feet and enjoy the view of the moat.
The Beach Club is open for the summer, providing comfy wooden furniture on the terrace and lovely loungers on the sand. Sit back and relax! Feeling hungry? Order nutritious salads, bowls, appetisers and tapas – vegetarian options are available. Do your research online or get the gossip from our local insiders at the hotel if you might be tempted to go along to an event at the Beach Club. Laid-back lounge music is always on in the background at the very least.
You don’t need to go to Bavaria to enjoy the German beer garden experience. Just head to Löwengarten in Braunschweig instead. This beer garden has been right here for over a decade – in the Prinzenpark, a historical and cultural landmark in the city.
It has become a popular choice with people looking to relax and enjoy a cold beer al fresco with friends and family under the shade of the trees. Locally brewed Wolters Pilsener is on the menu along with a wide selection of Bavarian beers. The food is in keeping with the theme too, with traditional Bavarian cheese, pretzels and white sausages on the long list of tasty treats being served here. If the weather isn’t on your side, the tables will be set up inside the home of the local sports association. It’s just next door to the beer garden!
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Restaurant Cristallo Wolfenbüttel – variety on the menu
Who doesn’t love Italian food? Dinner at Restaurant Cristallo is always a treat, so it’s no wonder it has been a firm fixture in the city for over 25 years. In recent years, it has been managed by Salvatore Parisi, his sister and his brother-in-law.
With natural light streaming in through the large windows and shining onto the warm and welcoming interior, the restaurant is the perfect place for a lovely lunch or delightful dinner. The outdoor terrace is open during the summer months for al fresco dining. The menu is varied, with home-made pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes alongside vegan and vegetarian options. There’s even a special children’s menu. The lunchtime menu changes all the time – and you won’t want to miss out on a chance to try it. If you’d like to up your vitamin intake while you’re there, make sure you pay a visit to the salad buffet.
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Zum Glück Wolfenbüttel – local cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting
Zum Glück is a restaurant and bar in the Löwentor office building on Wolfenbüttel’s Löwenstraße. There are comfy seats and good vibes inside and outside, so where will you choose to sit? The huge inside space is modern with an industrial twist and a great view thanks to the windows all along the front of the building.
Perfect for people watching as you enjoy your meal! The special setting adds to the enjoyable experience guaranteed by the varied menu filled with fresh dishes made using seasonal produce sourced locally. You know – the meat used for the traditional Wiener Art and Holsteiner Art schnitzels comes from the pigs raised by the Roder family on their farm in Behren-Lübchin. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too. And delicious desserts, of course. Apple strudel anyone?
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Pantopoleio Wolfenbüttel – traditional Corfu corner shop vibes
Who knew Corfu was just a stone’s throw away from Wolfenbüttel? At least, it is if you walk over to Pantopoleio from elaya hotel wolfenbüttel.
The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, serving classics like the hearty Pastizada stew from Corfu, a wide selection of vegetarian options and traditional dishes cooked to recipes that have been passed down through the generations. You can dine al fresco on the terrace during the summer, but the holiday feeling flows all year round inside too. Owner Christos Andrelos has reflected his home island in the menu but also in the interior design by bringing lots of light-coloured wood and vintage décor to Wolfenbüttel. Pantopoleio means corner shop in Greek and the restaurant is perfectly quaint and cosy to live up to its name.
The parish of St Trinitatis and St Mary is home to two of the major historical churches in the centre of Wolfenbüttel. St Trinitatis is special because it is one of very few baroque churches in the north of Germany.
Having been consecrated in 1719, it has 300 years of fascinating history as a Protestant church behind it. But it actually started out as a suburban church in the area of town known as Gotteslager, which was built in front of Cord Mente’s Imperial Gate between 1570 and 1578. The facade of St Trinitatis Church as it stands now is made from stone and doesn’t have many of the typical features associated with church architecture. With its wooden interior structure, the church serves as a place of worship and provides a popular venue for concerts these days too.
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St Peter’s Catholic Parish Church – a recently renovated basilica in a neo-romantic style
St Peter’s Catholic Parish Church was consecrated on 5 August 1891. It is the largest Catholic church in the Wolfenbüttel area and the parish church for the Catholic parish of St Peter, which is home to some 8100 Catholics.
The main occasions on the Church calendar are celebrated inside the neo-romantic basilica in the centre of Wolfenbüttel. Sunday Mass is also held here regularly – as are smaller services and devotions. The building is over 100 years old and was reopened following major renovation work in 2022. A new baptismal font that can hold 1000 litres of water is at the heart of the church. An additional reflection space was added along with new technology and a fresh colour scheme with a friendly feel.
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Wolfenbüttel Art Association – a platform for the next generation of artists
The Wolfenbüttel Art Association has been dedicated to its mission to support “artists who have already produced works of art that the world needs to see but who are yet to have made a name for themselves on the international art scene” ever since 1975. The association is based at the historical Kulturhaus Prinzenpalais, which was once home to Charles I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (who reigned between 1735 and 1780), and his wife.
This culture hot spot provides the venue for four to six exhibitions showcasing the work of creative young people from Lower Saxony and beyond. The work on show represents a broad range of artistic disciplines, including contemporary painting, photography, videography, graphic art, sculpture, space and sound installations, and performances. The exhibitions are accompanied by a programme of lectures, workshops, guided tours and free workshops and conversations with the artists.
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Imperial Palace of Goslar – a site where world history was written
The Imperial Palace of Goslar was the most renowned imperial residence in Goslar and the government site most frequently visited by kings and emperors in the north of the Old Empire in the High Middle Ages.
It’s no wonder that this important piece of cultural heritage, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the local area, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1992 along with the Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System. The Imperial Palace was originally built under Henry III between 1040 and 1050. After several eventful centuries, the magnificent two-storey hall was renovated between 1867 and 1875 and adorned with historic scenes. History is brought to life in an exhibition in the vaults.
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Main Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a historic monument
The Main Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was in a separate parish until 2016, but this was merged with the parish of St Trinitatis in 2017. The main church building is deemed to be one of the first significant Protestant church new builds. Its history is closely linked to the development of Wolfenbüttel to become a ducal residence.
In 1608, the cornerstone was laid for the first large Protestant church after the Reformation on the former site of a small chapel with the same name. Without precedent, it was intended to be used as a place of worship for sermons and Holy Communion as well as for royal representation. The organ and ducal tomb are highly significant from a local and art history perspective.
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Herzog August Library – a dream come true for researchers
Researchers of cultural history are full of praise and respect for the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbüttel. And it’s no wonder because this is one of the world’s leading research institutions for the cultural history of the Middle Ages and the early modern period in Europe.
Its historical holdings are at its heart, with new additions arriving all the time. The unique collection includes manuscripts, incunabula, prints, graphics, paintings, maps and modern artists’ books. The Bibliotheca August museum space is home to a permanent exhibition of globes and old maps, offering visitors at least a brief insight into the artefacts in the collection. Special exhibitions showcasing research results and artwork by modern and contemporary artists in the Malerbuchsaal are not to be missed either.
Read more
Memorial in Wolfenbüttel Prison – a reminder of history in the here and now
A memorial was created in 1990 inside the security area of Wolfenbüttel Prison – on the site of the former prison which became an execution site in 1937.
By 1945, the old prison in Wolfenbüttel had become the central detention centre in the former free state of Braunschweig as part of a network of judicial detention centres that extended far beyond national borders. This historical site is now putting the judicial and penal system of Nazi Germany in the spotlight – and sparking discussions about current practices in the process. The memorial includes a permanent exhibition – with the option of guided tours – and temporary exhibitions. There are also three outdoor sites as part of the memorial –two cemeteries and the Braunschweig Buchhorst forest.
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Wilhelm Busch Monument – a sculpture sparking discussion
Wilhelm Busch is counted among Germany’s most influential humorous poets and illustrators. He wrote and illustrated the famous Max and Moritz story and is regarded as one of the founders of modern-day comics.
The statue, which was dedicated to him in front of Schlossplatz, is now located at the Citizens’ Museum. It was created by Markus Lüpertz, one of the most famous contemporary German painters, sculptors and graphic artists, who was hired by the entrepreneurial Mast family and the Curt Mast Jägermeister Foundation. Lüpertz and Busch are both known for being unconventional, so the sculpture is more of a figure in its own right that a faithful portrait of Busch. Busch had a close family connection to Wolfenbüttel since his brother ran a canning factory in the city.
The first chapter of Wolfenbüttel Museum was written in 1894, when the local trade association created a collection of relics from the city at the Lessinghaus.
When the collection was moved to Wolfenbüttel Palace in 1904, the authentic exhibits showcasing the history of the royal residence and baroque court culture were officially housed in the Palace Museum. Ever since the Citizens’ Museum opened its doors in 2017, the two establishments have been collectively called Wolfenbüttel Museum. The dukes of Braunschweig and Lüneburg used to reside at Wolfenbüttel Palace. You can look around the perfectly preserved baroque state and private rooms on a short guided tour every Sunday. Other experiences and private tours can also be booked if you’re interested in exploring the pomp and glory of court life further.
While you won’t spot any big cats on this nature trail in the Lechlumer Holz forest on the outskirts of Wolfenbüttel, there’s plenty of fun adventures waiting for you. Spanning 2.5 kilometres, the path is part of a long-term ecological forest development project.
You’ll come across all kinds of activities along the way. Get ready to listen, climb, feel, jump, make music and more. There’s something for all the senses! Little adventurers and curious grown-ups can learn something new at the various stations and interact directly with the flora and fauna in the forest. Play the forest xylophone, enter the woodpecker hole, wear the forest glasses, relax on the woodland lounger, listen to the sounds of nature around you, master the balance beam and see what you can spot from the top of the tower. End the day on a high with a conversation on the tree telephone.
Emilia Galotti and Nathan the Wise are classics that have been taught in many a German lesson in Germany over the years. The plays were written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781), who was a poet, dramatist, critic and scholar.
He was also sworn in as the librarian at Wolfenbüttel Library in 1770. He initially moved into the rooms in Wolfenbüttel Palace that had previously been occupied by the crown prince. He relocated to the Meißnerhaus with his wife Eva König in 1776, before moving into the renovated house next door to the round library building about a year later. That was where he lived until he died in 1781. There have been so many renovations, new builds and demolitions on site, but the Lessinghaus itself is still standing. It was returned to the Herzog August Library and was opened as a museum in 1978.
You can’t help but smile when you see the Happy RIZZI House in Braunschweig in all its colourful glory. There’s so much going on that you can’t help but stop for a moment to take in all the pictures and patterns in the brilliantly busy design. This building in the historical Magniviertel part of town was designed in 2001 by a world-famous artist from New York called James Rizzi.
Olaf Jaeschke, a local gallery owner, had managed to get the artist on board for his project back in 1997. A local architect, Konrad Kloster, brought the design to life in a structure with two towers. Rizzi always focused on people – and their lives and the world around them. Happy people need a happy backdrop, so that’s exactly what Rizzi created in his art on a large scale. The Happy RIZZI House is an office building that is not open to the public.
