Learn German in Braunschweig, Germany

Braunschweig in Germany, in Lower Saxony, is a bustling city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. It provides a perfect environment for anyone interested in studying German abroad or moving there themselves. Medieval heritage in the town includes the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Blasius, dating from 1220, which houses tombs belonging to Guelf dynasty members buried there. Furthermore, L"wendenkmal (lion monument) marks its square.

History of Braunschweig

Braunschweig in Saxony is famous for being home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of Europe's largest market squares, as well as being known for its vibrant art and cultural scene. Here you will find tradition blending effortlessly with modern life, as demonstrated by elaborate medieval architecture and bustling science centers. At its origins in medieval Germany, Braunschweig was ruled by two noble families - Brunonen and Welf. When Henry the Lion of House Welf took power in 1142, Dankwarderode Castle became his official state residence. His heraldic animal (a lion) was placed as a sign of authority as part of Dankwarderode Park as a symbol for his authority.

Braunschweig is well-known for its annual Christmas markets that draw one million visitors, while also showcasing its rich history through historical buildings and squares. Additionally, there's a car-free zone and multiple bike lanes in its city center, and its Oker River winds its way around it and connects through canals to parks where strolling or jogging are possible. Braunschweig boasts an abundance of universities and institutes of technology, including Germany's oldest technical university - Carolinum College, founded in 1745, which offers numerous degrees. Also notable in Braunschweig are secondary schools such as Martino-Katharineum with famous students like Carl Friedrich Gauss and Hoffman von Fallersleben as students; additionally there are museums offering intriguing insights into German culture as well as theaters and concert halls offering performances to enjoy during your visit to this remarkable city.

Ackerhof Church

At the heart of the city lies this church with an intriguing past and present: constructed as a Gothic-style hall church to replace a Romanesque building from 1115 and used as the abbey church for Saints Maria and Aegidius Benedictine Abbey until its dissolution during the Reformation. Since then, it has been used for secular purposes as well. Alongside its historical significance, Ackerhof Church also features beautiful architecture combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. She is a favorite spot to take photos, Visitors who wish to experience its true beauty can book a guided tour with one of the church's guides; this tour provides an ideal opportunity to learn about local history while uncovering stunning architecture.

Braunschweig's historic center offers many landmarks and parks to discover, such as Oker Park, which illuminates at night with lights and sculptures. Also, be sure to visit Braunschweig Castle, which hosts numerous exhibitions and events year-round. One of the city's most striking landmarks, Brunswick Cathedral, stands as a testament to the city's noble past. It is famed for its golden statue of a lion, which stands as an iconic representation of royal power and can be found at Dankwarderode Castle, but in reality this lion only emerged recently; construction took place between 1164-1178 or it to become such an integral symbol for Brunswick and beyond.

Braunschweig Castle

Braunschweig has been home to the House of Guelph since 1207 and developed into one of Northern Germany's premier medieval cities since. The main landmarks include St Blasius Cathedral (built near the end of the 12th century) and Dankwarderode Castle (a 19th-century reconstruction of Henry the Lion's old castle). Other surviving medieval buildings include the town hall, the half-timbered Guild House, which now serves as headquarters for the Craftsman Association. As well as a replica of Henry the Lion statue that symbolized Henry the Lion's reign adorns the square, this city remains as one of Northern Germany's premier medieval cities! The city boasts an outstanding transport infrastructure. Two autobahns pass through it, and its central station serves local, intercity and high-speed ICE trains as well as bus routes and many residents use bicycles, furthermore there is an extensive system of bike lanes in place throughout its borders.

Hotel am Park is conveniently in the heart of Braunschweig and near to popular attractions like Staatstheater Braunschweig and Brunswick Cathedral. Additionally, Technical University Braunschweig and Eintracht-Stadion can be reached with ease via car, plus, it provides complimentary onsite parking for guests who prefer driving! For over 700 years, Braunschweig's Altstadtmarkt or Old Town market has been an integral part of life. A great way to stock up on local meat and sausage specialties as well as fresh fruits and vegetables while taking in the beautiful traditional architecture is the Altstadtmarkt. The best time for visitors is Saturday morning, when it's busiest. Retail therapy? Check out all the shops and boutiques throughout town or head for one of many restaurants or cafés nearby, there is sure to be something fun happening near here!

Altstadtmarkt

Altstadtmarkt (Old Town Market), featuring beautiful buildings, was the heart of trade for over 700 years and was rebuilt several times over that period. Notable historical houses located there include Old Town City Hall (Altstadtrathaus), constructed between 1315-1535 in Gothic style; Martinikirche Church of Saint Martin built between 1295-1395; Gewandhaus with Renaissance gables from 1590-91 and a Custom House from 1643. Braunschweig developed strong trading ties to Hanseatic cities during the 14th century. Additionally, this trading city played a vital role in industrial production of cloth goods, metal items and weapons. Braunschweig was one of Northern Germany's premier centers of industry during the 19th century, particularly for sugar production and canning industries.

Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, motor vehicle manufacturing became one of the key industries in Braunschweig. Now home to Volkswagen, Siemens, and Bombardier Transportation companies among others, this city continues its longstanding tradition in automobile production. Additionally, the city boasts numerous cultural institutions, such as the State Theatre, established as Germany's first public theater in the 19th century. Furthermore, every year Rosenmontag Parades--an ancient Northern German form of carnival--are hosted. Braunschweig earned the Stadt der Wissenschaft designation in 2007. Additionally, it is Germany's most R&D intensive region; evidenced by NewYorker fashion label and publishing houses Westermann Verlag and Nordzucker being located here. Furthermore, two major piano manufacturers - Schimmel and Grotrian-Steinweg - can be found here as well.

Burgplatz

Burgplatz is the heart of Brunswick's old city and features an amazing ensemble of historic buildings that surrounds it, with a glittering lion as the main feature, flanked by a cathedral, Dankwarderode Castle (reconstructed 19th-century version), half-timbered houses and other attractions. While its symbolism relates to Brunswick's royal lineage, its presence here encases even more history than anywhere else in Brunswick. Behind the Neoclassical facade of Schloss-Arkaden shopping mall lies an immersive museum. Explore original rooms designed by original artists to gain insight into the lifestyle and personalities of the dukes of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel; The White Hall stands out with gilded furniture and damask wallpaper adorning its rooms.

Walk north from the square for an exciting trip into history at the Museum of Welfenbuttel's newly restored first floor of its northern wing palace, now featuring authentic art and furnishings in various rooms. Magniviertel, one of Germany's oldest quarters, can be found to the east of Burgplatz. A maze of cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings featuring independent shops and restaurants leads into squares such as Ackerhof 2, where you will find its oldest surviving half-timbered structure, look out for its two-ton Magnusglocke!