Braunschweig: a modern city with traditional roots The whole world knows Braunschweig’s children. Carl Friedrich Gauß and Louis Spohr grew up here, to name but two, Wilhelm Raabe wrote his works here, Lessing and Till Eulenspiegel lived here and through them art, science and esprit developed. Be persuaded by this and come and visit Braunschweig! The “LionCity” will welcome you with the open arms of a big city with a lot to offer: authentic historic sights and old quarters, post-modern architecture, a rich cultural heritage and all kinds of sport and leisure activities, urban charm and expansive parks and natural landscapes. Braunschweig unites the past and the future, the historic and the visionary, the traditional and the innovative. The city’s origins Since its foundation over a thousand years ago, Braunschweig has been the historic heart and pacesetter of its region. From here the Oker was navigable to the North Sea, allowing Braunschweig to become a crossroads of important trade routes early on – this was its entrance into the Hanseatic League. In the 12th century Henry the Lion resided here. He founded the cathedral and was the patron of the city; Braunschweig thrived under his influence, becoming the centre of power of the House of Welf.

A red carpet for art, culture and sport

The arts have always had pride of place in Braunschweig: the Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum was the first public museum to open in Germany in 1754 and one of the first in Europe. Lessing’s “Emilia Galotti” premiered in the Staatstheater in 1772 as did Goethe’s “Faust I” in 1829. New impetus is given to the broad and lively cultural scene which ranges from the privately funded to the Staatstheater (state theatre), from groups of artists to the “Salve Hospes” villa of the Kunstverein (Association of Contemporary Artists), and from other classical playhouses to avant-garde initiatives covering all kinds of cultural activities and museums. This occurs hand in hand with exclusive events like the open air performances at Burgplatz, the Braunschweig Classix-Festival and the CITYJAZZNIGHT, whose polyphonic sounds enchant thousands of people each year, or the festival “seitenweise” with its literary delicacies. It is not only the cineastes who have been thrilled by the Internationale filmfest Braunschweig for over 20 years, fans of short films are attracted by the festival Durchgedreht24. The new prominent location of the city’s cultural department in the Ducal Palace also reflects the value Braunschweig places on its lively and varied art and cultural scene. The impressive facade of the Ducal Palace was reconstructed with many original parts based on the Palace of the House
of Welf which was constructed between 1833 and 1841.

Sports have a home in Braunschweig, too. Braunschweig regularly organises both national and international championships in various sporting disciplines. Just how close culture and sport are in the LionCity, is proved
year after year by the Braunschweiger Tanz-Sport-Club, the seventimes winner of the world championship in ballroom dancing. And the Braunschweig Lions win the German Bowl in American Football almost regularly. The 14th Niedersächsische Landesturnfest (Lower Saxony’s Gymnastics Festival) for example was one of 2008’s sporting highlights in Braunschweig.  By the way, did you know that the football rules currently in use were defined in Braunschweig? Braunschweig’s soccer team Eintracht is cultivating this legacy and is cheered on by tens of thousands of faithful fans. The “Schoduvel” (Carnival) is a special sport for Braunschweigers and their merry guests: one of Germany’s longest carnival parades turns the city into one big happy family and this has roots that stretch back over 700 years.

A jewel in an exquisite setting Even today Burgplatz in the centre of Braunschweig with the statue of the lion framed by the Dom (cathedral), the Burg (castle), the Landesmuseum and half-timbered buildings still presents itself on its medieval ground plan. Cafes and bars in the city centre invite you to “schnasseln” – a Braunschweig term meaning to get together convivially. Paradise for anyone who appreciates the tempo of a city of culture! Socialising and relaxing are both important here. Those who enjoy peace and quiet can find tranquil places in our parks and nature reserves and will be enchanted by the European Bird Sanctuary and the unique landscape of ponds at Riddagshausen and the Weddeler Teichgebiet. What’s more you can go around most of the city centre by boat on the River Oker. A trip to the Harz Mountains or to one of our lovely neighbouring towns is always worth your while.

The place for business and science

Time in Germany ticks according to the atomic clock in Braunschweig. With the enormous volume of R&D undertaken at internationally acclaimed institutes, the LionCity and the surrounding region lead the world. Just what our city has to offer in the way of science impressed the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft, which awarded Braunschweig the title of Germany’s “City of Science 2007”. All over the world, people profit from knowledge which is “Made in Braunschweig”. Development work on the Transrapid rail system and the high-lift system for the Airbus A380 began here. Founded in 1745, the Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina enjoys an excellent reputation at home and abroad. The Hochschule für Bildende Künste (University of Arts) and the Welfenakademie, the University of Cooperative Education, are of similar standing. With its wide range of schools and educational institutions, including grants for gifted students, Braunschweig supplies the right resources to meet the high demands of a City of Science. Braunschweig is, moreover, an attractive location for businesses, the ideal place for international players such as VW, for small and mediumsized companies, and also for innovative entrepreneurs. Braunschweig sets the tone – piano makers like Steinweg have their headquarters here – and it sets the pace for the future: our firms set the standards in biotechnology and microelectronics. It is no exaggeration to describe Braunschweig as a jewel. With its sense of balance between the traditional and the modern, this large city situated between Hannover and Berlin measures, records and sets trends for business and culture.

You can find more detailled information about Braunschweig and its attractions in the tourist service section at braunschweig.de.

_{Text kindly provided by Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH.}

^{Images kindly provided by Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH / S.Gramann.}