Göttingen: The Complete Guide

Göttingen is a city located in Lower Saxony, Germany, and it is also a stop on the Fairy Tale Route. The city is known for its historical and cultural landmarks, including the Göttingen Old Town, which is home to several half-timbered buildings and the St. Johannis Church, a Gothic-style church built in the 14th century.
In terms of the Fairy Tale Route, Göttingen is famous for its connection to the Grimm Brothers. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm worked at the University of Göttingen as professors of linguistics and philology from 1829 until their dismissal in 1837 due to political conflicts. During their time in Göttingen, they continued to research and collect fairy tales, and published several volumes of their famous fairy tales.
Visitors to Göttingen can explore the Grimm Brothers’ legacy by visiting the historic university campus, which includes the Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Center, a library dedicated to their works. The city also hosts an annual fairy tale festival, where visitors can enjoy fairy tale performances, art exhibitions, and other cultural activities. Additionally, the Göttingen International Handel Festival is a major cultural event that takes place every year, celebrating the life and works of composer George Frideric Handel.
Table of Contents
- History of Göttingen
- Best things to do and See in Göttingen
- Explore the Old Town of Göttingen
- Visit the Gänseliesel Fountain in Göttingen
- Discover the University of Göttingen
- Walk Along the Göttingen City Wall
- Visit the Old Botanical Garden in Göttingen
- Climb the Bismarck Tower in Göttingen
- Explore the Städtisches Museum Göttingen
- Visit St. Jacobi Church in Göttingen
- Discover Burg Plesse Near Göttingen
- Enjoy the Kiessee Lake in Göttingen
- 11 Best Day Trips from Göttingen
- Adelebsen Castle
- Hannoversch Münden
- Trendelburg
- Hofgeismar
- Kassel
- Hessisch Lichtenau
- Fürstenberg
- Goslar
- Bodenwerder
- Eisenach
- Bad Wildungen
- Where to Stay in Göttingen
- Best Time to Visit Göttingen
- Visiting Göttingen in Spring
- Visiting Göttingen in Summer
- Visiting Göttingen in Autumn
- Visiting Göttingen in Winter
- How to get to Göttingen
History of Göttingen
Göttingen: Early Beginnings
Göttingen dates back to the 10th century, originally known as Gutingi. It was officially recognized as a town in 1230 and quickly grew due to its strategic location.
Göttingen: Academic Heritage
In 1737, the University of Göttingen was founded by King George II of Great Britain. The university became one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, attracting scholars worldwide.
Göttingen: Modern Development
Today, Göttingen is a vibrant blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The town has preserved its medieval architecture while fostering a thriving academic and cultural scene.
Visiting Göttingen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Göttingen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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