Things To Do
in Göttingen
Göttingen is a historic university town in Lower Saxony set along the Leine river. Its renowned university, founded in the 18th century, injects the city with a vibrant student culture and a lively intellectual energy. The town center is a compact maze of half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and cozy cafés that invite wandering.
With museums, parks, and a welcoming university atmosphere, Göttingen feels like a walkable town with old-world charm and modern ideas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Göttingen's historic center, where you'll encounter charming half-timbered houses and beautiful squares. Visit the Gänseliesel fountain, a beloved symbol of the city, and capture the essence of Göttingen's rich academic heritage. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional German pastries and coffee.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the St. Jacob's Church, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Spend some time at the Alte Aula, the old auditorium of the University of Göttingen, where famous scholars have taught over the centuries. As the afternoon unfolds, explore the various shops and boutiques, picking up unique souvenirs and local crafts.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional German meal at a local restaurant, where you can try specialties like sausages and sauerkraut. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the historic university campus, soaking in the ambiance of this vibrant student city. Conclude your day with a cozy drink at a local beer garden, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Begin your day at the Kunsthaus Göttingen, a contemporary art gallery showcasing modern works from both local and international artists. Engage with the thought-provoking exhibitions and take your time to appreciate the creativity on display. Afterward, enjoy a coffee and pastry at the museum café, surrounded by inspiring artwork.
Visit the Bismarck Tower, located on a hill overlooking the city, offering stunning views of Göttingen and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the serene landscape, then hike along the nearby trails that lead through lush forests. Make your way back to the city and explore the various bookstores, a nod to Göttingen's literary history.
As evening falls, seek out a local theater for an engaging performance or play, where you can experience the cultural vibe of Göttingen. Enjoy a pre-show dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes while discussing your day's adventures. After the show, join a night walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the city at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆Public transit monthly pass | $60-70 |
| 🛏️Hostel or budget hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $35-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class university town atmosphere with a strong student vibe
- Compact, walkable center with historic architecture and excellent public transport connections
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to bigger cities
- Limited English-language signage in some older neighborhoods
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thank you / Many thanks
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Göttingen
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic fountain and surrounding half-timbered facades provide quintessential Göttingen scenery, especially in soft morning light.
A historic building with a photogenic exterior and a backdrop of the square’s activity and seasonal markets.
Historic campus buildings and courtyards, plus the Alte Aula, offer elegant academic architecture for composition and texture.
A lush garden with geometric layouts and colorful plant displays, ideal for nature-focused photography.
Food in Göttingen
Göttingen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic grilled sausage served with tangy sauerkraut and mustard, widely available at markets, beer halls, and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Creamy potato soup often with onions and bacon optional; a warming staple in many cafés and bistros.
A bright red berry dessert served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream, a refreshing finish at many cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market on Wednesdays and Saturdays with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties.
Casual stalls offering quick bites like currywurst, döner, and veggie options popular with students.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo.' Use formal 'Sie' with strangers and elders until invited to use the informal 'du.' Punctuality is valued in daily life and appointments.
Safety
Tipping in Göttingen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common if service is good. It’s polite to hand the tip directly to the server.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming trees make city strolls pleasant; rain is possible, so pack a light layer and an umbrella.
Long days with comfortable warmth, perfect for outdoor cafés and river walks; occasional thunderstorms can occur.
Cooler days with vibrant fall colors; great for photography along tree-lined lanes and university greens.
Cold temperatures with a chance of snow; markets and festive decorations add charm, especially around December.
Göttingen at Night
Hiking in Göttingen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic limestone outcrops near Dransfeld with several hiking routes presenting panoramic views and varied terrain.
Forest trails and gentle climbs in a forested hills area just south of Göttingen, ideal for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Göttingen by plane.
Major international airport about 110-140 km away; frequent rail and road connections to Göttingen.
Significant international hub roughly 250-300 km away; good for long-haul connections via rail or car.
Large international hub about 350-400+ km away; convenient for long-distance travel via high-speed train or flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large, active student population from the university shapes many neighborhoods with affordable eateries and lively nightlife.
A growing international community, especially among exchange students and researchers, contributing to a cosmopolitan feel.
Longstanding residents in wind-swept streets and green spaces provide a stable, welcoming environment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local enthusiasm is strong around national leagues; nearby university teams participate in campus leagues and regional competitions.
BG Göttingen is a notable basketball club in the region, drawing fans to home games and community events.
Handball remains a popular sport in schools and local clubs, with amateur leagues and community programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Göttingen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially around the university area. Look for dishes labeled vegetarisch or ask for 'vegetarisch' on menus; many cafés offer salads, pasta, and veggie mains.