In the northern German region of Lower Saxony, you can effortlessly combine a visit to romantic, old towns with sustainability and nature this summer. Within a radius of 100 kilometers around Hanover, the nine cities surprise with cultural charm, cozy shops and restaurants, but also with a wide range of opportunities to explore the cities and the region in an original and sustainable way. How about a unique light festival in Braunschweig, a walk in the beautiful nature of the Harz Mountains or an award-winning exhibition on sustainability in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg? We have already listed the best tips for a trip to Lower Saxony.
Environmentally friendly shopping in Göttingen
As a traditional university town, Göttingen attaches great importance to innovation and sustainability. For example, the cosmopolitan city promotes environmentally friendly shopping through the Göttinger Klimakarte (Climate Map). At the participating stores you collect stamps per purchase and with a full card you receive a climate-friendly gift package with nice surprises. Need to cool down after all that shopping? Then pay a visit to the natural baths of the Naturschwimmbad in Grone or try the cycling route that takes you through green parks and the Wilhelm historic district.
Rafting or e-biking in Hamelin
Explore the home of the Pied Piper of Hamelin in a sustainable way. With an e-bike or Segway tour you will discover the most beautiful corners of the surrounding Weserbergland. The idyllic landscape around the Weser river is also perfect for crossing with a canoe or raft. Do you prefer to cool off in the woods? Hamelin is one of the most wooded towns in northern Germany and one third is forest. Ideal for a walk in the woods!
Fair trade trials in Hildesheim
The 1,200-year-old episcopal city of Hildesheim turned out to be an official Fair Trade city in addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage city, thanks to initiatives by locals. Since 2016, the city has been fully committed to fair and regional trade. So be sure to visit the weekly markets and taste the sweet strawberries from Algermissen or the delicious honey from the city bees.
Unique light art in Braunschweig
Until 9 October you can enjoy a unique light festival in Braunschweig. For the fifth edition of the Light Trail, fifteen international artists created fascinating, illuminated works of art with the Oker and its 24 bridges as the central theme. The light trail invites you to explore the city in a sustainable way. You can discover the works of art either on foot or with a raft tour. In addition to the light festival, Braunschweig also attracts with its historic city center that you can easily explore on foot.
Hiking the most beautiful hiking trail in Northern Germany in Celle
In the royal residence city of Celle, late medieval alleys alternate with modern flair. You will find not only the picturesque castle of Guelph but also the largest collection of half-timbered houses in the world. The city also attaches great importance to sustainability. Celle, for example, was the first city in Northern Germany to receive the Sustainable Destination ToutCert Award in 2017. There are many opportunities around the city to enjoy nature. Rent a canoe and let yourself be carried away by the Aller or explore one of the most beautiful hiking trails in northern Germany:the Heidschnuckenweg.
An active city trip in Goslar
In the narrow streets of the beautiful imperial city of Goslar you can taste the medieval magic. An additional asset is that the UNESCO World Heritage city is located at the foot of the northern Harz Mountains. This way you can effortlessly combine culture with an active trip into nature. Go for a romantic walk in Hahnenklee or go out with your bike or mountain bike.
Green oases in Lüneburg
A good half hour from Hamburg, lies the Hanseatic city of Lüneburg, which in the Middle Ages gained its wealth and power from salt mining. The center of the city not only has a large pedestrian zone with local shops, you will also find many green oases. There is the Kurpark with its own herb garden and a large lawn for a lovely picnic, relaxing or playing. Furthermore, you can explore the city at your own pace this summer with the new city game, Stadtrallye, which takes you past the main sights.
Geocaching and experiencing nature in Wolfenbüttel
In Jägermeisterstadt Wolfenbüttel you can explore interactively. With the virtual geocache "On Lessing's tracks through Wolfenbüttel" you can playfully discover special locations in the city in the footsteps of the German writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. Do you prefer to dive into nature? Then the LÖWE-Pfad in the north of the city will take you on an interactive forest experience. The walk is about 2.5 km long and invites you to listen, climb, feel, jump or make music.
Customized city trip package in Hanover
Hannover, the greenest city in Germany, is launching a special city trip package this summer. The package includes overnight stay with breakfast, free use of public transport and an activity of your choice. How about a canoe trip on the beautiful River Ihme, a gentle stroll through the famous royal gardens of Herrenhausen or a trip to the Adventure Zoo?
Don't miss:Award-winning exhibition in Autostadt
There is no better place to experience mobility in all its facets than Autostadt in Wolfsburg. Sustainability in particular is becoming an increasingly important theme. The award-winning exhibition “LEVEL GREEN – The Idea of Sustainability” provides a vivid picture of the causes and consequences of climate change and the uncontrolled use of raw materials. You will also receive sustainable tips that you can integrate yourself.
More information at www.9staedte.de
