Discover Helmstedt: Culture, Trails and History

Helmstedt combines university history with monasteries, museums and opportunities for active exploration. The Juleum tells the story of the former university; elsewhere, the focus is on Romanesque architecture, archaeological finds and outdoor tours. You can tailor the balance between culture and activity to your interests and decide which places will be the focus of your trip.

University History and Architecture in Helmstedt

The Juleum Novum auditorium building of the former university was constructed between 1592 and 1597 as a palace-like Renaissance building. At the district and university museum in the Juleum, you can see a model of Helmstedt as it was around 1750, as well as original objects from the university era: an astronomical disc, a globe and tableware from the university dining hall. The exhibits give the historic building a distinctive connection to its past.

The climb up the Juleum Tower involves 153 steps and takes place from April to October on the first Saturday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Check the date before your visit. An architectural tour of Helmstedt also traces 1,000 years of building history, from the Romanesque period to Historicism. Check current booking options for this tour.

The treasury at St. Marienberg Monastery is located in the former chapter house and displays precious medieval vestments. Free public tours of the monastery and church take place at 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. These tour dates offer another opportunity to learn about the objects on display and the monastery’s history.

Romanesque Architecture and Music in Königslutter

The Imperial Cathedral in Königslutter is one of the most impressive Romanesque buildings in Lower Saxony. The cathedral, cloister and Imperial Lime Tree in the former monastery grounds form a popular attraction. Visitors interested in architecture will find a different historical perspective here than at the Renaissance Juleum Novum.

At the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments, guided tours explain the instruments. Almost all of them are in working order and ready to be demonstrated, making the tour an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The Geopark Information Centre in Königslutter offers extensive tourist information and services for the Brunswick Land Geopark, Elm-Lappwald Nature Park and the town of Königslutter.

Archaeology and Museums in Schöningen

At the Schöningen Research Museum, you can see the Schöningen spears close to where they were found. They were left there around 300,000 years ago and discovered in 1994; excavations are still taking place at the site today. The Schöningen Discovery Trail runs for 2.5 kilometres from Burgplatz to the research museum. Eight stops with large information boards line the route.

The “Schöningen Discovery Tour” app offers another way to explore local topics, with detailed information in words and pictures about all 24 highlights. Schöningen Castle is considered an important historic monument and a cultural centre of the town. Near the destination, just outside the gates of Helmstedt, you will also find the Lübbensteine. The two megalithic tombs made of nodular quartzite are located on St. Annenberg and are considered the most famous archaeological monuments in the Brunswick Land.

Outdoor Activities at Lappwaldsee and on the Way of St. James

Lappwaldsee is a popular destination for cyclists, runners and walkers. Guided hikes and cycle tours using your own bike are offered there. The tours cover the history of open-cast mining, the lake’s development and its planned use; check the availability of guided activities before your trip. At the end of Büddenstedter Weg, the town of Helmstedt has provided a public car park for visitors to Lappwaldsee.

The Brunswick Way of St. James currently runs from Helmstedt to Brunswick. The section from Helmstedt to Königslutter is 22 km long. An extension in both directions, from Magdeburg to Höxter, is planned. Comparing it with the guided activities at Lappwaldsee highlights their different focuses: hikes and cycle tours with interpretive information are offered there, while the Way of St. James is described as a pilgrimage route.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Interests

Include the specific dates and activities you plan to visit in your itinerary. This will help you tailor your accommodation search to your priorities without assuming a particular type of accommodation.

Discover More Places

Discover more destinations: Velpke, Söllingen, Lauingen, Königslutter am Elm, Helmstedt, Warberg, Büddenstedt, Räbke, Lehre, Schöningen, Süpplingenburg, Jerxheim, Bahrdorf, Groß Twülpstedt, Brunsleberfeld and Mariental.

Go to the overview of the region: Lower Saxony.