Day Trip to Braunschweig from Berlin: What to do in Braunschweig in One Day

Braunschweig, or Brunswick in English, is a popular city in Germany that you might not know about if you’re coming from outside the country. It can be visited as a day trip from Berlin since it’s not too far away. Keep reading to learn what to do in Braunschweig in one day and how to get from Berlin to Braunschweig for a day trip.

Why should you take a day trip from Berlin to Braunschweig

Braunschweig is an interesting small city with pretty scenery and architecture as well as plenty of history to explore.

Take a stroll around the Old Town and see an imposing castle, stately palaces, and historical half timbered houses. The city suffered a lot of damage during World War II, but the Old Town was restored with great care and attention to detail and accuracy.

Stop into a few museums to learn about Braunschweig. For nature lovers, there are parks and botanical gardens. Or if wacky is what you seek, check out the Rizzi House.

Braunschweig is also infamous for being the place where Hilter was granted German citizenship.

For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to from Berlin to Braunschweig. There’s plenty to see and do here, and you’re sure to enjoy your time in the city.

How to Get from Berlin to Braunschweig by Train

Deutsche Bahn has direct trains from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Braunschweig Hauptbahnhof, and the journey takes about an hour and a half. These are on the ICE (InterCity Express) trains or the IC (InterCity) trains, which are the fast trains, so prices are better if you book at least a few weeks in advance.

The trains usually stop in Berlin Ostbahnhof and Berlin Spandau, so check which train station makes the most sense for you based on where you’re staying in Berlin.

>>Check prices and train schedules on the Deutsche Bahn website.

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How to Get from Berlin to Braunschweig by Bus

Sometimes there is an option to get to Braunschweig from Berlin by bus using FlixBus. This might save you a little money, so it’s worth checking out if you’re on a tight budget. FlixBus uses the English version of the name, so look for Brunswick.

Be aware that the bus takes almost 3 hours, which is a lot longer than the train. This is a time vs money decision you’ll have to make, so it’s worth comparing with Deutsche Bahn.

Things to do in Braunschweig in One Day

Braunschweig has plenty of museums to visit, castles and palaces to explore, and history to learn about. You might not get to everything in one day in Braunschweig, but choose what piques your interest and enjoy your day trip from Berlin.

Get your bearings at Burgplatz

Burgplatz – that’s German for “Castle Square” – is where all good tours of Braunschweig should begin. It’s here in this historic plaza that you’ll find some of the city’s most historic buildings.

Among others, these include the Gildehaus and Braunschweig Cathedral. Summer sees Burgplatz come to life with open air concerts.

Learn some history at Dankwarderode Castle

As well as having a cool name, Dankwarderode Castle is an historic spot. Not only was it the residence of the Dukes of Braunschweig across centuries, but it also houses the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

In that museum is the original Brunswick Lion – an iconic 12th-century statue of, well, a lion, that’s a symbol of the city.

The one in Burgplatz? Yeah, that’s a replica built to protect this original forever.

Search for books at Antiquariat am Burgplatz

Also, in Burgplatz is the incredible Antiquariat am Burgplatz (nickname: Spitzwegeck). Roughly translating to something like “Antiquarian bookshop on Burgplatz,” this modestly titled bookstore has a modest space to match – there’s just eight square meters of floor space here.

That makes it Germany’s smallest antiquarian bookshop. Come to this teeny tiny space to browse rare and second-hand books.

Find peace and quiet at Riddagshausen Abbey

Situated just to the east of Braunschweig city center, Riddagshausen Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century. Though it’s an historic site, much of the abbey sits in the area of Riddagshäuser Teiche – a nature preserve that’s been designated as an Important Bird Area.

Weigh up at the Alte Waage

One of the many half-timbered buildings that were practically destroyed during 1944 air raids during World War II, the Alte Waage dates back to the mid-16th century. It was originally a warehouse and weighing house.

Today, with its pointed roofs and many windows, it’s a sight to see – an incredibly detailed and very faithful reconstruction of the original.

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Stroll around Bürgerpark

This beautiful, landscaped garden is the perfect place to take some time out from wandering the historic streets of Braunschweig.

Complete with rolling lawns, tree-lined pathways, a man-made lake, and even some replicated Roman ruins for atmosphere, the late 19th-century park is a chilled, picturesque addition to your trip to the city.

Go for a cup of coffee at Heimbs

Coffee has long played a role in the society of Braunschweig. As early as 1714, a coffee shop stood in Breite Strasse, opened by one Franz Heinrich.

However, 1880 saw the founding of coffee roastery Heimbs. It’s still in operation today (though don’t expect an historic space, it’s modern) so if you like a good ol’ cup of joe, why not swing by for a caffeine fix?

Be awed by Brunswick Palace

You may better know Braunschweig by its English name, Brunswick. That’s the name that this huge palace is also known as. Dankwarderode Castle was the residence of the Dukes of Braunschweig for centuries, but from 1753 to 1918 the Brunswick Palace was where they resided.

After the original burned down, this giant, neoclassical behemoth was built in its place in 1841. Torn down in 1960, the WWII-damaged palace was rebuilt and opened to the public in 2007.

Wander the Altstadtmarkt

Another attractive, painstakingly reconstructed old plaza in Braunschweig, the Altstadtmarkt is home to a number of important buildings.

Here where you’ll find the Old Town hall, the Stechinelli-Haus – a large pink building that was originally built in 1630 – and the very elegant Gewandhaus, the former home of the city’s guild of tailors. It’s a good spot to explore.

Take a picnic to Inselwallpark

Hungry? Well, at some point during your trip to Braunschweig, you’re bound to need food. When you do, grab something to takeaway, and join the crowds at Inselwallpark.

Established in 1803, this park is also where you’ll find Villa Löbbecke which was built by the Löbbecke banking family in the late 19th century. If you’re picnicking, make sure to come here on a sunny day, obviously.

Chill in the Braunschweig Botanic Gardens

Officially the Botanischer Garten der Technischen Universität Braunschweig, this space dedicated to all things flora is an awesome place to explore. It was founded in 1840 as part of the city’s university and today features a multitude of outdoor spaces.

There’s also a fairly recent greenhouse where you can gaze upon tropical plants – including Victoria Cruziana, the rare and very huge giant water lily that blooms for just two nights in late August.

Get lost in the Magniviertel

Magniviertel (“Magni Quarter”) is the oldest district of Braunschweig. It is replete with historic half-timbered houses, parts of which are centuries old, but the majority of it is an uber impressive rebuild.

With its bars, restaurants and cafes, it’s known as a lively student area today, and hosts a festival each year in late summer.

Take a trip to Schloss Richmond

When Augusta, granddaughter of British King George II, married Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand – the Duke of Brunswick – she had her very own castle built for her in 1769. Maybe it was to ensure she wouldn’t be homesick, but it was named after her own home back in Richmond Park, London.

Note that this fabulously ornate castle isn’t 24/7 and can only be visited with a guide.

Glimpse the Happy Rizzi House

If you like your sights a little more off-the-wall, then you’ll enjoy the Happy Rizzi House. Billed as “the happiest house in the world”, this collection of buildings was designed by American artist James Rizzi.

The fact that it’s situated on the Ackerhof, which has origins in the 13th century, really creates a crazy contrast between old and new.

See a show at the State Theater

This place has a history stretching back over three centuries and is the place to come for all things dance, theater, and opera in Lower Saxony. There are a number of performances put on each year.

Or if you don’t have time, just swing by to see the theater itself – the impressive structure is nestled in the adjoining Theaterpark, a leafy spot for strolling and chilling.

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