This historic German city played a key role in ending the Thirty Years' War, and now has two universities, the unique Felix Nussbaum Museum, and sits within the TERRA.vita UNESCO Geopark.
Osnabrück, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany, has played a significant role in European history and offers a rich cultural experience. You can walk through the Hall of Peace in the Town Hall where the Thirty Years' War ended, admire the unique architecture of the Felix Nussbaum Haus, or hike in the surrounding TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Osnabrück has several interesting museums. The Felix Nussbaum Haus, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, houses works by the Jewish painter Felix Nussbaum and serves as a Holocaust memorial. The building's angular design creates an atmosphere that complements the artwork inside. For insights into local literary history, visit the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Center, dedicated to the Osnabrück-born author of "All Quiet on the Western Front".
Student Life in Modern Osnabrück
With two universities and over 20,000 students, Osnabrück has a dynamic atmosphere. This is particularly evident in the Katharinenviertel, where you'll find many cafes, bars, and shops popular with students. The international student community contributes to the city's varied cultural scene, with events and festivals happening throughout the year.
Nature and Green Spaces
Osnabrück is located within the TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, giving you access to hiking and cycling trails that highlight the area's unique geological features. Within the city, you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Osnabrück University, home to over 8,000 plant species. For a view of the city and surrounding area, climb to the top of the Piesberg, a former quarry that's now used for cultural and recreational purposes.
Local Cuisine
Osnabrück's cuisine incorporates elements from both Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Try regional dishes like Grünkohl mit Pinkel (kale with sausage) or Töttchen (a veal-based stew) at traditional restaurants in the city. For more modern dining options, explore the restaurants along Redlingerstrasse or have a coffee at one of the cafes on Adolf-Reichwein-Platz.
Transportation in Osnabrück
You can reach Osnabrück by train, with regular connections to major German cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne. Within the city, buses provide transportation between main sites. If you want to explore the surrounding nature park, consider renting a bicycle – Osnabrück and its surroundings have many cycling paths.
Exploring Osnabrück's Historic Center
The Old Town of Osnabrück is well-preserved and full of historical sites. Begin at the Market Square, where you'll see the late Gothic Town Hall, an important location in European history. Inside, you can visit the Hall of Peace, the site of negotiations that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648. St. Peter's Cathedral, combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is another prominent landmark nearby. Take a walk through the Hexengang (Witches' Alley), a narrow passage behind the cathedral that illustrates medieval urban design.
