This German industrial center houses the world's largest car plant, Volkswagen AG. The River Aller flows through this Lower Saxony city of 124,000 residents.
Wolfsburg, a city of 125,000 people in northern Germany, grew from an industrial settlement into the home of the world's largest car manufacturing plant. Visit the glass towers of the Autostadt where new Volkswagens descend to their owners, conduct experiments at the angular concrete-and-glass Phaeno Science Center, or climb to the 13th-century Wolfsburg Castle. Stop for dinner at the three-Michelin-starred Aqua restaurant, or join local football fans watching VfL Wolfsburg play at the Volkswagen Arena.
Exploring the Autostadt
Walk through 28 hectares of brand pavilions next to the Volkswagen factory. Each building represents a different VW Group brand with its own architectural style - from Porsche's curved lines to Lamborghini's sharp angles. Watch as automated systems lower new cars from two 48-meter glass towers to their owners below. Between pavilions, find themed gardens, water features, and several restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Modern Architectural Landmarks
Step into Zaha Hadid's Phaeno Science Center, where concrete pillars create spaces that seem to defy gravity. Try out 250 hands-on experiments across 6,000 square meters - manipulate sound waves, create light patterns, and control magnetic fields. At the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, explore rotating contemporary art exhibitions in a glass-walled modernist building, which has displayed works by Alberto Giacometti and James Turrell since 1994.
Dining in Wolfsburg
Experience chef Sven Elverfeld's three-Michelin-starred cuisine at Restaurant Aqua in The Ritz-Carlton, where he transforms northern German ingredients into modern European dishes. Eat seasonal meals at Terra restaurant, sourced directly from nearby farms, or taste regional Italian cooking at Trattoria Incontri. End your evening at Newman's Bar, mixing craft cocktails in an American saloon-inspired setting.
Sports and Recreation at Allerpark
Watch Bundesliga matches at the Volkswagen Arena, home to VfL Wolfsburg, or see ice hockey games at the Eis Arena where Grizzlys Wolfsburg compete. Swim in BadeLand's indoor and outdoor pools, complete with water slides and spa facilities. Ride along 140 kilometers of cycling paths around the Allersee lake, or spend summer afternoons on its sandy beach.
Historical Buildings
Climb to Wolfsburg Castle on its hilltop above the Aller River. Built in the 13th century, the castle now hosts art exhibitions and displays artifacts from the city's past. Walk through Alt Wolfsburg quarter to see oak-beamed houses with exposed timber frames from the pre-industrial era, including several manor houses with steep-roofed Germanic designs.
Getting Around
Reach Wolfsburg by ICE high-speed train from Berlin (230 kilometers east) or Hanover (70 kilometers west), with frequent daily connections. The central station sits next to the Designer Outlets Wolfsburg, where 90 fashion brands sell their collections at reduced prices.
