Welcome to Göttingen

Celebrated university town with a proud heritage

The renowned university town of Göttingen lies in southern Niedersachsen between the Harz mountains and the Weser river, and has a recorded history going back as far as 953. It was awarded a civic charter in 1210 and flourished as a member of the Hanseatic League. 

A glimpse of this hanseatic opulence is still present today in the venerable medieval Town Hall in the heart of the Old Town, the splendid churches and quaint half-timbered houses in Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Göttingen's landmark is the "Gänseliesel" figure on the fountain at the market square outside the Old Town Hall. This art nouveau statur features a girl herding geese. It is a tradition that all new doctoral graduates from the University kiss the cheeks of the statue after passing their examinations. This makes her "the most kissed girl in the world". 

The Georg-August University was founded in 1734 and today has 14 faculties with 25,000 students. The university boasts many famous scientists amongst its alumni including more than 40 Nobel laureates. The city is also home to many research institutes, Max Planck Institutes and internationally active companies who benefit from the superb tourism infrastructure, including conference and congress facilities. 

The rich cultural and educational life in Göttingen, with its theatres, orchestras, museums and major cultural events, attracts visitors from the city and well beyond. Tourists on city-breaks enjoy the excellent transport connections and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the vibrant mini metropolis (130,000 inhabitants) whose street life is enlivened by the many young students and international visitors. 

^{Photos and Text copyright: Göttingen Tourismus e.V.}