Discover Göttingen: 4 Fun-Filled Budget Days

Experience historic charm without breaking the bank in Göttingen, Germany.

21 June 2023

A trip to Göttingen, Germany on a limited budget can be a wonderful experience. There are plenty of affordable accommodations and budget-friendly food options in the city. The city also offers many free or low-cost activities, such as exploring its historic old town or hiking in the nearby Harz Mountains.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Göttingen

  • Check into the charming Hotel Central, located in the heart of Göttingen's old town.
  • Start the day with a visit to the Altes Rathaus, a beautiful half-timbered town hall dating back to the 14th century.
  • Take a stroll through the botanical gardens or explore the historic university buildings and library.
  • Grab lunch at the quirky Café Kabale, serving up delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
  • Head to the Gänseliesel Fountain and take a photo with the statue, a symbol of Göttingen and a popular attraction.
  • End the day with a drink at the atmospheric Lokalbar, a cozy bar with vintage decor and local beers on tap.
Day 2

Sights and Sounds of Göttingen

  • Enjoy a traditional German breakfast at the homely Café Weyrauch.
  • Visit the St. Jacobi Church with its Gothic architecture and ornate altar.
  • Head to the city museum and learn about the history of Göttingen, including its scientific achievements.
  • For lunch, try the authentic Greek food at Taverna Taurus.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Duderstadt Wall and Tower, a medieval fortification not far from Göttingen.
  • In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of Göttingen at Barschwein, a lively bar with live music and a cozy atmosphere.
Day 3

A Journey Through Nature

  • Drive or take a bus to the Harz Mountains, renowned for their stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
  • Visit the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz and a great spot for panoramic views.
  • Explore the picturesque town of Wernigerode, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
  • For lunch, try the hearty German dishes at Zum Harzer Jodlermeister.
  • Go mountain biking or hiking in the Rammelsberg Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring old mining tunnels.
  • Return to Göttingen in the evening and indulge in a delicious pizza at Trattoria Toscana.
Day 4

Art and Culture in Göttingen

  • Begin the day with a cup of coffee at the French-inspired Café Stilbruch.
  • Visit the Händel-Haus, a museum dedicated to the life and work of composer Georg Friedrich Händel.
  • Check out the art exhibitions at the Kunsthalle Göttingen, showcasing contemporary artists from Germany and beyond.
  • For lunch, try the freshly baked bread and sandwiches at the cozy bakery Backhaus Kiesow.
  • Take a stroll through the Stadtgarten, a peaceful park with beautiful flower displays and sculptures.
  • End the day with a performance at the Deutsches Theater, a cultural institution in Göttingen known for its innovative productions.
  • Enjoy your four days in Göttingen!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Göttingen by plane is to fly into Hanover Airport, which is approximately 134 km away from the city. From Hanover Airport, you can take the S-Bahn to Hanover Central Station and then take a train to Göttingen. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Car

The best way to get to Göttingen by car is to take the A7 motorway if you are travelling from the north or south of Germany. If you are travelling from the west, you can take the A44 motorway. The journey time depends on the starting point.

Train

The best way to get to Göttingen by train is to take the Intercity Express (ICE) or Intercity (IC) train from major cities in Germany such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich. The Göttingen train station is well connected to other German cities and the journey time varies depending on the starting point.

Boat

There are no direct routes to Göttingen by boat as the city is inland. However, you can take a boat from the port of Hamburg to the Hanover Port, which is approximately 134 km away from Göttingen. From Hanover, you can take the S-Bahn to Hanover Central Station and then take a train to Göttingen.

Bus

The best way to get to Göttingen by bus is to take a long-distance coach from major German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich. The journey times and departure points vary depending on the service provider.

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