Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [568]
Among Göttingen’s six Gothic churches, the most interesting is the St Jacobikirche ( 575 96; Jacobikirchhof; core hours 11am-3pm) from 1361, off Weender Strasse. With eye-catching red, white and grey angular striped columns, it also features some contemporary stained-glass windows.
PARKS & GARDENS
In the shadow of the old ramparts, the small Botanische Gärten (Botanical Gardens; 395 755; www.altgart.uni-goettingen.de, in German; Untere Karspüle 2; admission free; 8am-6.30pm) were Germany’s first, and there’s a section devoted to mountain plants, such as those from the Andes and the Alps. The tropical greenhouses (admission free; 8am-3pm) are highly recommended in winter for a shot of oxygen.
A 20-minute walk east of the Markt is the Schillerwiese, a large park that backs onto forest. To reach it, follow Herzberger Landstrasse east, then turn right into Merkelstrasse.
To enter Göttinger Wald (Göttingen Forest), continue along Herzberger Landstrasse near where it forms a hairpin bend, and turn into Borheckstrasse. From there, a bitumen track open to hikers and cyclists winds towards Am Kehr, 45 minutes away, where there’s a small, Bavarian-style beer garden ( from noon Mon-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun, in fine weather) and a small game enclosure with snorting wild boars and Bambis. From Am Kehr a path leads to the Bismarckturm (www.bismarcktuerme.de, in German; adult/concession €2/1; 11.30am-6pm weekends & holidays Apr-Sep). This stone tower has pretty views over the Leine Valley.
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Courses
Other towns may be more picture-book, but the advantages of learning German in Göttingen at its Goethe Institut ( 547 440; goettingen@goethe.de; Merkelstrasse 4) are that the town has 24,000 (fellow) students at the university and the university library is arguably the best in the country.
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Festivals & Events
The Händel Festival, held in late May or early June, will interest those keen on music. Inquire about tickets at the tourist office.
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Sleeping
Ask the tourist office about camping; the nearest site for tents is 15km west of town in Dransfeld (www.campingplatz-dransfeld.de). Another, 20km away at the Seeburger See (Lake Seeburg; www.seeburgersee.de, in German), is lakeside.
DJH hostel ( 576 22; www.djh-niedersachsen.de/jh/goettingen; Habichtsweg 2; dm under/over 27yr €23.20/26.20; ) In a pleasant spot on the outskirts of town, this large, slightly older hostel is popular with cyclists and very self-contained. There’s a laundry, cafe, games room and grill area, as well as several restaurants down the same street. To get here, take bus 6 or 9 to Jugendherberge.
Kasseler Hof ( 720 812; www.kasselerhof.de, in German; Rosdorfer Weg 26; s €55-59, d €79-89; ) Most rooms in this once chintzy budget hotel have been refurbished and decorated to make it an appealing alternative to more expensive places in town. All rooms have bathrooms. Tucked away in a quiet corner not far from town, the hotel has its own restaurant.
Leine-Hotel Boarding House ( 505 10; www.leinehotel-goe.de; Groner Landstrasse 55; s €58-68, d €78-88, breakfast buffet €9.50; ) A 10-minute walk from the centre on an insalubrious major street, this place is popular with visiting academics for longer stays (€540 per month), especially for the kitchenettes in every room and its business centre. It’s large, with over 100 rooms, and generic looking, but a well-run operation.
Hotel Central ( 571 57; www.hotel-central.com; Jüdenstrasse 12; s €58-100, d €85-160; ) Exposed red bricks and Miró prints set the tone at reception and in the breakfast room. The more expensive rooms here have baths not shower cubicles, while those at the top of the doubles range are junior suites. Free wi-fi access is available in some rooms, so ask ahead if this is important – otherwise you will have to set up office in the lobby or breakfast room.
Hotel Stadt Hannover ( 547 960; www.hotelstadthannover.de; Goetheallee 21; s €77-98,