Celle: Europe's largest half-timbered town beckons with history and charm!

Celle: Europe's largest half-timbered town beckons with history and charm!

When you think of half-timbered houses, you often think of the picturesque old towns of Germany. One of the most famous and largest half-timbered towns in Europe is Celle in Lower Saxony. Here, where history dates back to 985, an impressive ensemble of over 500 restored half-timbered houses has been preserved that is second to none. Loud Mercury Celle is considered the largest coherent half-timbered ensemble in Europe and delights visitors all year round.

But what makes Celle so special? The fairytale cityscape is characterized by the old town, which was largely spared during the Second World War. Some of the oldest buildings have been preserved here dating back to the 16th century, including the well-known Kalandgasse with the Latin school from 1602 and the parish church of St. Marien, whose church tower with 235 steps offers a breathtaking view over the city. The princely crypt of St. Mary's Church is also a place of historical importance, as Guelph dukes are buried there NDR reported.

Sights and cultural treasures

One of the biggest attractions in Celle is the impressiveCelle Castle, which dates back to a castle complex from the 13th century and now houses a residence museum. Its 17th-century Baroque splendor attracts scores of tourists every year. The Schlosstheater, founded in 1674, is the oldest baroque theater still in use in Europe and offers a very special ambience for theater lovers. The city recorded 144,445 tourists and 279,679 overnight stays in 2024, with Denmark being the most important foreign visitor market, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands.

But it's not just historic buildings that are important; Celle is also known for its cultural institutions. The Bomann Museum tells the history of the city and region, while the Celler Art Museum shows modern and contemporary art, including works by Joseph Beuys and Timm Ulrichs. For lovers of Bauhaus architecture, there is the Otto Haesler Museum, which presents original tiny apartments.

Activities in and around Celle

The area around Celle also has a lot to offer. The Südheide Nature Park attracts hikers and cyclists to a quiet, idyllic landscape. Tours over the Wietzer Berg or through the Misselhorner Heide are particularly popular. The medicinal plant garden at the Dammaschwiesen, which is home to over 300 plant species and offers guided tours, invites you to relax in the city. For canoe fans there are options on the rivers Aller and Örtze, and seasonally a passenger boat operates on the Unteraller.

Another highlight are the traditional Christmas markets, when the old town shines in festive splendor. There are also individually guided city tours that provide deeper insights into the history and architecture of the impressive half-timbered houses.

Celle shines with a unique mix of history, culture and nature, and simply invites you to be discovered. If you are looking for a charming travel destination, you will find a real insider tip among the half-timbered towns in Lower Saxony, which also includes other city pearls such as Goslar or Wolfenbüttel.