Nearly 246,000 inhabitants live in this town and about one million in the metropolitan area. Brunswick in the east of Lower Saxony is part of the metropolis region of Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg.

This region is settled since prehistoric times. Here were found the "Schöninger spears" which are dated back 270,000 years. Even in the city archaeologists found objects of the Neolithic Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. At first Germanic tribes lived in this area and later from about 500 A.D. onwards the Saxons settled here.

Rivulet Oker had much influence on the town‘s foundation. From the 13th  century onwards the town was part of the Hanseatic League. Witnesses of these times are the City Hall in the old quarter of the town, held in Gothic style, the Gewandhaus (Cloth Hall), Church Saint Martini and the Old Market.

Duke Heinrich the Lion from the House of Guelph made Brunswick his capital in the 12th  century. Until the 20th  century dukes promoted culture and science in this town. A massive lion's statue on castle square Burgplatz still reminds of the Guelphs.

Castle of Dankwarderode holds parts of the medieval Guelph's treasure and is open to public. One can explore the history of the 19th century Guelphs in the Castle Museum of the rebuilt residence castle. Experience tours guided by “historical personalities” can be attended in Palace Richmond.

TIP: A time trip back to hanseatic days is possible with the Brunswick Mumme. Back in the old times Mumme beer contained alcohol and was a popular provision on sea voyages. During the 15th and 16th centuries it even reached overseas. Today Mumme is a thick, alcohol free malt essence used for refining dishes and drinks. If you like to experience the culinary variety of Mumme, visit the event mummekaufgenuss at the first weekend of November.

More information: http://www.braunschweig.de/english/index.html

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