Northeim: City History, Theatre and Cycling Routes

Northeim’s town wall was built between 1252 and 1305; about half of it is still well preserved. The city museum is located in the former Sankt Spiritus pilgrims’ hostel. The building is one of the most significant Gothic half-timbered buildings in Lower Saxony. Together, the wall and hostel showcase different aspects of local architectural history: the fortifications on the one hand, and Gothic half-timbering on the other.

Culture between museum and stage

Since August 2001, Theater der Nacht has been based in a converted former fire station in Northeim. It works exclusively with puppets, masks and objects, and focuses on legends, myths and fairy tales. Its award-winning programme includes 200 performances, courses, exhibitions and lectures. In Northeim, historic buildings and a theatre with a distinctive focus on storytelling stand side by side. If you want to centre your trip on culture, the city museum combines a historic setting with a different form of storytelling on stage.

Harzhorn, guided tours and cycling

In the district of Northeim, the Harzhorn Roman battlefield in southern Lower Saxony is located on the B248 between Oldenrode and Ildehausen. The information centre on site serves as the starting and finishing point for guided tours and events. It is accessible without barriers; however, the guided route through the site is not fully accessible because some forest paths are steep. Check the latest visitor information before setting out.

For Northeim itself, Northeim Touristik offers city, museum and forest tours. This gives visitors a choice of different themes. The approximately 410 km-long Leine-Heide Cycle Route offers a different perspective: it runs from Eichsfeld via Northeim through the heathland to Hamburg. The route connects Northeim with a journey that stretches from Eichsfeld to the north. Local guided tours are therefore quite different from a cycling route that crosses several regions.

Northeim Lake District and destinations in the wider area

In the associated municipality, the Northeim Lake District Waterbird Reserve is a protected habitat for wildlife and plants. The circular path around the Northeim Lake District is open to pedestrians and cyclists. The first section, approximately 1.6 km in total, was completed in July 2006.

A range of destinations in the wider region can add variety to your itinerary. In Einbeck, PS.SPEICHER, a classic car and experience museum, explores more than 200 years of mobility history. Einbeck beer tastings are also offered there. Visitors can see colourful street art along the Einbeck Beer Trail.

Guided tours of Uslar’s historic old town include visits to the ruins of the former Freudenthal hunting lodge, the town walls, St. John’s Church and the historic town hall. Participants gain insights into the history of the old town. At the Portal zur Geschichte in Brunshausen Abbey Church, the “Strong Women – Fine Stitches” exhibition presents textiles from the early Middle Ages to the Baroque period, as well as the lives of women who were active at the convent. In the abbey church on the historic market square, a rediscovered church treasury is on display, featuring precious reliquaries, liturgical objects and sacred works of art. In Kalefeld, the Willershausen clay pit is a natural monument and fossil deposit where the animal and plant life of three million years ago has been preserved.

Travel planning essentials

The A7 provides strong north–south connections in the district of Northeim. The regional public transport network includes bus and rail services, particularly between larger municipalities. Timetables and services may change, so check your connections before travelling. When looking for a hotel in Northeim, it helps to distinguish between cultural attractions in the town and destinations further afield. This makes it easier to focus on city history and theatre, cycling, or excursions around the district.

Discover more destinations: Einbeck, Nörten-Hardenberg, Northeim, Uslar, Dassel, Bodenfelde, Katlenburg-Lindau, Bad Gandersheim, Hardegsen, Kalefeld, Moringen.

Return to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.