Wolfenbüttel

Wolfenbüttel, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, offers a blend of profound history and a tranquil atmosphere. It largely escaped significant damage during World War II, allowing its historical character to endure. The town is particularly recognized for its extensive collection of timber-framed buildings, with approximately 1,000 well-preserved examples spanning six centuries, marking it as the largest concentration in Germany.

Situated on the Oker River, Wolfenbüttel served as the principal residence of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg for over three centuries until 1754. This ducal past is evident in the grand baroque Schloss Wolfenbüttel and the internationally acclaimed Herzog August Library. Beyond its historical architecture, Wolfenbüttel is also the origin of the world-renowned Jägermeister herbal liqueur.

## Ducal Residence and Cultural Hub Wolfenbüttel's recorded history reaches back to 1074, when Schloss Wolfenbüttel was first documented as a fort on the Oker River. The castle underwent numerous transformations, with its current layout, moat, and lower levels of the keep dating from 1283, when Henry I of Brunswick-Grubenhagen rebuilt the structure. For approximately 400 years, until 1754, Wolfenbüttel was the primary residence of the Dukes of Braunschweig and Lüneburg.

This ducal patronage fostered a significant cultural and intellectual environment. The Herzog August Library, established in 1572 by Duke Julius of Brunswick-Lüneburg, became a cornerstone of this legacy. It gained worldwide recognition under Duke August the Younger, a scholar and book collector, who brought his entire library to Wolfenbüttel. By the time of his death in 1666, the 'Bibliotheca Augusta' held 35,000 volumes, making it the largest library north of the Alps. The library's collection grew to include around one million volumes, with approximately 350,000 from the 15th to 18th centuries. It was once considered the 'eighth wonder of the world' due to its extensive collection of rare manuscripts and books.

## Industrial Innovation: Jägermeister In 1878, Wilhelm Mast established a vinegar factory in Wolfenbüttel. His son, Curt Mast, took over the business in 1918 and, after years of experimentation, developed the recipe for Jägermeister, an herbal liqueur, which he first introduced in 1935. The company, Mast-Jägermeister SE, still maintains its corporate offices and production in Wolfenbüttel.

## A Preserved Old Town Wolfenbüttel's Old Town is notable for its remarkable preservation, having largely escaped damage during both World Wars. This has left a harmonious cityscape with several hundred well-preserved half-timbered buildings, many dating back centuries. The oldest timber-framed house near the castle dates to around 1535. The town was also a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status from 1984 to 1993.

Begin your exploration at Schloss Wolfenbüttel, a baroque castle that once served as the residence for the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Today, part of the building functions as a high school, while another section is open to the public as a museum, displaying Baroque state apartments.

A short walk will lead you to the Herzog August Bibliothek, a globally recognized research library housed in a Florentine palazzo-style building from the late 19th century. While the museum section may be closed for renovations, guided tours are often available in the neighboring Zeughaus and Lessinghaus. The library's collection includes around one million volumes, with notable treasures like the 12th-century Gospels of Henry the Lion.

Stroll through Klein Venedig ('Little Venice'), a charming area along the Oker River featuring 18th-century canal-side houses. This appealing spot is a remnant of a 16th-century canal system constructed by Dutch architects.

Discover the Old Town, with its approximately 1,000 well-preserved timber-framed buildings. These structures, some dating back to the 16th century, create a unique and inviting atmosphere for a leisurely walk. The Market Square is particularly appealing, often with ducks waddling across its center.

The ideal time to visit Wolfenbüttel is during late spring and early summer, from May to July. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, perfect for exploring the town's historical sites and inviting streets. The town's long-standing gardening tradition is evident in the blooming flowers that enhance the picturesque atmosphere. This period also often coincides with cultural events, such as the Wolfenbüttel Kultursommer. For warm-weather activities, late June to early September is also recommended.

Wolfenbüttel is readily accessible by various transport options. If traveling by car, you can reach the town via the A2 motorway (Hanover-Berlin) by taking the Braunschweig-Nord exit, then following the A391, A39, and A36 towards Bad Harzburg, exiting at Wolfenbüttel-Nord. From the south, take the A7 motorway, exit at Salzgitter, and follow signs for Wolfenbüttel.

By train, take an IC or ICE service to Braunschweig Hauptbahnhof, then transfer to a regional train to Wolfenbüttel; the journey takes about 10 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes. The train station is on the southern edge of the city center. The city center is compact, and most sightseeing can be done on foot. E-bike rentals are available at the tourist information office for those who wish to explore further afield.