Goslar – A Lower Saxony Town In Germany

Set in the foothills of the Harz mountains in the district of Lower Saxony, Goslar is a town that has a wealth of history stretching back to the 10th century. Established because silver was discovered close by in Rammelsberg, Goslar became an Imperial city and the Imperial Palace, the Kaiserpfalz, is still in excellent condition.

This was the summer house of the emperors and was used extensively by Henry the III of Germany who’s heart is said to be interred there. The Medieval cathedral was also built at the same time as the palace but only the porch survives as the rest of the building was destroyed in 1820. Other beautiful buildings are the Emperors house (Kaiserhaus) and the palace chapel of St Ulrich which still stands as do several churches including the old church of St. Simon and the Church of Our Lady.

Goslar – A Favourite Of The Emperors

The Kaiserhaus is the best preserved secular building and this dates from the 11th century. Goslar was a favourite place to visit for all the emperors especially during the period 1027 to 1155 when the Salian emperors were governing Germany for the Holy Roman Empire. An exhibition about the Salian emperors is on display at the palace.

The historic centre of Goslar is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It has wonderful half timbered buildings and narrow alleyways that are a pleasure to walk through.

A Spa Town For Royals And The Rich

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Goslar was a spa town. The Hanover royals came here for treatments and at the latter part of the 19th century the town became popular as a retirement resort for the rich people who came from Berlin, Hanover and Braunschweig. These wealthy retirees built some of the most palatial villas and residences that you can still see today.

History And Museums In Goslar

Rammelsberg was the mining area where the silver was first found and there is a museum dedicated to the former mine which was working for over 1,000 years. This can be found on the town limits of Goslar and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are other museums with very interesting exhibits including the Goslar museum which has an old Lords Table. This is called the Krodoaltar and is made of bronze. It is the only one in existence that is from the Romanesque period. The Monks Museum has contemporary arts and there is a unique tin figure museum. The Zwinger Tower and Dungeon holds exhibits from the late medieval period.

If you want to see all around Goslar you may need more than one visit. It has acres of history and some stunning half timbered houses in a medieval setting that has to be seen to be believed.

Staying At Goslar

Akzent Hotel Kaiserworth

There are 65 rooms at the Akzent Hotel Kaiserworth which is located 50 metres from the centre of Goslar. Rooms are non smoking and have cable TV, a desk and each visitor gets a free bottle of mineral water when they arrive. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.

The Die Worth Restaurant serves delicious traditional foods from the region as well as International choices. Breakfast is a big buffet with plenty of dishes and the four star rooms are all very spacious. Private parking can be arranged when you book your room at this excellent hotel.

City-Appartements Am Wall

Goslar has a choice of apartments and the City-Appartements Am Wall are situated right in the heart of the city. There is free Wi-Fi, a large sauna area and each apartment has a seating area and TV.

Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen although there are plenty of nearby restaurants if you choose not to cook. As a base for exploring the beautiful region and the city of Goslar, City-Appartements Am Wall are ideal.

GDA Hotel Schwiecheldthaus

GDA Hotel Schwiecheldthaus is three star accommodation which is in the old part of Goslar. Surrounded by mountains and wonderful views, the hotel has apartments which feature a private bathroom, mini bar and free high speed Internet.

There is a super outdoor terrace where you can sit after your day exploring the wonderful old city and you can also order traditional cuisine. Enjoy the best dishes of the region washed down with a superb wine or beer. Close to the beautiful hiking trails and cycling paths, the hotel is just perfect.

How To Get To Goslar

By Air

Fly into Hannover airport and take the train or drive onward to your destination. It is 106 kilometres from the airport and you can use the A7 motorway if you are driving.

By Train

The train journey from Hannover airport to Goslar takes around 2 hours. Take a train from the airport terminal to the main station at Hannover then change for a train to Goslar. Trains from Hannover main station run every hour. When you reach Goslar you can walk the remaining 700 metres to the centre or take a taxi.

By Road

Driving to Goslar from Hannover airport is simple. Just pick up the A7 motorway and follow it until you reach the turn off for Rhüden/Harz (exit 66). Follow signs for Berlin/Kassel/Hannover-Bothfeld and merge onto the A2. Then continue to look for A7 and take this motorway until you reach the B82 and follow this until Goslar.

There is another route using the A7 and B6. Both routes take just over an hour to reach Goslar. Parking in Goslar is available at the centre.

Other Things To Do Near Goslar

Exploring the Nature Trails

The Harz Mountains have some spectacular trails and many of them are in the Harz National Park, an area of conservation. You can walk or there are trails for mountain bikes if you are looking for more excitement. The Volksbank Arena Harz is part of over 2,200 kilometres of bike and walking paths and it includes the highest part of the mountains. There are 74 different types of trails and paths to choose from.

A Very Special Winter Market

Goslar hosts a unique Christmas Market which is held in the historic square. More than 80 huts are erected, decorated and lit up. There are so many different things to buy such as art work, crafts and wooden toys that are a speciality of this area. Try a bratwurst and mulled wine. You can also buy tasty gingerbread and roasted almonds. This is a truly wonderful experience in Goslar.

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