Helmstedt Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Helmstedt, Germany including places to visit, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking routes, where to stay and what to buy.


Introduction to Helmstedt

Helmstedt is a small town with a rich history located in the Brunswick Land area of Lower Saxony in Germany. The town dates back to the Middle Ages and holds a significant place in European history. Helmstedt is a perfect destination for tourists interested in history, hiking, and nature. The town has various cultural attractions, and historical buildings that tell the story of the Germanic period.

List of Places to Visit in Helmstedt

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Helmstedt Museum

Helmstedt Museum, located in the center of the town, is a must-visit place for tourists. The museum focuses on the town’s history and exhibits the artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present time. The museum also has an excellent modern art collection.

Helmstedt Castle

Helmstedt Castle dates back to the Renaissance period and has an impressive garden, including an artificial lake. The castle was built around 1570, and it served as the residence of the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. The castle was destroyed during World War II, and later it was restored to its original form.

Marienborn Border Checkpoint Museum

Marienborn Border Checkpoint Museum is a former East-West German border crossing point. The checkpoint was used for border crossing by people traveling between East and West Germany. The museum has a significant collection of objects and documents that explain the history of the division of Germany during the Cold War.

Natural Attractions of Helmstedt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Elm-Lappwald Nature Park

Elm-Lappwald Nature Park is a popular destination for tourists interested in outdoor activities. The park is located on the outskirts of Helmstedt and covers an area of over 110 square kilometers. The park has various hiking and biking trails, including the popular Elm-Lappwald-Rundweg trail.

Lake Schöninger

Lake Schöninger is a natural lake located in the Schöninger area of Helmstedt. The lake has a beach and several picnic spots and is surrounded by lush greenery. Tourists can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Helmstedt

Elm-Lappwald-Rundweg

Elm-Lappwald-Rundweg is a 230-kilometer long hiking and biking trail that runs through the Elm-Lappwald Nature Park. The trail is divided into various segments that take tourists through the natural beauty of the park. The trail offers stunning views of the forest, hills, and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Helmstedt: Activities and Tours

Marienborn Border Crossings Tour

Marienborn Border Crossings Tour is a fascinating tour that takes tourists through the former East-West German border crossing point. The tour includes a visit to the Marienborn Border Checkpoint Museum and the Schöninger Sylvester Chapel, a unique historic chapel preserved between the Iron Curtain and the border area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Helmstedt

Day 1 Arrival in Helmstedt, Visit Elm-Lappwald Nature Park
Day 2 Visit Helmstedt Museum and Helmstedt Castle
Day 3 Explore Lake Schöninger
Day 4 Marienborn Border Crossings Tour
Day 5 Hiking/Biking the Elm-Lappwald-Rundweg
Day 6 Visit Historic Town of Braunschweig
Day 7 Departure from Helmstedt

Food and Drink Scene of Helmstedt

Must-Try Dishes

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a German dish made of marinated beef with a mixture of vinegar, wine, and spices. The dish is often served with boiled potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy.

Rote Grütze

Rote Grütze is a traditional German dessert made of a mixture of red summer berries and a red pudding mixture. The dessert is usually served with whipped cream.

Local Beverages

Helmstedter Bier

Helmstedter Bier is a locally brewed beer that has been in production since 1475. The beer has a rich flavor and is available in several varieties.

Schnaps

Schnaps is a traditional German spirit made from distilled fruit. The most popular flavors of Schnaps in Helmstedt are apple, pear, and cherry.

Where to Stay in Helmstedt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Ritter

Hotel Ritter is one of Helmstedt’s most historic hotels, located in the center of the town. The hotel has over 70 rooms, all furnished with modern amenities, and includes a restaurant and a bar.

Gasthof Weinberg

Gasthof Weinberg is a cozy guesthouse located in the outskirts of Helmstedt, near the Elm-Lappwald Nature Park. The guesthouse includes over 14 rooms, and all furnished with modern amenities.

What to Buy in Helmstedt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Licorice

Licorice is a traditional sweet snack popular in Northern Germany. The licorice in Helmstedt is made with a unique blend of herbs and spices.

Handmade Pottery

Helmstedt is known for its skilled potters who make traditional handmade pottery. Tourists can bring home unique and authentic pottery as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Helmstedt

Helmstedt is a traditional town with a rich history. The town celebrates several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Helmstedt Music Festival, the Medieval Market, and the Christmas Market. The locals are warm and welcoming, and visitors are expected to show respect for the town’s customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Helmstedt

The best time to visit Helmstedt is during the summer months between May and September when the weather is warm, and several outdoor activities and events are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Helmstedt

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry cash as several smaller local shops and restaurants do not accept credit or debit cards.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the streets or parks.
  • Don’t ignore road signs and traffic lights.

Safety and Health

Safety in Helmstedt

Helmstedt is a safe town, and visitors need not worry about safety concerns. However, it’s always good to be cautious and avoid walking alone in the dark.

Health in Helmstedt

Tourists do not require any specific medication to visit Helmstedt, but it’s good to carry essential medicines for common ailments like headaches and colds.

Getting to Helmstedt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Helmstedt

The closest international airports to Helmstedt are Hannover Airport and Berlin Tegel Airport. From the airport, visitors can travel to Helmstedt by bus, train, or rental car.

Bus Stations Near Helmstedt

Helmstedt has a central bus station that connects to various destinations within Germany and other European countries.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Helmstedt via train service, which has several routes that connect to different German cities.

How to Get Around in Helmstedt

The best way to get around Helmstedt is on foot or by bike. The town has several pedestrian and bike-friendly paths that take visitors through the town’s historic streets. Tourists can also rent cars from various rental services available in the town.

Where to Go Next from Helmstedt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Braunschweig

Braunschweig is a historic town located about 30 km from Helmstedt. Braunschweig has several cultural attractions, including the Cathedral of St. Blasius and the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment.

Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg is a modern city located about 50 km away from Helmstedt. The city is home to the Volkswagen Group headquarters and has several cultural attractions, including the Autostadt, a museum dedicated to the history of Volkswagen.

Conclusion

Helmstedt is a hidden gem, perfect for tourists interested in history, nature, and outdoor adventures. The town has several cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites. The town’s natural beauty is unmatched, and tourists can enjoy several outdoor activities, including hiking and biking. Helmstedt is an excellent destination for a week-long trip or a day-long excursion from nearby cities.

Juleum, building of the former University of Helmstedt Juleum, building of the former University of Helmstedt