This charming riverside city is home to a Renaissance and Baroque style castle and ancient timber-framed houses.
Celle began as a small fishing town about 1,000 years ago, before the foundations of the city’s palace were laid in the 14th century. Today, it is a popular foreign and domestic tourist attraction, known for its fairytale-like architecture.
Head to the Celle Palace to see a combination of enchanting Baroque and Renaissance-style architecture. Stroll through the large, landscaped garden surrounding the palace. The castle contains the Schlosstheater Celle, one of the oldest theatres of its type in Germany.
From there, Altstadt, the city’s old town, is a five-minute walk. Wander around the pedestrian district where 16th- and 17th-century timber-framed houses line the streets. The houses were largely untouched by World War II, and are known for the engravings on their wooden beams. The Hoppener Haus, built in 1532, is one of the oldest and most famous of the timber-framed houses. While in the old town, you can visit some of the many local souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.
There are a number of museums in the city, which celebrate Celle’s rich history. Learn about the city’s military history at the Garrison Museum, located near downtown Celle. Or see anthropological exhibits at the Bomann Museum, which demonstrate how people in the region lived in past centuries. For a lesson on Celle’s mercantile history, head to the German Museum of Embroidery.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you might be there for one of the city’s many festivals. In July, you can taste local wines and cheeses while listening to live music at the Wine Market in downtown Celle. The popular town centre Christmas Market takes place close to December, where more than 100 stalls sell traditional souvenirs, German food and beverages.
Celle is located in Lower Saxony on the River Aller. Hamburg, Hanover and Brunswick are accessible by train. Or for a more leisurely travel method, try the Wappen von Celle, a pleasure boat that departs from the city’s harbour. The cruises can include food and drinks and the craft can be hired for private parties.
