Understand

Welcome to Brunswick, a city of medieval importance in Germany! Situated at the intersections of major trade routes, Brunswick was a bustling economic hub. The river Oker provided access to the sea port of Bremen, connecting Brunswick to the rest of the world. As one of the last nine cities of the Hanseatic League, Brunswick played a significant role in European trade. But Brunswick's significance extended beyond its economy. It was politically influential under the rule of Henry the Lion, a powerful ruler who founded several German cities, including Schwerin and Munich. Despite defying the German Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I Barbarossa, Henry solidified his power by marrying Richard the Lionheart's sister Matilda of England, creating ties to the royal family that exist to this day. Henry even had the famous Lion monument erected in 1166, which can still be seen today in the city's coat of arms, as well as on the coat of arms of Scotland and the British Royal Family. However, Brunswick's history was not without its share of turmoil. Like Paris and Ghent, Brunswick experienced numerous constitutional conflicts that resulted in uprisings and civil unrest. It was a city marked by its strife and resilience. While Brunswick once boasted a rich medieval tradition, much of its appearance today is a result of the devastating impact of World War II. Allied bombing destroyed 90% of the city's medieval center, leaving only a fraction of its original timber-framed houses. Although some buildings have been reconstructed, much of downtown Brunswick showcases the somberness of 1950's post-war architecture. Yet, there have been notable reconstruction projects, such as Die Alte Wage and the Braunschweiger Schloss, which bring glimpses of the city's former glory. Beyond its fascinating history, Brunswick is also an important industrial hub. Companies like Salzgitter AG in Salzgitter and Peine, as well as Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, contribute to the region's economic prosperity. Moreover, the district of Brunswick is renowned for its dedication to research and technology. The region invests a remarkable 7.1% of its GDP in this sector, making it one of the most R&D-intensive areas in the whole European Economic Area. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany's national institute for natural and engineering sciences, is located here. This esteemed institution is responsible for accurate time measurement and operates time servers for the distribution of time on the internet. Education is also highly valued in Brunswick, with prestigious universities like Technische Universitt Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig and Hochschule fr Bildende Knste Braunschweig, along with 19 research institutes. Braunschweig was even declared Germany's City of Science in 2007, emphasizing its commitment to intellectual advancement. Get ready to explore Brunswick - a city where history, industry, and innovation converge!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Schnitzel - Traditional German breaded and fried meat cutlet, typically made with pork or veal. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, often served with potatoes and a side of sauce, such as tartar sauce or gravy.

Currywurst - A German fast food staple consisting of a sausage (usually a Vienna sausage) covered in a curry ketchup sauce, typically served with fries or a roll. This dish is known for its unique blend of flavors, combining German sausage with a hint of Indian spices.

Sauerkraut - Fermented cabbage dish that is a staple in German cuisine. It features cabbage that has been salted, shredded, and allowed to ferment, resulting in a tangy, slightly sour taste. Sauerkraut is often served as a side dish, accompanying meats and sausages.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing