Step into a German fairytale in Celle. The town is set on the banks of the River Aller and filled with hundreds of half-timbered buildings. Stroll around the storybook Old Town, explore a centuries-old castle and visit a 24-hour contemporary art museum filled with works by modern masters.
Things to do in Celle
History lovers swoon over the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses in Celle. Most are in the Old Town, also known as the Altstadt. Six-storey Hoppener Haus is one of the prettiest and is decorated with colourful wood carvings. Opposite the house are the town’s famous talking lamp posts, which regale you with fun facts and stories.
Schloss Celle was built in the 1200s by a wealthy duke and combines elements of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The magnificent snow-white castle resembles a wedding cake and is set on beautiful grounds shaded by willow trees. Join a guided tour and go behind the scenes of the castle and into rooms like the cavernous kitchen and elaborate theatre.
See paintings, sculptures, prints, installations and more works by at the Celle Art Museum. Step into the glass-fronted lobby and admire works by famous German artists like Joseph Beuys, a pioneer of the Fluxus movement. The museum is open 24/7 and aims to blur the lines that define art.
From cosy cafes overlooking cobblestone squares to rustic restaurants serving Saxon specialties like “klitscher” potato pancakes, you’ll find plenty of places to dine in Celle. Sweets like “eierschecke” cheesecake and homemade apple strudel will perk you up in the afternoon.
Getting around Celle
Celle is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Lower Saxony, 45 minutes from Hannover by car and train. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Lower Saxony at your own pace. Hannover Airport is a 45-minute drive away.