Nine towns and cities in Lower Saxony with a difference

Lower Saxony, between the North Sea and the Elbe River in north-west Germany, is the second-largest federal state after Bavaria with an incredible variety of towns. Set off on a journey through nine beautiful towns and cities renowned for their blend of local traditions and modern flair. From medieval towns and castles to baroque palaces, architectural gems of the Renaissance, amous sagas and two UNESCO sites of cultural interest, the "wonderful nine" offer a rich and varied place to stay in the heart of the stunning scenery of the Lüneburg Heath, Weserbergland hills and Harz recreation areas.

Braunschweig - the town of Henry the Lion
"Henry the Lion" of the Guelph dynasty made Braunschweig his royal seat in the 12th century and erected the town's famous landmark, a bronze lion statue, on the medieval castle square. The Duke Anton Ulrich Museum in Braunschweig is one of the oldest art museums in Europe.

Wolfenbüttel - a cultural city with charisma
The main attractions in Wolfenbüttel, a town associated with the writer Lessing, include more than 600 half-timbered houses, a well-structured Renaissance layout and the royal palace. Once the most expensive books in the world, the famous Gospels of Henry the Lion can be found in the Duke August Library. Former guests at the Guelph palace include Casanova, who spent "the most wonderful week of his life" here in 1764.

On the trail of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn
Famous around the world as the setting for the story of the Pied Piper, Hamlyn with its beautiful old town is situated in the heart of the picturesque Weserbergland hills. The Pied Piper is said to have come to Hamlyn in 1284 to save the town from rats. The town has a number of historical monuments dedicated to the story such as the fountain on Rathausplatz square, the stained glass windows of the Market Church, the historical inscription on the Pied Piper house and the museum with its impressive Pied Piper exhibition. You can also try a range of special culinary creations such as "flambéed rats' tails" (strips of pork fillet in Calvados).

Hannover - the regal CeBIT venue
Hannover grew out of a medieval settlement. It was ruled by the Elector Georg Ludwig, who acceded to the English throne as George I, and was later annexed by Prussia. The city has numerous reminders of its colourful history such as the gilded carriage in the museum and the baroque Herrenhausen gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Today, Hannover is setting international standards as the venue for CeBIT, the world's leading trade fair for information and telecommunications technology.

The salt town set in the midst of a heath - Lüneburg
"White gold", as salt was once known, turned the university town of Lüneburg into an influential location in the Middle Ages. Even today, the town's wealthy past is reflected in its magnificent merchants' houses with their characteristic gables and Germany's largest medieval town hall.

Former ducal town of Celle
On the southern edge of Lüneburg Heath is the picturesque former ducal town of Celle. Its fascinating attractions include more than 450 listed timber-framed houses in its old quarter, dating mainly from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the ducal palace with its Residenz museum, the royal Guelph vault, the 24-hour art museum and the Bomann Museum, the third-largest museum in Lower Saxony.

The former imperial town of Goslar
Situated at the foot of the Northern Harz surrounded by idyllic countryside is Goslar, a UNESCO world heritage site. Its magnificent medieval old quarter is dominated by churches, mighty towers and colourful timber- framed houses. The history of the town is closely associated with kings and Kaisers. The imposing imperial palace was once the royal residence of the Salian and Hohenstaufen emperors.

Hildesheim, a 1,000-year-old town
Hildesheim is home to another UNESCO attraction. Two of the town's five Romanesque churches, St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Michael's Church, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. Other gems include the historical market square, one of the most beautiful in the world. At its heart is the famous Butchers' Guild Hall.

University town of Göttingen
More than 40 Nobel Prize winners have studied or taught in this vibrant town, known for its lively restaurants, arts scene and buzzing nightlife. The townscape features a number of beautiful town houses and rows of half-timbered buildings. Göttingen's most famous landmark is the Goose Girl fountain. Today, it is an essential part of the graduation celebrations for every student who finishes a doctorate to climb the fountain in front of the medieval town hall and kiss the statue of the goose girl, making her the "most kissed girl in the world".