Finally, it’s that time again – the sun slowly wakes from its hibernation and Braunschweig is in bloom. The outdoor season is now officially open, and life moves back out into the streets. Over 150 restaurants fill the streets of the city with more than 10,000 outdoor seats, welcoming their beloved patrons back to spring. The promising, if still somewhat undecided April weather rouses the desire to go exploring – and there is so much to see!
Braunschweig is located in south-eastern Lower Saxony, surrounded by the Harz mountains and the Lüneburg Heath. The roots of the city can be traced back to the year 1031, when Braunschweig was still known as Brunesguik and had just decided to become a beautiful city. A special role was played by Henry the Lion, the Duke of Saxony, to whom Braunschweig owes its present landmark, the Brunswick Lion.
Braunschweig has so much to offer, historically and otherwise, that it can’t all be written down here. Culinarily, the city on the Oker River is also on the rise. New concepts keep sprouting up, just like all the daffodils, tulips and crocuses are doing to the fullest. Meat lovers, vegetarians, vegan – everyone gets their money’s worth in Braunschweig. And it’s surprisingly easy.
STAY | Vienna House Easy Braunschweig
One of the highlights is the cosy, somewhat motley Kapai Kaffeehaus – a New Zealand kiwi in Braunschweig’s coffee scene. The name says it all: “kapai” means “very pleasant”, and that not only describes the pleasantly mild coffee but also the delicious homemade variations on caloric sins from New Zealand: Hummingbird Cake, Melting Moment and Afghan Cookies. Just thinking about it will make your heart melt – and leave you feeling hungry! Especially recommended is the double latte macchiato with oat milk. A glass of tap water is served free of charge, as is customary in New Zealand. In addition to the coffee aromas, the air is filled with the love for detail and warm hospitality.
A particularly individual concept is that of Café BRUNS, which is actually a registered association with the primary aim of creating a meeting place for all. In addition to daily specials such as soup and quiche, a large variety of bagels form an integral part of the menu. There’s a bagel of dried tomatoes with tomato-carrot cream and spring onions, topped with avocado and apple strips – now if that doesn’t make your mouth water! Sustainability is a big focus on the menu, but social sustainability is also important for the association – in the form of events in which donations are more than welcome.
There is so much more to tell and to discover! Convince yourself and make a short trip to Braunschweig, as soon as the sun comes out of its hiding place! Rent a canoe and float down the Oker River as the historic villas pass by on the shore. Rent a bike and explore the city’s many lush green parks and nip at a cool beer at Okercabana – a beach bar that comes back to life every spring. Or are you a culture vulture? Then the many museums and the historic State Theatre are just the thing for you!
So there really is no reason NOT to put beautiful Braunschweig on your bucket list. 😊 The hotel team has got even more fantastic #hiddensecrets for you. Just ask and discover! 😊