Discover Osnabrück

Just an hour's drive from the border near Hengelo lies the historic Peace City of Osnabrück. Osnabrück is a charming and modern shopping city with an impressive historic center, a modern shopping area, and good gastronomy. In the summer, many festivities take place, making the city buzz with life. In the winter, the city attracts many visitors with the popular historical Christmas market.

Osnabrück is characterized by its greenery, both in the city and in the surrounding areas. As the only major city in Germany, Osnabrück is located in the middle of a national park; the TERRA.vita park, a popular nature area with beautiful cycling and walking routes.

Osnabrück is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a day out; the distances in Osnabrück are short, and the historic center is vibrant!

Activities, sights and outings in Osnabrück

Feel like having a fun shopping trip? Come to Osnabrück. Here you will find everything you need in terms of shopping! The pedestrian zone "Große Straße," the new shopping center Kamp Promenade, and the historic city center around the Cathedral and the Town Hall together form the shopping heart of Osnabrück. The selection ranges from exclusive boutiques, small galleries, and delicatessens to department stores with a large rooftop terrace. How about a view from a large department store? A glass elevator takes you to the top; from here, you have a beautiful view over the entire city.

Historical city walk

This city walk takes you in about an hour past numerous sights and to the most beautiful spots of Osnabrück.

Felix-Nussbaum-Haus and the Cultural History Museum

Internationally known is the Felix Nussbaum House, which displays the works of the painter Felix Nussbaum, born in Osnabrück in 1904. Nussbaum, who died in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944, is considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century. The unique museum, designed by the renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, captivates with its idiosyncratic construction and unusual design.

House

The St. Peter's Cathedral, the cathedral of the Diocese of Osnabrück, is considered a masterpiece of late Romanesque architecture. The first cathedral was built in 785. After a fire in 1100, the second cathedral and the third house of God, with the mighty octagonal tower, were erected from the remains of the walls.

City hall and market square

The construction of the historic town hall in the late Gothic style took more than a quarter of a century and was completed in the year 1512. Just like in Münster, the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated here, which ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648. On the historic market square next to the town hall, you can enjoy cozy cafes and bistros.

Kunsthalle Osnabrück

In the Gothic hall church of the Dominican monastery established in the 13th century, modern art exhibitions are shown. The Kunsthalle Osnabrück is one of the most beautiful exhibition spaces in Northern Germany.

Botanical gardens

In this small part of the city, you will find the most beautiful plants and stones from around the world. Within a few steps, you walk from Japan through North America to the Mediterranean region. The botanical gardens of the University of Osnabrück make it possible. Since 1984, visitors have been able to enjoy a unique plant world of 8.6 hectares.

Zoo Osnabrück

Around 3000 animals of 330 species live here. Special highlights include the three themed worlds "Kajanaland," "Takamanda," and the "underground Zoo." The petting zoo, where children can touch the animals, and the huge playground with a giant slide and climbing structures are also very popular.

Historic Christmas Market and Christmas Shopping

With the smell of roasted almonds and genuine German Glühwein, you will experience a special Christmas atmosphere here. Stroll through the atmospherically lit historical backdrop of the old town and search for the nicest December gifts. At the cozy stalls with artworks, Christmas gifts, and especially delicacies, you will always succeed!

Even for young children, the historical Christmas market in Osnabrück is a nice day out. Children can admire the largest music box in the world here. The life-sized figures have been rotating every year since 1999 to the melody of more than 25 different Christmas songs! The nostalgic carousel is also a special attraction for the whole family.

Osnabrück is the ideal shopping city during the holiday months! Just across the border, you will find something a little different in this German city than in the Netherlands. Some products, such as toys and beauty products, are also much cheaper than in the Netherlands. A great shopping city for your December gifts!

During all four Advent Saturdays, you have the opportunity to shop until 8 PM in more than 500 decorated stores and boutiques in the city center. During the Christmas market, there are special cloakroom buses in the center where you can drop off your bags for free. This way, you can go to the Christmas market without heavy bags! The buses are available on Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM at central locations.

Weekly market

During the weekly market, you will find the tastiest regional specialties. Every Thursday at St. Katharinen and on Saturday at the Cathedral. A popular meeting place for the people of Osnabrück and their guests.

Planning to visit Osnabrück? Then complete the trip with an overnight stay in one of the Van der Valk hotels or take advantage of the offer below.