WiB Trip to Lower Saxony

A wonderfully diverse and cheerful members of the “16 Federal States" set off on a three-day trip to Lower Saxony on 14 May 2025. The four stops in Wolfsburg, Braunschweig, Celle and Hanover were all very different, yet each was interesting and worthwhile. In Wolfsburg, the group enjoyed an exciting visit to the VW Group's innovative car city, including  a VIP and factory tour.

The historic city of Braunschweig transported us back to the Middle Ages, to the era of the Guelphs under Henry the Lion and Otto IV, who was crowned as emperor in 1209. Although the city was suffered extensive destruction in the Second World War, the 12th-century Burgplatz square remain impressive with its cathedral, castle and the iconic Brunswick Lion statue.

Just over 40 kilometres away,  the town of Celle charmed us with its picturesque half-timbered houses. Behind these facades, we discovered interesting array of crafts, delicatessens and shops. Our guide dressed in baroque costume welcomed us warmly at the beautifully restored castle. There, we learned of the close-tie between the Dukes of Guelph and the British royal family, the present-day Windsors. What a fascinating fact that we even crowned our own royal couple!

Hanover, the capital and political center of Lower Saxony, left a lasting impression on us. We were warmly welcomed by the director of the parliament and the president of the state parliament in the historic old castle overlooking the River Leine. Before returning to Berlin, we rounded off our eventful trip with a lunch by the Maschsee Lake and a visit to the modern museum donated by the chocolate manufacturer Sprengel.