Situated along the Mittelland Canal in Lower Saxony, Wolfsburg is a relatively modern city, established approximately 80 years ago. The city primarily exists due to the iconic VW Beetle, whose production began in 1938. Over subsequent decades, a community was developed to accommodate Volkswagen employees, with prestigious architects, including Alvar Aalto, commissioned for various projects.
Summary
Unsurprisingly, the influence of Volkswagen and the automobile industry is central to Wolfsburg’s tourism offerings. The Autostadt serves as a paradise for automotive enthusiasts, featuring a futuristic park where new Volkswagen vehicles are autonomously transported from the factory and stored in robotic silos.
Here are the Top Attractions in Wolfsburg:
1. Autostadt
Literally translated as “Car City,” Autostadt is situated adjacent to the Volkswagen factory and features a diverse array of attractions within a singular innovative environment.
This site includes a museum dedicated to the history of automobiles, a delivery center for customers to retrieve their new Volkswagen vehicles, and opportunities for test drives on specially designed tracks.
Moreover, hundreds of new VW vehicles are organized in two impressive 60-meter silos and are seamlessly conveyed from the factory through a striking 700-meter glass tunnel.
Autostadt is also home to seven distinct pavilions, each representing a different vehicle manufacturer, including the sleek Porsche Pavilion and the exclusive Premium Clubhouse displaying high-performance automobiles such as the Bugatti Veyron.
2. ZeitHaus
Located in an architecturally striking glass building within Autostadt, the ZeitHaus serves as a multi-brand car museum that highlights the 130-year evolution of the automobile.
The museum showcases a selection of groundbreaking vehicles that symbolize significant advancements in automotive technology, production methods, and design aesthetics.
Notable exhibits include a replica of the 1888 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and the original VW Beetle, driven by Ferdinand Porsche, alongside various other classic vehicles such as the Volkswagen Type 2 van and a Jaguar E-Type.
3. Volkswagen Factory Tour
Visitors can arrange a guided two-hour tour of the nearby Volkswagen factory through the Autostadt.
Covering an extensive five square kilometers, this facility is among the largest and most technologically advanced automotive manufacturing plants globally.
Tour participants will observe processes such as the large-scale press shop, which processes 1,500 tons of sheet metal daily, as well as automated assembly lines and painting operations.
Upon conclusion of this informative multilingual tour, guests will gain comprehensive insights into the vehicle manufacturing process.
4. Porsche Pavilion
As a fitting tribute to one of the most esteemed sports car manufacturers, the Porsche Pavilion at Autostadt is an architectural wonder.
This elegantly designed structure, clad in brushed metal, echoes the iconic curves of Porsche vehicles and was constructed by Henn architects in 2012. A gently curving ramp leads visitors to a showroom exhibiting current models such as the Panamera and Boxster along with historical Porsche automobiles.
Visitors can engage with interactive displays that narrate Porsche’s storied history.
5. AutoMuseum Volkswagen
Distinct from the Autostadt, the AutoMuseum Volkswagen focuses exclusively on the brand and is situated on the south side of the Mittelland Canal, directly across from Allerpark.
Occupying a repurposed textile factory, this museum showcases an impressive collection of 140 vehicles, ranging from the classic VW Beetle to innovative concept models.
The original Beetle remains a highlight, illustrating 75 years of production history, culminating in the final model produced in Mexico in 2003. Noteworthy models also include a 1980 Iltis, which competed in the Paris-Dakar rally and a 1966 Pininfarina-designed Type 4 prototype.
6. Wolfsburg Castle
The city’s iconic monument, Wolfsburg Castle, began as a lowland fortification in the early 14th century. Over the years, as land ownership and military needs transformed, the castle was upgraded into a splendid Weser Renaissance palace by the von Bartensleben knights in the 1500s.
The former outer defenses are now beautifully landscaped gardens, surrounding the serene public Schloßpark.
This historic site hosts several municipal and cultural institutions, offering events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Visitors can explore a small museum documenting the lengthy history of the castle and the city of Wolfsburg.
7. Phaeno Science Center
Adjacent to Wolfsburg’s Hauptbahnhof, the Phaeno is an interactive science museum housed in a stunning building conceived by Zaha Hadid.
Featuring more than 350 hands-on stations, this museum encourages both children and adults to engage with scientific principles across six thematic areas: Life, Vision, Energy, Dynamics, Mind, and Mathematics. Many exhibits are designed in collaboration with prominent artists.
The museum is based on the philosophy that play and enjoyment significantly enhance learning, allowing visitors to control maglev trains, experience fire tornados, and interact with various scientific concepts.
8. Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg
The principal art museum in the city, Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, was established in 1994 along the south side of Wolfsburg’s pedestrian zone. Given the city’s youthfulness, it showcases contemporary and modern artworks.
The museum houses around 400 pieces from various art movements such as Arte Povera, conceptual art, and Minimalism, typically displayed during thematic exhibitions featuring influential artists like Olafur Eliasson and Christian Boltanski.
The temporary exhibitions are particularly popular, highlighting artists such as Giacometti, Man Ray, and contemporary figures like photographer Pieter Hugo and installation artist Jeppe Hein.
9. Allerpark
As Germany’s largest public recreational area, Allerpark spans 130 hectares and is rich in attractions and amenities.
Although the park is relatively new, established only 15 years ago, it is home to significant venues such as the Volkswagen Arena and AOK Stadium, accommodating various sporting events, alongside smaller recreational spots like a water sports center and swimming facilities.
A lush landscape envelops the arenas, focusing on the expansive Allersee lake.
10. VfL Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg is widely recognized for its professional football team, VfL Wolfsburg, which was established by Volkswagen employees in 1945. Initially playing at the amateur level until 1992, the team gained promotion to the Bundesliga in 1997 and achieved remarkable success, including winning their first and only title in 2009.
Visitors can enjoy matches at the modern Volkswagen Arena, which holds up to 30,000 spectators and boasts a vibrant atmosphere and excellent facilities.
For those interested in a behind-the-scenes look, 90-minute stadium tours are available during the week and on weekends at designated times.
11. Planetarium
Wolfsburg’s planetarium, which opened in 1983, features the largest stargazing dome in Lower Saxony, offering presentations of up to 9,000 stars simultaneously.
The facility underwent modernization in 2010 with the incorporation of advanced projectors from Carl Zeiss, enhancing the viewing experience.
Before attending a show, visitors can explore an interactive lab in the foyer, providing information about the solar system and individual planets.
Shows cover a wide array of topics, including lunar exploration, solar systems, celestial constellations, and other terrestrial subjects.
12. Burg Neuhaus
Located just a short drive east of the city lies Burg Neuhaus, a fascinating historic landmark that dates back to 1371, once serving as the residence for the knights of the Rotherhof lineage.
Strategically positioned, the castle controlled key trade routes between Lüneburg and Leipzig as well as Bremen and Magdeburg.
Unlike Wolfsburg Castle, Burg Neuhaus has maintained its Medieval charm and is considered to be one of North Germany’s best-preserved moated castles.
The inner courtyard, shielded by towering stone walls, hosts various events including artisan markets during the autumn season.
Inside, an informative museum presents the castle’s history through models, artifacts, and even a genuine Medieval suit of armor.
13. Schloss Fallersleben
The last of Wolfsburg’s trio of historical sites, Schloss Fallersleben is a Renaissance palace commissioned by Francis, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg in 1521. Although he died before its completion, the palace later became the birthplace of the poet August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, known for writing Das Lied Der Deutschen, which includes the German national anthem.
The palace showcases insights into Fallersleben’s formative years and his significant contributions to German culture in the 19th century. Visitors can appreciate the well-preserved timbers and stuccowork, as well as explore the historic cellars that were excavated and covered with glass in the 2000s.
14. Heilig-Geist-Kirche und Gemeindezentrum
Amidst the urban development of the 1950s and 60s, Alvar Aalto, a distinguished architect, was commissioned to contribute to Wolfsburg’s architecture.
Among his notable works are the Stephanuskirche and the Aalvar-Aalto-Kulturhaus, both recognized as listed monuments.
However, Aalto’s pièce de résistance in Wolfsburg is the Church of the Holy Spirit, regarded as an exemplary representation of the International Style.
This harmonious complex integrates a church, pastoral center, children’s daycare, and community hall, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The 32-meter bell tower, which is entirely open, features four bells, while the interior contains a beautifully curved wood-paneled ceiling and artistic touches, including antependiums crafted by Elissa Aalto and lithographs by Marc Chagall.
15. Tierpark Essehof
Located southwest of Wolfsburg and approximately midway to Braunschweig is Tierpark Essehof, a moderate-sized zoo housing around 50 different animal species.
Originally opened in 1968, the zoo has undergone significant renovations and now features expansive, naturalistic habitats accommodating 260 animals, including species such as gibbons, meerkats, and kangaroos.
One recent addition includes an underwater observation station, allowing visitors to view freshwater species beneath the surface of a pond.
Additionally, the park has exhibits featuring European domestic animals, such as Toggenburg goats and racka sheep known for their unique twisted horns.
