Top 15 Attractions in Salzgitter, Germany

A 20-minute drive south of Braunschweig (Brunswick) in Lower Saxony, Salzgitter is an industrial city renowned for its steel production. This relatively new city was established in the 20th century, predominantly driven by its steelworks and VW manufacturing plant that attracted thousands of workers. Historically, it was comprised of various noble estates, many of which remain as fine old houses and palaces.

Locations such as Schloss Sadler, home to a municipal museum, are accessible to the public. Others, including Ringelheim and Flachstöckheim, are private properties but are situated within historic parks that welcome visitors.

In the surrounding countryside, one can discover the remnants of a castle constructed by Henry the Lion, alongside a medieval church that features 15th-century frescoes. Located in Salzgitter-Bad is an ancient salt spring, which contributes to the etymology of Salzgitter (meaning “salty place”).

Let us explore the noteworthy attractions in Salzgitter:

1. Museum Schloss Salder

Within Salzgitter’s boundaries lies the village of Salder, featuring an impressive Weser-Renaissance palace that was completed in 1608 for the local lords of Saldern.

The municipal museum in Salzgitter has been operational for over 55 years, offering free entry.

This multifaceted museum addresses the history of ore mining in Salzgitter, while also displaying a diverse collection of art and toys spanning from 1800 to 2000. A highlight of the museum is a massive fossil of an Ichthyosaur, from the Lower Cretaceous Period, discovered in an ore mine in 1941. In the garden, the “Ice Age Garden” provides insight into the lives of the Neanderthals whose remains have been discovered in the vicinity.

2. Turm der Arbeit

Situated in Salzgitter’s pedestrian zone is perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark.

The Turm der Arbeit, inaugurated in 1995, is a sculpted monument by artist Jürgen Weber that reflects Salzgitter’s complex historical narrative.

During the Nazi era, Salzgitter housed six concentration camps and the Reichswerke Hermann Göring iron mines.

Conversely, the city also significantly contributed to Germany’s post-war economic revival, resulting in a multifaceted relationship with labor.

This bronze and marble monument towers at 13.73 meters and weighs 36.5 tons, featuring reliefs that depict the history of Salzgitter’s concentration camps, wartime evacuations, and efforts to maintain its ironworks. At the summit stands a statue of a foundry worker.

3. Bismarckturm in Salzgitter

Following Otto von Bismarck’s death, numerous towers were erected in his honor throughout Germany.

Salzgitter’s own establishment features a 12-meter high metal scaffold, constructed in 1900. This iron structure is mounted on a five-meter stone pedestal and contains 57 steps leading to an observation platform, offering views of the surrounding landscape, including the 275.3-meter Hamberg hill.

This tower represents one of only three Bismarck towers in Germany that are made from iron.

Adjacent to the tower is a café and restaurant, with various walking paths leading to the remains of the 12th-century castle, Burg Lichtenberg, which will be discussed next.

4. Burgruine Lichtenburg

Located at Hamberg’s highest point, approximately 200 meters from the Bismarck Tower, are the remnants of a 12th-century castle erected by the formidable ruler, Henry the Lion.

This fortress served to consolidate Henry’s power against rivals in Imperial Goslar and the episcopal city of Hildesheim, while also controlling valuable trade routes.

The castle remained intact until the 16th century, when it was destroyed by cannon fire during the Schmalkaldic War.

Today, visitors can view the original foundations of the walls, gates, and auxiliary buildings at the site, as well as a reconstructed central keep built in the 1890s.

You will also find a faithful replica of a trebuchet, which has been located here since 2005.

5. Rosengarten und Gradierpavillon

Adjacent to the marketplace and town hall of Salzgitter-Bad are the saltwater springs that give the city its name.

The saltwell, reaching a depth of 243 meters, was first documented in 1125. In the 1970s, a rose garden was established around the well, preserving the historical pump that was once used to extract the saltwater from its depths.

In 2009, the Gradierpavillon was constructed to facilitate salt production, transporting water to the surface while capturing salt in bundles of blackthorn maintained on a rack above a basin.

6. Kniestedter Gutshaus

Situated within the Rosengarten is the oldest half-timbered structure in Salzgitter, dating back to 1533. The Kniestedter Gutshaus, originally located elsewhere, was moved here piece by piece to accommodate road construction during the 1970s.

This edifice represents the initial component of what is now known as Traditionsinsel (Traditional Island), surrounding the Rosengarten and comprising a small cluster of historic timber-framed homes.

Initially the residence of the noble von Kniestedt family, it later served as a residence for their staff when it became too small in the 1600s.

Currently, it functions as a community space, featuring a ceremonial room on the ground floor and a music school on the upper level.

7. Schloss und Park Ringelheim

Situated near Salzgitter’s southern borders is a former Benedictine abbey that functioned for nearly 900 years until its secularization in 1803. Following this period, the monastic complex, which had been remodeled in the Baroque style during the 1700s, transformed into a manor house and subsequently served as a lung sanatorium following World War II.

This privately-owned property is currently unoccupied, awaiting a new purpose, though visitors can explore the monastery church and the meticulously maintained English park developed within the grounds during the 1800s.

In the church, noteworthy features include an 18th-century high altar, side altars, and pulpit. The Baroque organ with 31 registers is considered one of the finest examples in Lower Saxony.

The park spans 110 hectares, containing the monks’ aquatic system of former fish ponds, elegantly crossed by a fine sandstone bridge.

8. Burg Gebhardshagen

Located in the village of the same name near Heertersee lake is one of the oldest castles in the Braunschweiger Land.

The first known reference to this moated castle dates back to 1186, serving as a military stronghold and noble residence for the Lords of Hagen until the conclusion of the Thirty Years’ War in the mid-17th century.

Subsequently, the castle lost its strategic relevance and transformed into a farming estate.

With the boom of mining in Salzgitter during the 19th century, this impressive estate became home to a series of industrialists.

Today, the castle hosts concerts and annual events such as the Schützenfest (traditional shooting competition) in its courtyards, and its vaulted cellars can be reserved for various functions.

9. Kniestedter Kirche

In Salzgitter-Bad, one may visit the former church serving the village of Kniestedt, which has now been converted into an exhibition center.

The first documentary evidence of this structure dates back to 1455, although it is likely much older.

Religious services ceased in the 1970s, and in 1985, the church was repurposed as a performance space while preserving its historical characteristics.

Just inside the entrance, one can find a tomb effigy for Arndt von Kniestedt, who passed away in 1611, depicted in armor alongside the crests of the various branches of the von Kniestedt family at each corner of the panel.

If you find yourself with some free time in the evening, consider attending a concert or comedy event that may pique your interest at this venue.

10. St.-Marien-Kirche, Engerode

The oldest surviving church in Salzgitter is located in the hilly region of Engerode.

The St.-Marien-Kirche is an extension of a Romanesque pilgrimage chapel established in 1236 by knight Thietmar von Engerode, constructed adjacent to his residence, the tower of which later became the nave of the church developed in the 1400s.

Remarkably, little has changed since then: The vibrant 15th-century frescoes adorning the Gothic vaults vividly depict scenes from the life of Christ.

Easily recognizable are representations of his baptism, the transmutation of water into wine (Marriage at Cana), and moments of capture, crucifixion, and entombment.

11. Gut Flachstöckheim

In the Middle Ages, Flachstöckheim served as the seat for one of the wealthiest families in the Braunschweig region, the von Schwicheldts.

By the 15th century, this family owned the entire village, and the stately half-timbered manor house was constructed during the early decades of the 18th century, subsequently expanded until the early 19th century.

During the Seven Years’ War, Prince Henry of Prussia resided at the estate, where French prisoners of war were commissioned to create a Baroque garden, later modified in the English style.

Today, an outdoor stage hosts children’s theatre performances during the summer months.

While interior access to the buildings is restricted, the residence, Kavalierhaus (for high-ranking staff), and watermill are all noteworthy from the outside, nestled within parkland adorned with centuries-old trees.

12. Salzgittersee

The Salzgitter region is home to several large bodies of water, primarily remnants from the industrial era now designated as nature reserves.

For instance, Heertersee was excavated to manage water from ore mines.

Similarly, Salzgittersee is man-made, having been deliberately dredged in the 1960s as a recreational facility.

This lake spans 75 hectares, with a maximum depth of 17 meters, and its water quality is regularly monitored by health authorities.

During the summer months, sun-seekers flock to its shores, which boast over a kilometer of sandy beach on both the eastern and western banks.

The recreation center on the island offers equipment for various watersports, complemented by a pirate-themed playground for younger visitors by the water’s edge.

13. Friedhof Jammertal

The Turm der Arbeit evokes a darker chapter in Salzgitter’s history. Following your visit, consider traveling to the Jammertal Cemetery in the Lebenstedt district.

Approximately 3,000 individuals perished in Salzgitter due to forced labor camps like Arbeitserziehungslager Hallendorf.

People could be sent to these camps without trial for various offenses, including listening to foreign radio broadcasts, criticizing the National Socialist regime, or failing to adhere to rules at the Reichswerke Hermann Göring steelworks.

The victims represented a diverse demographic, with memorials commemorating Jewish, French, Polish, and Soviet nationals.

Five memorial stones feature engraved metal sheets on binders, listing the names of the deceased.

14. Skulpturenweg Salzgitter-Bad

Between 1999 and 2008, a sculpture path was established on the southern edge of Salzgitter-Bad.

This route features nine artworks by prominent artists such as Ulrich Rückriem and Hiromi Akiyama, with Gerd Winner serving as the curator. Four sculptures are positioned at the Mahner Berg golf course, while two are located in the Greifpark and two near the thermal salt springs.

All sculptures are crafted from steel, paying homage to Salzgitter’s steel industry and engaging in a dialogue with the city’s history and landscape.

15. Gauß-Stein

A short walk from the Lichtenburg castle ruins leads to an unassuming plinth with an inscription.

Upon initial observation, the Gauß-Stein may not appear significant; however, for enthusiasts of mathematics or history, it serves as a point of interest as it was established by the 19th-century polymath Carl Friedrich Gauss.

This stone functions as a triangulation point, installed in 1820 to aid in surveying the entire kingdom of Hanover for King George IV. At that time, there were around 2,000 triangulation points, though only a few retain monuments today.