7 Things To Do In Celle, Germany: House Of Windsor's Ancestral Home

1. Enjoy a renaissance moment at the historic baroque Celle Castle (Herzog Palace)

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Otherwise known as “Schloss Celle” in German, the Celle Castle is one of the homes of the House of Brunswick-Lüneburg, a historical ducal state during the Middle Ages. It is the largest castle in the Lüneburg Heath region. The quadrangular building is a fortified water castle that watches over the River Aller. The renaissance style castle was home to Duke George William, Danish Queen Caroline Matilda and to the Hanoverian household as a summer residence. Today, the castle is a preserved historical landmark, featuring Renaissance architecture and rooms designed using baroque traditions. The Celle Castle also has the Castle Theatre one of the oldest preserved baroque court theatres in North Germany. Its own theatre company still exists at present. The Castle Park is also something to experience. A landscape garden surrounds the castle, which is inspired by the French. Guided tours are the best way to see the castle and its surrounding area.

Celle Castle

Address: Schloßpl. 1, 29221 Celle, Germany

Website: Celle Castle Guided Tours

2. Get cultured at the Bomann Museum

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The Bomann Museum is located opposite the Celle Castle and was founded by Wilhelm Bomann. Known by the locals as a “Fatherland museum”, it is one of the most significant museums in Niedersachsen. The museum highlights the cultural history of 19th-century Niedersachsen, through its furnished recreations of living quarters, a farmhouse and a typical middle-class house. The history of the Hannover state is also given a pedestal in the Hanoverian Army’s Hall of Honor, which features a military exhibit.

Bomann Museum

Address: Schloßplatz 7, 29221 Celle, Germany

Website: The Bomann Museum (in German)

3. Have a moment of serene solitude by the Caroline Matilda Memorial, at the French Garden

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The French Garden at Celle is the historic old town’s public park. It is a protected garden that was designed by French gardeners in the 18th-century, as a baroque courtyard. The breathtaking garden offers an avenue of lime trees on both sides as well as lovely flower beds, manicured lawns and a quaint pond with a fountain. At the garden’s east gate is the memorial for Caroline Matilda, a British princess of the House of Hanover and the former Queen consort of Denmark and Norway. It was here in Celle, that Caroline lived a quiet life in her later years. Visiting the garden is the best option for those longing for solace and serenity.

Caroline Matilda Memorial

Address: Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee, 29221 Celle, Germany

Website: The French Garden in Celle

4. Admire the artistry and craftsmanship of Celle at Residenzmuseum

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Celle Castle’s historical rooms are more commonly known as “Residenzmuseum” and were turned into a museum that showcases Welfen history, as well as Europe’s oldest surviving royal house. The works of art in this awe-inspiring gallery illustrate the life of the Welfen princess at the court. The museum’s most cherished feature is known as the “Children’s Station,” a gallery made for young art enthusiasts. Other points of interest are the “Homage Cups” from the silver chamber of the last Celler Duke, Goerg Wilhelm. At one time, these cups were auctioned in Paris from the personal collections of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

Residenzmuseum

Address: Schloßplatz 1, 29221 Celle, Germany

Facebook: Residenzmuseum

5. Get in touch with Mother Nature at Lüneburg Heath Nature Park

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For nature-lovers, Lüneburg Heath Nature Park is heaven. Hiking or trekking are both very refreshing options in Lüneburg. Among its natural monuments are the “century stone” glacial erratics, deposited rocks, and a clay, “bottomless” pit. Of course, nature enthusiasts will enjoy taking photographs of the gorgeous lime trees and majestic oaks.

Lüneburg Heath Nature Park

Address: Lower Saxony, Northern Germany

Website: Lüneburg Heath Nature Park

6. Get 24/7 access to contemporary art at Kunstmuseum Celle mit Sammlung Robert Simon

Not only is Celle a heritage city, but it is also a center for contemporary art. Robert Simon’s 24-hour art museum is the first of its kind, showcasing Celle’s innovative side. The collection features 30 years of modern and contemporary art. As an artist, Simon has covered a broad spectrum with paintings, graphics, and sculptures to his name.

Kunstmuseum Celle mit Sammlung Robert Simon

Address: Schlossplatz 7, Celle, Germany

Website: Kunstmuseum Celle mit Sammlung Robert Simon (in German)

7. Go back in time at the Hoppener Haus

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The remarkable Hoppener Haus is the best of all the half-timbered houses in Celle’s old town. It is six stories high and is embellished with hand carved gables. Its architecture is unforgettable and magnificently rich, with figure ornamentation representing gods, foolish figures, mythical creatures, and other images. The Hoppener Haus is also marked by the image of Ernst the Confessor, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and a champion of the Protestant cause.

Hoppener Haus

Address: Poststraße 8, 29221 Celle, Germany

Website: Hoppener Haus

Celle, Germany: home of the nobles

The exquisiteness of Celle is mesmerizing. Visitors to this historic town are sure to find something to keep them busy and inspired. Do your best to live like royalty here or simply enjoy the quiet solitude of nature and take in all of the rich, cultural heritage that Celle has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.