Bückeburg & Wolfenbüttel

 Bückeburg

In the 16th century this town became the capital of the principality of Schaumburg-Lippe. The philosopher Johann Gottfried von Herder was the preacher here. The Stadtkirche (town church), one of the first Protestant churches in Germany, is a pinnacle of Mannerism with its fantasy facade. Another attraction is the Schloss with its enchanting chapel. The Goldener Saal (golden hall), from 1605, has a Gubterpforte (portal of the divinities) and a beautiful panelled ceiling.

 Wolfenbüttel

This small town has had a remarkably turbulent past. From 1432 until 1753 the Welf dukes moved their seat here from Braunschweig. In the 16th century, innovative town design introduced wide avenues and spacious squares. Largely unscathed by World War II attacks, the town has 500 historic halftimbered houses, and a magnificent library.

The Herzog-August-Bibliothek contains 130,000 volumes, including the most valuable book in the world, Heinrich der Lude’s Gospel book. Associated with the town are the philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. The Lessinghaus houses a literature museum.

The centre of the town is dominated by the Schloss, the largest castle in Lower Saxony, refurbished in the Baroque style in 1714–16. It houses the Schlossmuseum with regional items such as furniture and tapestries. The Venussaal (hall of Venus) has beautiful Baroque ceiling frescoes. Opposite the castle is the Zeughaus (armoury), built in 1613–19 to a design by Paul Francke.

Continuing eastwards the visitor will get to the Hauptkirche, the 16thcentury church dedicated to Beatae Mariae Virginis, the ducal pantheon and the leading example of Protestant Mannerist architecture. Begun in 1608, the church’s façade has delicate reliefs, while the interior reveals an unusual combination of styles.