Goslar can be explored through two defining themes: its historic Old Town and the history of ore mining at Rammelsberg. Along the way, a range of different facets come to light—from half-timbered architecture and medieval art to changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. You can shape your discoveries around the eras and subjects that interest you most.
Old Town, Architectural History, and Collections
The historic Old Town is home to richly decorated half-timbered houses, winding lanes, slate roofs, and cobblestones. Goslar’s Town Hall was built between 1295 and 1326. Together with the Krodo Altar at the Goslar Museum, these architectural and artistic works offer different points of historical reference: the famous altar dates from the early 12th century and is considered a masterpiece of medieval art.
The Goslar Museum also displays a coin collection featuring well over 1,000 coins minted in Goslar. This means that the same museum showcases both a single significant work of art and an extensive coin collection. Those interested in different forms of historical record will find two distinct approaches here: an individually crafted object and coins associated with Goslar.
The Mönchehaus Museum in Goslar focuses on changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Comparing the dates offers further context: the altar from the early 12th century came before the Town Hall, built between 1295 and 1326; the exhibitions at the Mönchehaus turn to modern and contemporary art. As the program changes, it is worth checking the current exhibitions before your visit.
Ore Mining as a Distinct Theme
Goslar’s Old Town and the Rammelsberg ore mine were jointly recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992. The Rammelsberg Museum and Visitor Mine explores at least 3,000 years of ore-mining history at and inside Rammelsberg across four museum buildings. The time span covered by this subject thus reaches far beyond individual buildings or collection pieces.
The carillon in Goslar’s market square also tells the story of mining at Rammelsberg. A procession of figures and mining melodies accompany the tale from the legendary discovery by the knight Ramm through to modern times. The story thus combines a legend with the long history of mining, without implying that both are the same kind of historical record.
Goslar’s Zwinger houses a privately run museum dedicated to the late Middle Ages. Its themes and objects include armor for knights and musketeers, instruments of torture, and farmers’ weapons from 1524. A visit to this museum complements the themes of art, urban history, and mining with another perspective on the late Middle Ages.
Exploring the City’s History in Different Ways
A variety of city tours are available in Goslar, offering an immersive way to experience the city’s history. Goslar’s Imperial Palace offers public tours of its halls, as well as special, themed, and school-group tours. If you would like to include a tour in your plans, check the latest dates and offerings in advance.
Another option in Goslar is a digital city tour featuring 360° views, interactive scenes, and audio content. It uses different ways of presenting the material from an in-person city tour: panoramic views, interactive scenes, and audio add digital content to the historical themes.
Green Spaces and Finding Accommodation
Goslar’s former ramparts have been transformed into gardens and parks, now forming an idyllic green belt around the city. These green spaces add another dimension to the cityscape alongside its historic buildings and collections.
When looking for hotels in Goslar, your interests can serve as a starting point: would you most like to explore half-timbered architecture and the city’s history, are you interested in mining history, or are changing art exhibitions especially appealing to you? Your chosen focus can help you decide which themes to explore during your stay.
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