Things to do in Goslar - 11 tips for a historic town in Germany

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated August 2026 | What to do in Goslar? This German town is a charming and historic little gem, with an old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are our top tips for things to see and do!

Goslar in Germany

Goslar is a medieval town full of historic churches and charming half-timbered houses. In 1992, the old town was added to UNESCO's prestigious list, along with the Rammelsberg mine just outside the town.

We visited Goslar by motorhome in the summer of 2022, when the town celebrated its 1100th anniversary. The town was founded in 922.

Goslar is located in the federal state of Lower Saxony, about 9 kilometres southeast of Berlin. Hanover.

What to do in Goslar?

What to see and do in Goslar? This city has a lot of history and a lot of interesting sights. We have compiled a list of our top tips here.

1. Strolling in the Old Town (Altstadt)

Perhaps the most obvious thing to do in Goslar is to stroll around the old town (Altstadt), which is also the part of the city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is full of charming houses and alleys, many with a medieval history. A lot of the houses are beautiful and finely decorated half-timbered houses.

2. Admire facades and signs

Don't miss a closer look at all the houses! We were fascinated by all the beautiful and unique facades. It's also fun to look up at all the nice and creative signs hanging over cafés and shops. A bit like in a fairy tale!

3. Experience the carillon on the Marktplatz

One of the places you'll want to check out in Goslar is the Markplatz, with the town hall and market fountain, which is adorned with Goslar's landmark eagle.

In the square you can also, at certain times, watch the city's carillon. This is really nice with figures coming out of small gaps and moving in front of their audience.

4. Impressed by Kaiserworth

On the Marktplatz is the historic Kaiserworth House, which is both beautiful and impressive. It has stood on the square since 1484, when it was built as a 'guild house'. Today the building serves as a hotel.

5. Peek into the church of St James the Elder

The Church of St James the Elder, commonly called St James or Jakobikirche, is a historic church building in the old town of Goslar. The church today serves as the parish church for the Catholic community.

6. look in Market Church of St Cosman and Damian

The Marktkirche Sankt Cosmas and Damian is an Evangelical Lutheran church building in the centre of Goslar's old town. This church, named after Saints Cosmas and Damian, is today the main parish church of the town.

7. Visit the Imperial Palace in Goslar

One of the most important sights in Goslar is the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz). As early as 1005, Henry II built a first imperial mansion in Goslar, which soon became larger and more powerful than neighbouring palaces due to the rich ore deposits in the Rammelsberg mine.

The interior of the palace can be visited for a fee, which is interesting. There are several fine exhibitions that tell the story.

Most fascinating of all is the Great Hall of the palace, which is richly decorated with majestic paintings and has a lovely view of the palace gardens.

8. Walk to the church Frankenberger Kirche

The former monastery church and current Evangelical Lutheran parish church of St Peter and Paul in Goslar is commonly referred to as the Frankenberg church and stands on the Frankenberg hill at the western end of the historic old town. The church is mainly Romanesque, but also has Gothic and Baroque elements.

Next to the church are several other historic buildings, such as a medieval hospital and an old gate. The area is also green and pretty, with charming houses and a beautiful landscape in the background.

9. See art in the Mönchehaus Museum

At the Mönchehaus Museum you can see modern art. The art is displayed in an old half-timbered house from the 16th century, as well as in surrounding houses, the cellar and a sculpture garden.

10. coffee in a cosy outdoor café

During the summer months you will find plenty of cosy outdoor cafés in Goslar. It's nice to sit down for a bite to eat, or perhaps a tasty German pastry.

11. Take a guided tour of the mine in Rammelsberg.

The Rammelsberg mine is a site where metals were extracted for a thousand years. Mining activities ceased in 1988 and in 1992 the mine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the old town of Goslar. Various guided tours are organised in the mine, and it is a very interesting place to visit.

READ MORE: Rammelsberg Mine - a Unesco World Heritage Site in Goslar

More things to do in Goslar

If you have more time in Goslar, there is of course even more to discover. Here are some more attractions and experiences that may be worth adding to your visit.

See the city gate Breites Tor

Breites Tor is an impressive part of Goslar's old city fortifications. Built in the 16th century, the gate is reminiscent of a time when the city was protected by strong walls, towers and gates.

Visit the Neuwerk Church

Neuwerkkirche is a former monastery church dating back to the 12th century. The church is primarily Romanesque and today functions as a Protestant parish church.

Check out the historic Siemenshaus

Siemenshaus is a beautiful half-timbered house from the late 17th century. The house was built by the merchant and mayor Hans Siemens and has connections to the well-known Siemens family.

Discover Goslar's history in the Tin Figure Museum

At the Zinnfigurenmuseum, the history of Goslar is told through tin figures and small historical scenes. Here you will meet emperors, bishops and miners from different periods in the city's history, among others.

Take a trip to Hahnenklee

Hahnenklee is located just outside Goslar and is a great place to visit if you want to combine culture and nature. It is home to the special Gustav Adolf Stave Church from the beginning of the 20th century, inspired by Norwegian stave churches. It is also home to the Liebesbankweg, a hiking trail through nature that is approximately seven kilometers long.

Things to do in Goslar - on film

Where can you stay or park your caravan?

We visited the city by camper van and parked at the Füllekuhle car park on Bertha-von-Suttner-Straße. From there we had a good starting point for walking into the centre of Goslar. Check the current rules and parking options before your visit.

More things to see and do around Goslar

There is of course more to see and do near Goslar. Here you will find more tips and reports:

• Quedlinburg
• Blankenburg
• Wernigerode
• Thale
• Suspension bridge Titan RT