Things to do in Einbeck – 15 tips for beer culture, vintage cars and half-timbered houses

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Einbeck is best known as the birthplace of Bock beer, but it also boasts one of Lower Saxony's best-preserved town centers, charming half-timbered houses, and Europe's largest vintage vehicle museum. This is a genuine German small town off the beaten track - almost like a fairytale town.

Einbeck

Einbeck has around 30,000 inhabitants and was an important trading town within the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The town's beer brewing made it famous far beyond the region's borders, and beer is still an important part of the town's identity today.

Despite its small size, Einbeck is full of history, and the city center is one of the best preserved in Lower Saxony. We came here by train from Göttingen, and were immediately enchanted by this little gem.

15 things to see and do in Einbeck

Einbeck is an incredibly charming half-timbered town, which also has something to offer for those who like beer and/or motor vehicles. Here you will find our best tips.

1. Start with a guided city walk

A perfect way to get to know Einbeck is to join a guided walking tour. Here you will hear stories about the city's long history, the importance of beer and the secrets of the beautiful buildings. It provides a great introduction to the city.

2. Discover the city's half-timbered houses

Einbeck is full of well-preserved half-timbered houses, many with detailed carvings and beautiful facades. Just strolling around the central part of the town is an experience in itself.

3. Check out Eickesches Haus

The Eickesches Haus is the city's most famous half-timbered house and a true work of art in wood. The facade is filled with carved figures, symbols and ornaments that tell the story of the Renaissance ideals. This building also houses the city's tourist office.

4. Experience the Market Square

The market square is the heart of Einbeck, surrounded by historic buildings and cozy outdoor cafes. Here you will find, among other things, the old town hall and the historic Brodhaus inn – the city's only preserved guild house. On the market square you will also find several restaurants and outdoor cafes.

5. Visit the city's churches

Einbeck has several beautiful churches that bear witness to the town's long history and importance during the Middle Ages. The two most important are the Münsterkirche St. Alexandri, founded as early as the 11th century, and the Marktkirche St. Jacobi, located directly on the central market square.

6. See the historic city walls

Parts of Einbeck's old city wall still remain and give a clear picture of the city's medieval defenses. Although only a small part remains, it is truly impressive and fascinating to see.

7. Learn about the history of bock beer

Bock beer is a full-bodied, malt-focused lager beer originating in the town of Einbeck. In the 17th century, the beer was exported to Munich, and when locals pronounced ”Einbeck,” it sounded like ”ein bock.” In German, ”bock” means goat, which in turn explains why billy goats sometimes adorn the labels of this style of beer… When you visit the town of Einbeck, you have an excellent opportunity to learn more about bock beer.

8. Visit the Einbecker Brauhaus brewery

The Einbecker Brauhaus is the pride of the city and is still active. Here you can gain a deeper understanding of how beer shaped the city's history. The brewery offers guided tours where you can learn about the historical brewing process, see the facility and, of course, sample the local beer to finish.

9. Go beer tasting

A visit to Einbeck is not complete without trying the city's classic beer styles. In addition to trying beer at the brewery, there are other varieties. We tried beer at the historic Brodhaus, which is located in the middle of the Marktplatz. Here you can order a tasting tray with five small glasses of different types of beer. Very nice! We also loved the little "compartment" where we were seated.

10. Have dinner at Brodhaus

Brodhaus is one of the city's most classic eateries. Here you can enjoy regional dishes in a historic and very cozy environment - preferably with beer, of course.

The menu primarily features hearty dishes such as schnitzel and various types of hamburgers. We ordered a beef burger and a chicken burger, and we were very satisfied with the food.

11. See cars and motorcycles at PS.SPEICHER

PS.SPEICHER is one of Europe's most impressive vehicle museums, with everything from vintage motorcycles to classic cars. Even for those who are not interested in cars, this is an unexpectedly fascinating visit.

At the museum you can explore historic and extremely well-preserved vehicles, while technological developments are woven into the historical description in an unusually stylish way.

Here you will find something you like, whether you prefer odd historical rarities, camping vehicles from the past or futuristic creations from the world of cinema.

12. Discover PS.Depots – the museum's hidden treasures

What many may not know is that PS.SPEICHER continues outside the main building. Around Einbeck there are several PS.Depots with special collections, including motorcycles, small cars, trucks and agricultural vehicles. If you have the slightest interest in motors, it is easy to get stuck here for much longer than planned.

13. Have an ice cream in the sun

On the square or along the small streets of Einbeck there are several nice cafes where you can sit down with an ice cream and just enjoy the city's leisurely pace. We each ordered a cone at Eiscafé Dolomiti, opposite the tourist office, and we certainly didn't regret it.

14. Shop in small local stores

Einbeck doesn't have big shopping streets, but it does have plenty of local specialties. Here you can buy the city's classic bock beer, artisanal mustard, locally roasted coffee and traditionally blue-printed textiles - perfect souvenirs to take home.

15. Take a trip to Göttingen

If you want to take a trip, the student city of Göttingen is close at hand. This historic student city is only half an hour away by car and offers, among other things, a student atmosphere, nice pubs and historical attractions.

READ MORE: Things to do in Göttingen – 15 tips for pubs and half-timbered houses

Where to stay in Einbeck?

Where to stay in Einbeck? Here are a few different suggestions, depending on how you travel and what you want to get out of your visit.

Different areas to live in

• Old Town – Perfect for those who want to be within walking distance of everything.
• Near the station – Practical if you are traveling further.

We stayed at InnStadtHotel, which has a really good location near the city center and is an excellent base for exploring Einbeck. This hotel has no reception, but you check in via code.

Don't worry about this though! The hotel is super modern, fresh and you can call for help if you need it. We really liked this hotel. Good to know though is that there is no elevator.

When it's time for breakfast, the wait staff appears in the small breakfast restaurant. We expected something relatively simple, but were surprised by a very nice buffet, with luxurious cheeses, delicious cold cuts and fresh fruits.

Pitches and campsites

If you come by camper, you can stay overnight at the campsite. Motorhome parking at the Hallen, which is open year-round and offers both electricity and other services.

More cities in Lower Saxony

There are of course many more beautiful cities to experience in Lower Saxony. You can find more information about 9 cities +2 in Lower Saxony here, and below you will find more city guides:

• Things to do in Hannover
• Things to do in Goettingen
• Things to do in Hamelin
• Things to do in Celle
• Things to do in Goslar
• Things to do in Hildesheim