Osnabrück: Peace History, Museums and Nature

Osnabrück combines sites of peace history with museums, a botanical garden and a zoo. The old town offers a clear sense of direction: it stretches from Heger Tor via the market square to Hasestraße. Around thirty stone houses have survived there to this day; many are set back from the street or hidden in courtyards. History is visible not only in grand buildings, but also in places that are easy to overlook.

Peace History and Architecture

The Peace Hall in the historic town hall was one of the two venues of the Peace of Westphalia. Alongside Münster, the peace treaties ending the Thirty Years’ War were signed here. St. Mary’s Church is also connected with the negotiations: at the start of the talks in Osnabrück, it served as a secret place for confidential discussions between Swedish and Danish envoys in 1643, helping them avoid spies.

Another perspective on the city’s history leads to St. Peter’s Cathedral. Its present-day late Romanesque form is largely the result of building work carried out by Bishop Adolf of Tecklenburg in the 13th century. Visitors interested in different eras can also explore four buildings from different periods in the Museumsquartier Osnabrück. The Felix Nussbaum House is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the painter Felix Nussbaum. The Villa_ is a space for debate and a place where ideas for strengthening democracy take shape. The former Akzisehaus customs house is used for changing small exhibitions, readings, concerts, talks and presentations.

Botanical Garden: Habitats and Hands-On Programmes

The Botanical Garden of Osnabrück University opened in 1984 and is situated in two former quarries on Westerberg. In the second, more natural quarry, native plants and animals are reclaiming this urban habitat. The rainforest house offers a different focus, showing a section of the lowland rainforest of the Amazon Basin.

The Green School is also part of the garden’s offerings. It provides guided tours and hands-on programmes focused on education for sustainable development; the availability of individual programmes may vary. Three offerings combine an informative tour with an active, enjoyable practical session: “The Miracle of Mocha – Following the Trail of Coffee,” “Food of the Gods – From Cacao Tree to Chocolate” and “That’s the Salad – Fruit from the Tropics and Subtropics.” The topics range from coffee and cocoa to tropical and subtropical fruits.

Osnabrück Zoo and Underground Discoveries

The zoo covers around 23.5 hectares and is home to more than 2,600 animals from around 290 species in habitats designed to resemble their natural environments. Its twelve themed areas take visitors through different continents and habitats. The zoo also has three different playgrounds and a petting area. Figures and facilities may change; check the latest information when planning a specific visit.

The Underground Zoo offers an unusual perspective. The tour takes visitors through a dimly lit labyrinth of tunnels featuring underground wildlife. A medieval canal and a well are modelled on a medieval sewer and an archaeological find from Osnabrück’s city centre, respectively. The zoo therefore focuses not only on animals and habitats, but also on this underground setting.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Osnabrück, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: peace history and architecture, art and museums, nature at the botanical garden or a visit to the zoo. If you would like to include guided tours or hands-on programmes at the botanical garden, check their availability in advance.

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Go to the main travel overview: Osnabrück.