Culture & Excursions

The Osnabrück Zoo is one of the region’s most popular excursion destinations and delights with an impressive animal world in naturalistic themed areas. Whether majestic lions, playful monkeys or fascinating underwater creatures – there is plenty to discover here for visitors both young and old. With lovingly designed sections, exciting educational stations and varied playgrounds, the zoo offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Ideal for a varied day trip during your stay!

Located in the automobile museum at the foot of the Meller Hills, you can experience "History on Wheels" across three floors in the heritage-listed hall of an old furniture factory covering 3,000 m². 200 first-class, roadworthy vehicles from various eras, from the beginnings of the automobile to special exhibits of more recent date or of contemporary historical significance, are presented to visitors as loans in constant rotation.

For centuries the wealthy bourgeoisie built imposing residences to display their wealth and protect themselves from attacks. Many castles, fortresses and noble residences have been preserved. Admire buildings from a variety of eras. For example the baroque Schloss Iburg, the Renaissance water castle Schelenburg, or the neo-Romanesque Schloss Neu Barenaue. Many castles are still inhabited and can therefore only be viewed from the outside, but some also offer guided tours. The garden festivals at Schloss Ippenburg are particularly famous.

A permanent exhibition provides insights into the life, work and worldwide impact of the Osnabrück-born writer. The Remarque Archive holds the world's most extensive collection of materials by and about Remarque.

Already in 1921, 150 Millionen Jahre old dinosaur "footprints" were discovered in a quarry in the Wiehengebirge near Barkhausen. Today the quarry is an experience area that provides information about the life of the giant reptiles. With dinosaur replicas, extensive information panels and a signposted 16 km long dinosaur trail. For dino fans it is, of course, an experience to look at the huge footprints on the rock face that now rises steeply.

The site of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a myth since the 16th century, has been discovered: Archaeological research has brought to light more than 6,000 finds since late 1989 in the small village of Kalkriese near Bramsche, north of Osnabrück. They show that on the north slope of the Kalkriese Hill a Roman army with its baggage train and equipment was decisively defeated. An exhibition in the multiple award-winning museum building presents history and research findings using modern media. The 24-hectare park links the events of the past with the present.