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If you are an animal lover, a visit to Celle wouldn't be complete without visiting their world-famous stud farm. Hanoverian stallions are kept on this yard, schooled and sold for thousands of euros to buyers all over the world. Traditionally, on the last 2 weekends of September, and the first weekend of October, the annual 'parade' takes place where, at the stroke of one, a 3 hour programme takes place during which all the stallions are presented in hand, under harness or under saddle. It is celebration of horses and a treat to watch - even for those non-riders.
The ducal palace, Schloss Celle, whose foundations date to the 13th century, is the oldest building in the town. What started as a castle for the dukes of Lüneburg, fortified with moats and ramparts, was gradually expanded and modified into a mixture of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. From 1772 it was home to the British-born, Danish queen, Caroline Matilda, the daughter of Frederick, Prince of Wales, who had been banished to Celle as a result of her affair with Johann Friedrich Struensee of Copenhagen. She only lived at the Celle court until 1775 when she died at 23 of scarlet fever. In the 19th century the castle was occasionally used by the Hanoverian royal household as a summer residence. Guided tours visit the Renaissance chapel, Baroque theatre, ducal chambers and palace kitchen.
Perhaps the most impressive and best-known timber-framed buildings in the old town, the Hoppener Haus dates to 1532 and looks like something out of a picture book. In front of the house is a rather strange, modern work of art: five talking streetlamps that are activated by movement and recount (in German) amusing tales of bygone years as well as extolling the sights of Celle today.
Arno Schmidt is known to have lived in his house from 1958 when he wrote many novels until his death
Stadtkirche
This first church was built around 1300 in a Gothic style, and was rebuilt in the Baroque style between 1676 and 1698. The crypt houses the ornately decorated tombs of members of the House of Welf, distant ancestors to the British royal throne. The church also has an impressive, nearly 400-year-old, altar and the restored organ and Baroque ceiling vaulting is also worth seeing. The more energetic may climb the 234 steps up the tower for outstanding views over the town and the castle.
Garrison Museum
Well worth a visit, this is a Museum which concentrates on the Military history of Celle. The military history goes back to 1626 and includes the role of the Luftwaffe before and during World War II, and the British garrison after the war. There are hundreds of exhibits ranging from weapons and uniforms to sigals equipment. The museum has many artifacts from the history of the various units and regiments that have been stationed in Celle.
Celle's cultural museum and one of the largest and most important museums in Lower Saxony. Numerous displays and reconstructions show how people lived, worked and dressed in the Celle region in centuries past. Interesting portrayal of Celle's industrial history.