//
Town in Lower Saxony, Germany
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Pschemp assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Celle is an historic town in the Lüneburg Heath in Lower Saxony.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
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.
Deutsche Stickmuster-Museum
Housed in a little rococo castle, the museum portrays the history of embroidery in Europe over four centuries. Finely embroidered cloth from the courtly, mercantile and farming life.
Französiche Gärten
The French Garden probably owes his name to the French gardeners Perronet (in 1670) and Rene Dahuron (1690-1701) who were in services of Celle's Duke George William. The last one was in charge of the first laying out of a pleasance and a vegetable garden according to the courtly gardening tradition of the 17th century. In the years 1695 and 1696 two parallel avenues of linden were planted. These avenues form a dominant central east-west axis until today (the linden avenue was completely renewed from 1951 until 1953). In 1705, Celle lost the position as royal seat. The garden became overgrown and not until 1772 the French Garden flourished under the courtly gardener Krantz for a short time on occasion of the exiling of the Danish queen Caroline-Mathilde to Celle. Furthermore there was built a summer house at the pond and in 1784 there was erected a statue to her.Afterwards there was again a shortage regarding the upkeep. Even in 1801 the small summer house at the pond was removed. Not until the middle of the 19th century under the dedicated Hanoverian supreme major-domo Malortie the French Garden was undergoing the gradual transformation into an English landscape park according to the plans of the garden inspector Schaumburg. After the World War I, the children's playground, which still exists, was laying out in the eastern part and a small rose garden, which was re-schemed in 1966, in the western part. In 1927 the northern part of the garden was divided off on occasion of the foundation of the Beekeeping Institute of Lower Saxony.Meanwhile the French Garden was classified as a historical landscape monument.
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 Congress Union is a fantastic facility in Celle. It offers international shows on a regular basis. For current shows and other information visit the website.
The Badeland is a swimming and wellness centre, a mini-waterpark with 7 indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, sauna, whirlpools and a solarium. There is also a professional medical department, offering massages etc. The complex also has a restaurant for hungry swimmers and an area where customers can just relax away from water. A great day out for children and adults alike.
This 16-lane bowling centre is capable of catering for both large and small parties and has a large restaurant and bar area.
The club offers experienced golfers and beginners the amenities of a retreat place with scenic and interesting perspectives and challenges.
Perfect Sports is a diversified and modern health and fitness club with a varied program in Celle.
The gym with the largest training area in Celle.
This passenger boat cruises the river Aller, departing from near Celle town centre on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from mid April to mid October. Anyone can go on these cruises by turning at the departure point on the day. Normally lasting 2/3 hours and costs vary depending on whether food & beverages are involved! It can also be hired for private functions, and group bookings are given discount. It is a lovely way to see some of Lower Saxony at a more leisurely pace, a great way to celebrate a special event, or just a lovely thing to do with visitors.
Take a horse drawn carriage tour around the beautiful Celle town centre. The carriages are stationed at their departure point on the corner of Grosser Plan/Bergstraße (opposite the relatively ugly building which houses Karstadt Department store). The commentary is in German but, even if you don't understand that, it is a charming way to see the town centre. These tours run daily throughout the season (generally April to October), dependent upon weather. The carriages can also be hired for private tours, can include catering and collection from your hotel/railway station is possible
Celle town centre's Christmas market is one of the biggest and best in Lower Saxony. Annually, usually from the end of November through towards to end of December (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), over 100 stalls gather together in the beautiful historic town of Celle to sell their wares and celebrate Christmas in true German tradition and style. Here you can buy hand crafted Christmas presents, or simply enjoy typical German food and drink. In Celle you will find Northern Germany's highest Christmas Pyramid.
Don't miss this brief festival of wine (mainly German) which takes place annually, in the last week of July. Celle's town centre is full of stalls selling their wares including many local wines, Flammkuchen, cheeses, and, of course, in the festival atmosphere created by live music including jazz, folk and piano.
Celle's oldest café and one of the best. Cosy atmosphere inside, or relax outside in sunny weather watching the world go around on the town square. Good for breakfast, albeit menu a little limited.
Good range of breakfasts and cakes, reasonable prices, not as cosy as some, but a safe bet.
Top café, rather oddly backs onto a linen shop which you can walk through to. Excellent breakfasts and service, but you need to get there early on Saturdays or reserve a table as it is very popular.
Superb service, baked baguettes are a speciality. Excellent selections of drinks and special coffees. Well worth a visit when in Celle. Ideal for lunch or other times. Cheap and excellent value for money
Good selection of pastries and regional small meals.
The Ratskeller under the town hall (Rathaus) serves good food in North German style: traditional, filling and in an historic location. Quiet atmosphere and good service. Especially good during asparagus time (Spargelzeit): choose the asparagus. Another local speciality is Heidschnuckenbraten - mutton from the heathland sheep.
Good Italian restaurant.
in the Hotel Fürstenhof
Good Italian restaurant in the Hotel Fürstenhof with a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere, good German and Italian food. A hint of Tuscany lies in the air when the friendly staff have laid the tables. The rustic atmosphere brings a piece of Italy to Lower Saxony. The cucina casalinga conjures up seasonal creations. But the traditional specialities are also on a par with these. And a perfect meal is concluded with a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth! The wine menu has a ginormous selection. Italophiles of all ages are sure to find the right dish.
Serving traditional German food, the restaurant dates back to 1820, the food is very good and cooked to order, the dishes are not small. Very good value. Be careful with the price. What the restaurant charges is more than the price on menu.
A very interesting evening for all with the owner doing the waitressing. Good food and jovial service from the lady in shorts.
Ringhotel Celler Tor
The Celler Tor Hotel boasts a fantastic restaurant. Whatever you require the chances are they will have it. Local game is one of their specialities. With well trained waiters and superb food there is a price to pay. Very good wines available. The message is: expensive but you do get value for money.
This typical German drinking establishment offers, alongside the obvious selection of good German beers, good German and Mediterranean cuisine.
This popular drinking establishment is 5 minutes walk from the town centre. Schattauer offers seating for up to 200 guests in the biergarten and seating for 60 inside the restaurant. Along with Konig pils on tap, guests can also enjoy excellent and reasonably priced meals.
This Gaststätte is popular for its live music programme, which includes rock, jazz, blues and even country, it has a great atmosphere and great beer.
For those who prefer lively nightlife, Inkognito provides the answer. It is a short taxi ride from the town centre.
The City Pension (B&B) is on the edge of the Altstadt and offers 1 single, 1 suite, 2 twin rooms and an apartment. Rates vary according to the room size, but this is ideal for a family on a budget (suit has small kitchen), but there are extras such as parking fees in a local public car park, and only breakfast is offered.
This holiday farm is family-run and offers 1 single, 1 twin room and 2 apartments with cooking facilities, ideal for a family on a limited budget. There is free parking, and the farm offers an outdoor atmosphere although only a short drive from the centre of Celle. In good weather guests can use the BBQ outside.
This small Rasthaus (rest house) offers just one single room and 4 twin rooms a short drive from the town centre. Breakfast is included in the price, and pets are welcomed. Local on street parking is available.
Family run, older but immaculate, staying at the Schifferkrug is like staying with your aunt - assuming your aunt can really cook and speaks basic English. Small groups or large families should ask about their holiday apartment.
Hotel Schnarr is friendly clean, moderately priced and offers a good selection of quiet rooms. The location is not ideal for those without a car.
Situated in a quiet part of the town offering 46 rooms, a restaurant and full customer services. Parking is free of charge as is Wi-Fi connection. Pets are allowed.
InterCity Hotel belongs to the InterCity chain and offers 117 rooms. The hotel is well located for access to the old town and has its own restaurant and bar. Car Parking is available on site at a charge and there is a public car park next door which costs €7 per day. Internet Wifi costs €5/hour. InterCity offers very reasonable overnight rates and is particularly suited for larger travel groups.
This privately run hotel offers just 8 rooms in a quiet suburb of Celle with access to the river meadows on the north bank of the Aller. Parking is available at a cost of €4 per day, and Internet Wi-Fi is available free of charge. There is a pleasant route to walk into the town centre along the river, a perfect end to an evening visit to one of Celle's many restaurants in the old town.
Hotel Neun 3/4 (presumably in view of its access to the railway station there is a linked theme here to a certain platform at King's Cross) offers 22 rooms at very reasonable rates. There are special rates for young children, Internet Wifi connections are free as is car parking for residents. The Hotel is within easy access of the centre by foot.
This privately run hotel is in the middle of the old town. It has 46 rooms, all in top condition. The Celler Hof does not have a restaurant but does serve continental breakfast for its guests. There is no car park for the hotel, although the nearest public car park is only a short walk away and guests can offload at the hotel entrance.
This popular hotel is on the outskirts of Celle (a 5-minute taxi ride from the centre). This is a well-run hotel with friendly, helpful staff and well-appointed rooms. It has excellent cuisine and a very good reputation.
Hotel Caroline Mathilde,(named after the sister of George III, later Queen of Denmark who died in Schloss Celle in 1775) is situated in a quiet part of Celle a short taxi ride from the centre. The Hotel, with 53 rooms offers a new Spa Centre and swimming pool, with good friendly service and its own restaurant. There is free parking, but the Internet wi-fi costs €8 per 24 hr. Pets are welcomed but there is an extra charge, as there is for small children sharing the room.
Outstanding, but pricey, 5-star hotel dateing back to 1680 with a traditional atsmosphere not far from the old town. The Fürstenhof offers a Michelin 1 Star restaurant the Endtenfang, an excellent Italian Taverna and Trattoria known as Palio's (a good late night restaurant to visit after attending one of the many concerts that take place opposite in the Congress Union Concert Hall), a traditional German restaurant, the Landhausküche, and a foyer bar. Expect to pay around €185-300 for a double room and €42 for a 3-course meal (less drinks).
Buy your exotic orchids direct from the grower! This orchid growing centre has a Visitors centre where you can browse through many beautiful orchids, learn more about the plants and purchase a much more exotic orchid than you would otherwise find in your local garden centre. They also open the entire growing area periodically to the public and allow public access to their growing, seeding areas, etc., when you can learn as much as you ever wanted to know about these beautiful plants.
Clothing Factory Outlet selling mainly woman's clothing: Cecil, Cecil Men, Street One and One Touch at least 33% off high street prices. During events (sales times etc), you can get up to 75% off and often find a 'sample' bargain. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Huth's Kaffee und Feinkost
A coffee-roasting house steeped in tradition in a historic shop. As well as a wide range of coffee and tea, you can buy chocolates, spirits and heather honey from the Lüneburg Heath.
A large furniture store covering four floors, but also including general home furnishings and decorations on the ground floor. It has a very nice cafe/restaurant on the top floor and a useful play area where your can deposit the kids and then browse at your leisure. It is out of town, on an industrial estate.
By train
Celle is served by hourly ICE trains on the Hamburg to Hanover route. Several long distance trains also arrive from Frankfurt and Munich daily.
By car
Celle is 28 km from the nearest autobahn but is on the main B3 route which runs from north to south.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Hannover · International · HAJ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Celle and Germany.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Oktoberfest 2027 guide. Learn how to reserve beer tent tables, understand Munich hotel booking windows, and budget daily costs.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best castle and gothic hotel stays in Europe. Discover historic fortresses, medieval estates, luxury châteaux, and Spanish parador hotels.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.