1 day · Culture and history enthusiasts
University Town Walk
From 1576 to 1810 Helmstedt was a university town — the Academia Julia ranked among the most important universities of the empire. This walk follows the traces of scholarship: from the magnificent Juleum as the former hall, via the old town's churches, to the half-timbered houses where professors and students lived. A day for everyone who wants to discover scholarly Helmstedt.
Best time to visit: All year round — the walk runs mostly through the old town and works in any weather
Day 1
In the footsteps of the Academia Julia
We start at the Juleum, the former university hall, walk through the old town to the churches and finish at the market square in the heart of the old scholars' town.
- 9:30 - 11:00
Juleum — hall of the Academia Julia
The Juleum of 1592 was the intellectual centre of the Academia Julia university. The Renaissance hall with its magnificent great hall and rich woodcarving testifies to the splendour of scholarship. Today it houses the district museum and library — and tells the story of the university.
Tip: In the museum, look out for the university history and old prints.
- 11:15 - 12:30
St Stephani Church
St Stephani Church is an impressive example of northern German brick Gothic and, in university times, was the preaching church of the professors. Its tall brick structure still shapes the silhouette of the old town today.
- 12:30 - 13:45
Lunch in the old town
Around the market square and in the half-timbered lanes there are cosy places for a break — regional cuisine in the historic setting of the old university town.
- 14:00 - 15:15
St Walpurgis Church
St Walpurgis Church is one of the older churches in Helmstedt and rounds out the religious picture of the university town. A quiet place away from the bustle that makes the city's long history palpable.
- 15:30 - 17:00
Half-timbered old town and market square
To finish, a stroll through the half-timbered lanes where professors and students once lived. The market square with its town hall and the bailiff's tower complete the picture of the old scholars' town.
- 18:30 - 20:30
Dinner in the old town
To wind down, a place in the historic centre — half-timbered atmosphere and regional cuisine, a worthy end to the walk through scholarly Helmstedt.