Since the Peace of Westphalia was proclaimed on the steps of its
historic town hall in 1648, Osnabruck has been known as the City of Peace.
Osnabruck’s location in the northeastern region of Germany made it a center for
trade during the Middle Ages. The city was part of the Hanseatic League, a
collection of merchant guilds that promoted free trade and defended trade
routes along the northern coastline of Europe. Cities within the Hanseatic
League were governed by a common legal system and shared military resources on
behalf of all the members. This allowed Hanseatic League cities to establish
trade routes throughout northern Europe and provided Osnabruck and its
residents with exceptional prosperity during this period.
Exceptional
Architecture
Many of the towers erected to fortify the town of Osnabruck during the
medieval period are still standing today. The brick Steinwerke, also known as
the Vault Houses, were built approximately 800 years ago and provide Osnabruck
with a sense of character all its own; some of these architectural marvels are
still open to the public and offer a look back into the history of the
Westphalia region. The Felix-Nussbaum House was designed by Daniel Libeskind
and commemorates the life and death of the noted German and Jewish painter.
A Close-Knit
Community
Osnabruck’s unique physical layout makes it easy to travel from one part
of town to another quickly; the entire city has been designed to be compact and
convenient to navigate for residents and visitors alike. Most community
activities take place in the Marktplatz, a central marketplace that plays host
to local festivals, Christmas markets, weddings and other celebrations. St.
Mary’s Church, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Town Hall of the Peace of
Westphalia form the borders of this central gathering spot. The Museum am
Scholerberg is another popular educational attraction located in Osnabruck.
Educational and
Employment Opportunities
The German Federal Environment Foundation is headquartered in Osnabruck.
The city also boasts the world-class University of Osnabruck and the University
of Applied Science of Osnabruck, a top-notch technical college that offers a
number of international study options for foreign students. Osnabruck is a
popular tourist destination and offers numerous employment opportunities for
residents; it is currently the third-largest city in the German state of Lower
Saxony.
Surrounded by
Natural Beauty
Osnabruck holds a singular distinction as the only city in Germany
located in a nature reserve. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has established the Natur- und Geopark
TERRA.vita to provide a living reminder of the Earth’s history and its natural
beauty. Osnabruck is located within the Geopark TERRA.vita and offers easy
access to hiking, biking and exploratory trails within this scenic park.
For visitors to this area, Osnabruck offers an exceptional mix of
unspoiled landscapes, outstanding Mediterranean and German food and delightful
venues designed to please almost any shopaholic. The rustic charm of the
surrounding countryside and the range of available activities make this one of
the most attractive destinations for tourists in the northern Germany region.
