Braunschweig: Hexen, Huren und Beginen – A Deep Dive into the City’s Hidden Tales
If you’re curious about Braunschweig beyond its pretty facades and bustling streets, this tour promises a fascinating look into its more mysterious and controversial history. While it’s not a typical sightseeing walk, it’s packed with stories about witches, early women’s communities, and the city’s red-light district. We’ve read plenty of reviews, and overall, this experience seems to strike a balance between entertainment and education, making it perfect for history buffs eager to uncover the city’s lesser-known layers.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how flexible and personal it feels. The guide’s ability to adapt to questions and go beyond the script ensures that no two walks are exactly alike, providing a more authentic experience. Also, the fact that it’s certified by BVGD e.V. adds a layer of professionalism and reliability. On the flip side, it’s just two hours long, so if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration of any one topic, you might find the scope a bit broad. It’s best suited for travelers who like their history mixed with a little edge and a dash of the macabre.
This tour will suit anyone interested in unique historical narratives, especially those curious about women’s roles and societal taboos in medieval and early modern times. It’s also a good pick if you want a guided walk that’s both informative and entertaining, with a comfortable pace and a friendly guide at your side.
Key Points
- Focused on lesser-known histories: Learn about witches, courtesans, and beguines, moving beyond typical tourist attractions.
- Authentic and flexible guide: The guide’s ability to answer questions and tailor the story makes it engaging.
- Accessible for most travelers: Wheelchair-friendly and suitable for those with comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Two-hour walk covering about 1.5 km: Keep in mind, it’s a fairly brisk walk through Braunschweig’s old town.
- Not suitable for children under 14: The content might be too mature for younger audiences.
- Weather doesn’t stop the tour: Rain or shine, the experience goes on, so dress appropriately.
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
When we talk about a tour that covers “Hexen, Huren und Beginen,” it immediately hints at a journey through some of Braunschweig’s more provocative chapters. The tour starts at the Altstadtrathaus, the historic town hall, setting a charming yet serious tone. From here, your guide will lead you through the cobbled streets, pointing out notable sites with stories that might challenge or expand your understanding of medieval life.
The first notable stop is Altstadtmarkt, where the guide provides a quick overview of the city’s medieval walls and fortifications. This gives you a tangible sense of Braunschweig’s historical resilience, but it’s the stories that follow—about witches relying on magic, or courtesans working in the city’s oldest professions—that make this walk special.
Next, you visit An der Martinikirche and Eiermarkt, where the guide shares tales of societal taboos, the roles women played, and how some of these stories are intertwined with Braunschweig’s architecture and streets. The tour then takes a turn into the red-light district area, specifically Echternstraße — a rare sight, as only a few beguine houses remain today. Seeing these historic buildings and hearing about their past uses gives you a remarkable sense of continuity and change.
Throughout the walk, you’ll stop at places like Prinzenweg and Südstraße, each with stories that reveal Braunschweig’s complex history of morality, magic, and societal control. The guide’s breadth of knowledge shines here, especially when answering questions that go beyond the script. As one reviewer put it, the guide was “very flexible and didn’t just recite memorized texts,” which adds a lot to the experience.
The most fascinating stop might be Hinter Ägidien and Ägidienmarkt, where tales of beguine houses and women’s communities come to life. These communities were founded in the Middle Ages by women seeking religious and social independence, making them quite progressive for their time. The guide also touches on Tempel-Anneke and its reliance on magic, suggesting a city that’s always been layered with stories of mysticism and rebellion.
Ending at St. Magni Kirche, the tour wraps up with a sense of the city’s layered history, leaving you with questions and curiosities to pursue further.
Planning more time in Brunswick Germany? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Practical Details and Value
This tour costs a reasonable fee for its quality, especially considering it’s a private group option and includes a certified guide. The 2-hour duration, covering about 1.5 kilometers, means you get a manageable yet immersive experience. It’s conducted in German, so it’s best for German speakers or those comfortable with the language.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers in comfortable shoes. Since it’s held rain or shine, plan for weather and dress accordingly. No video or audio recordings are permitted, which encourages you to focus on the stories and ask questions freely.
Reviews highlight the tour’s flexibility and the guide’s engaging personality. One traveler mentioned, “Very informative, answered all questions, and made the visit into an event,” which suggests you’ll come away with not just facts but also a sense of connection to Braunschweig’s hidden past.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to explore a side of Braunschweig that most travelers miss. It’s also suited for those interested in women’s history, societal norms, and medieval mysticism. If you enjoy walking tours that blend storytelling with visual exploration, you’re likely to find this both educational and entertaining.
However, if you’re traveling with younger children or prefer a more family-friendly experience, this might not be suitable given the mature themes. Also, those seeking a long, in-depth historical overview might find two hours too brief to cover everything in detail.
Final Thoughts
For travelers wanting a taste of Braunschweig’s darker, more clandestine past, this tour offers a compelling glimpse. It combines storytelling, history, and a bit of intrigue, all delivered by a personable and knowledgeable guide. It’s especially valuable if you’re interested in women’s communities, magic, or the city’s red-light history — topics that rarely make it into standard sightseeing itineraries.
While it’s not a tour for everyone—particularly those under 14 or expecting an exhaustive exploration—it’s a well-rounded experience for those who appreciate stories rooted in real history, with a dash of the mysterious. The combination of historical accuracy, engaging narration, and the chance to ask questions makes it worthwhile for curious travelers eager to see Braunschweig through a different lens.
Braunschweig: Hexen, Huren und Beginen
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children under 14?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 14 because of the mature themes and content discussed during the walk.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about 1.5 kilometers on foot through Braunschweig’s old town.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and can be enjoyed by most visitors with comfortable shoes and clothes.
What is the language of the tour?
The tour is conducted in German, so some familiarity with the language will help you enjoy the stories fully.
Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. Since recordings aren’t allowed, just bring your curiosity and a notebook if you like to jot down notes.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning your visit.
If you’re intrigued by Braunschweig’s hidden stories and want a guided walk that’s both educational and engaging, this tour could be a real highlight. It’s a chance to see the city’s past through a different lens—one that reveals its secrets, legends, and the human stories behind its walls.
You can check availability for your dates here:
