Göttingen Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Göttingen

Gänseliesel fountain and pedestrian zone

Flag	Coat of arms

Country

First mentioned

953

Elevation

150 m (490 ft)

Population

(2022-12-31)

• Total

118,946

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

37001–37085

0551

GÖ

Website

goettingen.de

Göttingen is a lively city in the middle of Germany. It is located in the state of Lower Saxony. About 129,000 people live here. Göttingen is famous for being home to one of Germany's oldest and most important universities. The city was first mentioned a very long time ago, in the year 992 AD.

A Look at Göttingen's History
- How Göttingen Became a City
- Göttingen and the Hanseatic League
The Famous University of Göttingen
- Why the University is Special
- What Students Study Today
Life in Modern Göttingen
- The Gänseliesel Fountain
- Culture and Events
Getting Around Göttingen
- Districts of Göttingen
Images for kids
See also

A Look at Göttingen's History

Göttingen has a long and interesting past. It was first mentioned in official records in 992 AD. Back then, it was a small settlement. The city grew over time. It became an important trading center in the Middle Ages.

How Göttingen Became a City

Around the year 1200, Göttingen officially became a city. This meant it had special rights and rules. It also built strong walls to protect its people. These walls helped the city stay safe during difficult times.

Göttingen and the Hanseatic League

Göttingen was part of the Hanseatic League. This was a powerful group of trading cities in Northern Europe. Being a member helped Göttingen become rich. Merchants traded goods like cloth and metal. This made the city grow even more.

The Famous University of Göttingen

One of the most important things about Göttingen is its university. It is called the University of Göttingen. It was founded in 1737. This makes it one of the oldest universities in Germany.

Why the University is Special

The University of Göttingen is known worldwide. Many famous scientists and thinkers have studied or taught here. They include Nobel Prize winners. The university attracts students from all over the world. It makes Göttingen a very young and lively city.

What Students Study Today

Today, students at the university study many different subjects. These include science, law, medicine, and humanities. The university has a big impact on the city. It brings new ideas and energy to Göttingen.

Life in Modern Göttingen

Göttingen is a modern city with a rich history. It has a beautiful old town. You can find many historic buildings there. The city center is great for walking and shopping.

The Gänseliesel Fountain

One of the most famous landmarks is the Gänseliesel fountain. It is in the main market square. The Gänseliesel is a statue of a girl with geese. It is said to be the most kissed girl in Göttingen. This is because students traditionally kiss the statue after getting their doctorate degree.

Culture and Events

Göttingen offers many cultural activities. There are theaters, museums, and music venues. The city also hosts various festivals. The "Göttingen Cultural Night" is a popular event. People enjoy music, art, and performances all over the city.

Getting Around Göttingen

Göttingen is easy to explore. Many people walk or ride bikes. The city has good public transport too. This makes it simple to get to different parts of the city.

Districts of Göttingen

Göttingen is divided into 18 different districts. Each district has its own character. They offer different types of housing and local shops. This helps the city feel like a collection of small communities.