Set between the Teutoburg Forest and the Wiehen Mountains, the pint-sized city of Osnabrück has charmed travellers for centuries. Perched alongside the Hase River, the city was famously the setting for the signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Though extensively damaged during the Second World War, Osnabrück remains a wonderful destination for heritage aficionados as well as laid-back romantics. Our Gurus’ choice of the best places to stay in Osnabrück will delight both: a half-timbered house-turned-hotel with an acclaimed restaurant, it’s a characterful holiday base.

Amble along streets lined with medieval townhouses, duck through neoclassical archways and pause for a moment of quiet contemplation in the stark Romanesque cathedral or the city’s many Gothic churches. You’ll find buzzy cafés, shops and eateries on narrow winding lanes, too. The Bishop’s Palace is not to be missed, whilst the 13th-century Buckstrum Tower has an interesting exhibit about the region’s historic witch trials. The Museum of Cultural History, once the home of painter Felix Nussbaum who was tragically killed at Auschwitz, displays the artist’s work.

Step further back into the region’s past at the Osnabrücker Land Museum & Park Kalkriese. An impressive modern building outside of town, the museum houses a broad collection of artefacts from the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. This area is also great for walking and cycling along forest-fringed trails. Complete your experience of this slice of Lower Saxony by feasting on fabulous regional fare at the best place to stay in Osnabrück. What better way to round off a big day out?

The Best Places to Stay in Osnabrück

For Heritage Charm

• Hotel Walhalla fuses traditional charm with contemporary comforts. Set in a half-timbered 17th-century building in the heart of the old town, this characterful hotel offers cosy guest rooms with exposed beams and sloping ceilings. Meeting rooms are ideal for business travellers, and the excellent regional restaurant is the hub of the hotel. There's a small spa and leafy garden, too.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Bremen International Airport, and travel south-west to Osnabrück in around 1.5 hours by car or train. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Lower Saxony is great for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• Visit during the summer months, with temperatures hovering around 22°C in July and August. For fewer crowds, consider travelling during the quieter shoulder seasons of May or September, when the city is beautiful and slightly quieter.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Bremen.
• Alternatively, see our pick of the best places to stay in Lower Saxony.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.