Braunschweiger Löwe

The Brunswick Lion is an outstanding monument of medieval art and the main symbol that Brunswick takes pride in. Created around 1166 at the behest of the powerful Duke Henry the Lion, this bronze sculpture is considered the oldest surviving example of monumental casting north of the Alps. Originally, the lion was intended to demonstrate the strength and unwavering power of its owner.

Located in the central Burgplatz, the monument is the heart of the historic center. Standing nearly 1.8 meters tall, the sculpture impresses with its detail and the power embodied in the metal. For many travelers visiting countries like Germany, this site is a must-see on their itinerary due to its unique artistic value.

Brunswick Lion. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

It is important to know that the sculpture standing in the open air on the square today is a masterfully executed 1980 copy. The original medieval masterpiece, weighing nearly a ton, was moved to the museum halls of the neighboring Dankwarderode Castle to protect the ancient bronze from the destructive effects of time and smog. Nevertheless, even the copy on the square fully conveys the spirit of the era of knights and great dukes.

For those planning to visit this iconic symbol of the city, below is the essential contact information and coordinates of the site.

When you find yourself at Burgplatz, the first thing you should do is take time for a detailed inspection of the sculpture itself. Observe the texture of the bronze and the craftsmanship of the medieval artisans who managed to capture the beast's menacing appearance. This is a great spot for a photo shoot: against the backdrop of the ancient castle and cathedral, the "Brunswick Lion" looks truly majestic.

Visiting the monument can be turned into a full cultural quest. After seeing the lion on the square, be sure to stop by Dankwarderode Castle to see the original 12th-century sculpture. This will allow you to compare the original with the modern copy and feel the true age of this historical artifact.

In the evening, the atmosphere around the monument changes—thanks to skilful artistic lighting, the lion seems even more lifelike and imposing. A walk across the square at dusk is a wonderful way to end a day spent in the historic center. You can also combine seeing the lion with a visit to St. Blaise's Cathedral, which is just a few steps away.

The city's historical symbol is located on the central Burgplatz in the heart of the historic center. Since this part of the city is primarily a pedestrian zone, it is most convenient to reach the monument on foot, enjoying the ancient architecture of the surrounding streets.

If you are using public transport, take the trams or buses that stop in the immediate vicinity of the square. The nearest stops provide quick connections to all areas of the city and the main railway station. A taxi ride from central districts will take only a few minutes, though it is worth noting that passengers are dropped off at the edge of the pedestrian zone.

Motorists are advised to leave their car in one of the underground parking garages or paid parking lots in the city center, as parking directly at Burgplatz is not possible. The majestic St. Blaise's Cathedral, located just a few steps from the lion figure, serves as a landmark for your search.

The history of this monument began back in 1166. Henry the Lion, the powerful Duke of Saxony and Bavaria from the Welf dynasty, ordered the bronze lion to be cast as a symbol of his ambitions and supreme authority. An unknown master created a masterpiece that became the first large-scale figurative casting since antiquity and the oldest surviving monument of its kind north of the Alps.

Over its centuries of existence, the "Brunswick Lion" has faced threats several times. In 1812, during the Napoleonic Wars, French troops planned to melt down the statue, but thanks to the resolute protest of the local prefect Friedrich Henneberg, the monument was saved. Later, during World War II, the original was secretly removed and hidden in a deep mine near the city of Goslar, while a temporary copy replaced it on the square.

Interestingly, the lion almost immediately became the official symbol of the city and has decorated its coat of arms for centuries. The modern sculpture on the square is an exact copy installed in 1980. The original 12th-century piece, weighing 880 kilograms, is now carefully preserved in the halls of Dankwarderode Castle, where it is protected from the damaging effects of the environment.

To simply see the "Brunswick Lion" and take commemorative photos, 15–30 minutes is quite sufficient. This is enough time to appreciate the majesty of the monument and examine the casting details while on the square itself.

If you wish to dive deeper into history and compare the outdoor copy with the original, you should set aside about 45 minutes. In this case, you will have time to visit the adjacent Dankwarderode Castle, where the 12th-century original is on display. A full walk around Burgplatz, including visits to St. Blaise's Cathedral and other medieval buildings, usually takes between 2 to 3 hours.

Since the "Brunswick Lion" is located on an open city square, it is available for viewing 24/7 and free of charge. You can approach it at any time of day or night, 7 days a week. No entrance tickets are required to access the square.

However, if you plan to see the original sculpture in the Dankwarderode Castle museum, we recommend checking the museum's opening hours on the city's official website in advance. The best time to view the outdoor monument is during daylight hours or late in the evening when the illumination is turned on.

Burgplatz, where the famous lion proudly stands, is the perfect starting point for a walk through the historic center. The surrounding area is literally steeped in a medieval atmosphere, and the concentration of interesting sites per square meter here is one of the highest in the city.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see Brunswick from different sides: from grand palaces and museums to cozy quarters with half-timbered houses. Below is a list of attractions that can be reached within minutes.