Osnabrück

Travel times from Münster:
Train: 30 mins.
Car: 40 mins.

After visiting the treasures of Münsterland, travel next to Germany’s only city situated in the middle of a nature reserve. The UNESCO Geo Park TERRA.vita is a postcard-perfect vista surrounding Osnabrück, easily accessible from points throughout the city.

While it is known as a lively, “green” area, it is most famous for its enduring commitment to peace and conflict resolution.   Known as “The City of Peace,” its motto reads, “The task of peace – committed to peace.” This is the maxim that defines political and cultural life in the old bishopric and the young university town. In each October, when hundreds of primary-school children ride their hobby-horses up the steps of the Town Hall and receive a pretzel from the Lord Mayor, they ride in celebration of the Peace Treaty of Westphalia, and this is a very conscious, living sign of peace culture.   You can still visit the Town Hall to see the “Friedensaal” where Osnabrück’s treaty of the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648.

The peace-seeking mentality of Osnabrück became widely known to literature lovers through the works of one of its own sons, Erich Maria Remarque (1898- 1970). One of the best-known and widely read authors of twentieth-century German literature, many of his works were made into films shortly after their publication, including his most famous work, “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

Another of the city’s natives has a museum dedicated to his artistic works: the Felix Nussbaum Museum. Nussbaum, a Jewish painter born in Osnabrück in 1904, spent most of his adult life fleeing the Nazis or in hiding from them. He created many poignant paintings during this time that illustrate the fear of the persecuted individual during the Nazi reign. Nussbaum was captured and died in Auschwitz in 1944. The museum honors Nussbaum’s legacy by exhibiting 170 of his works.

Art lovers will also appreciate the city’s Art Gallery and its unique location, in a 14th century Dominican church in the old town. It hosts temporary exhibits of contemporary art from around the world by well-known artists as well as talented but less-known creators. Be sure to visit the city’s Cathedral. It includes a museum in rooms above the cloister that exhibit artifacts belonging to the church, some dating to Roman times.

Cosmopolitan Osnabrück not only offers numerous sights, there are also first-class shops, lively markets, typical pubs, stylish coffee bars and lots of cheerful festivals throughout the year. Come enjoy the vitality of this “green” city in the nature preserve while learning about its most famous natives and historical accomplishments.