132km (82 miles) S of Hannover, 47km (29 miles) NE of Kassel, 109km (68 miles) SW of Braunschweig

Heinrich Heine described the Gothic town of Göttingen as "famed for its sausages and university." The latter is one of the oldest and most respected in Germany and, in time, Göttingen became the most popular university town in Europe. The university was established in 1737 by George II, king of England and elector of Hannover.

Medieval romanticism and lively student life make Göttingen worth a day's visit. By making a slight detour, you can explore the town before dipping into the fairy-tale country of the upper Weser Valley. Göttingen is halfway between Bonn and Berlin.