- Hildesheim is known as the 'City of Roses' due to the thousand-year-old rosebush growing on the apse of St. Mary's Cathedral, which survived the destruction of the building during World War II.
- The city's episcopal seat was established in 815, making it one of the oldest dioceses in Northern Germany.
- During the Middle Ages, Hildesheim was a member of the Hanseatic League and a powerful commercial hub in the Holy Roman Empire.
- The city council famously decided to reconstruct its historic market square in the 1980s using original plans to regain its pre-war aesthetic.
About Hildesheim
Hildesheim is a Lower Saxon city defined by its profound religious heritage, centered on two UNESCO World Heritage sites: St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Michael's Church. The city serves as a bridge between medieval Romanesque architecture and modern history, housing one of Germany's most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum. Travelers often find tranquility in green spaces like Ernst-Ehrlicher-Park, which offers a respite from the urban center. Its layout reflects a complex reconstruction after heavy aerial bombardment in 1945, which forced a unique blend of preserved historic architecture and postwar urban planning.
Highlights of Hildesheim
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
View the legendary thousand-year-old rosebush clinging to the cathedral's apse.
Temples
Examine the Ottonian architecture and the famous ceiling paintings of this UNESCO-listed landmark.
Museums
Explore one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Egyptian antiquities.
Parks
Enjoy a quiet walk through this landscaped urban park located near the city center.
Historical places
Visit one of the few remaining defensive towers from the medieval city fortification wall.
Temples
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of this former Cistercian monastery set in a pastoral landscape.
Temples
Admire the preserved Romanesque architecture that dates back to the 12th century.
Museums
Discover high-medieval gold smithing and religious art within the cathedral's treasury.
Top things to do in Hildesheim
The 60 highest-rated places in Hildesheim, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
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Zoos
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Temples
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Museums
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Historical places
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Parks
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Temples
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Museums
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Historical places
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Temples
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Venues
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Temples
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Venues
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Hildesheim on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Hildesheim
May to September, when the local parks are in bloom and weather conditions are optimal for walking tours of the historic city center.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to tour the UNESCO religious sites, the main museum, and the historic square.
The city center is highly walkable, supplemented by an extensive regional bus network connecting to suburban areas like Marienrode.
Staying near the Altstadt (Old Town) provides direct access to most historical landmarks and the main market square.
Mid-range, consistent with typical German regional city travel costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 60 curated attractions in and around Hildesheim, ranked by traveller ratings.
Familienpark Sottrum is the highest-rated place to visit in Hildesheim right now.
The largest category is temples, with 25 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
Explore more of Germany
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
