Explore Braunschweig’s Hidden Past of Witches, Huren, and Beginen

This 2-hour guided tour from Altstadtmarkt in Braunschweig unravels stories of medieval women’s communities, witchcraft, and the oldest profession. Led by a certified guide following BVGD e.V. standards, the tour offers a fascinating look into Braunschweig’s lesser-known historical facets, including medieval city fortifications, the red-light district, and the beguine house.

Travelers who enjoy history mixed with a touch of the provocative will find this tour particularly appealing. Its manageable length and engaging storytelling make it suitable for most, though it’s not ideal for children under 14. Expect a 60-minute walk through diverse neighborhoods, with plenty of interesting facts and visual sights along the way.

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Key Points

Duration of 2 hours offers a focused glimpse into Braunschweig’s past
Led by a certified guide adhering to BVGD e.V. standards
Stops include medieval city walls, the red-light district, and a beguine house
The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups
No recording allowed; comfortable shoes and clothes recommended
Ideal for those interested in history, women’s communities, and medieval stories

Planning more time in Brunswick Germany? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Starting at Altstadtrathaus: The Meeting Point for History

The tour begins at the Altstadtrathaus, a central landmark in Braunschweig’s old town. Travelers are advised to arrive 5 minutes early and look for the guide with a LED-lit backpack displaying “Get Your Guide” and “Braunschweig”. The meeting point’s coordinates are 52.26302719116211, 10.51694393157959.

This spot offers easy access and sets the tone for discovering Braunschweig’s layered past. The guide introduces the tour’s themes and provides a brief overview of what’s to come, ensuring everyone is ready for the walk ahead.

Walking Through Oldtown: From the Altstadtmarkt to Eiermarkt

The journey kicks off with a guided tour of the Altstadtmarkt, lasting 10 minutes, where the group takes in the medieval city walls and historic buildings. The guide shares stories about Braunschweig’s defensive structures and how they shaped the city’s development.

Next, the tour visits An der Martinikirche for a quick 5-minute look at the church, which historically played a role in community life. Continuing to Eiermarkt for another 10-minute stop, the group explores the market square, once a hub for commerce and social activity in medieval Braunschweig.

Each stop reveals details about the city’s architecture and history, with the guide explaining how these sites relate to stories of women’s communities and witchcraft.

Discovering the Medieval Walls and the Prinsensweg

A 25-minute walk along Echternstraße takes visitors past remnants of Braunschweig’s medieval fortifications. The guide highlights parts of the city’s defensive walls and explains their importance during different eras. This area also hints at the city’s vibrant history of secret societies and underground activities, linking to the themes of witches and courtesans.

Following this, the group moves through Prinzenweg and Südstraße, both brief stops allowing glimpses into the city’s layout and how it fostered the communities of women, including beguines—women’s religious communities active in medieval cities.

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Exploring the Red-Light District and Beguine House

The tour then takes a short walk to the red-light district area, offering a visual sense of Braunschweig’s historic old profession scene. The guide discusses how tempel-Anneke was associated with magic and how Catharina, known locally as “dat helsche Fuer,” practiced her trade along Bruchstraße.

One of the tour’s highlights is seeing one of the few remaining beguine houses. This beguine residence exemplifies the women’s communities that flourished in medieval times, providing insight into their religious and social roles. The guide explains how these women formed women’s communities, often seen as precursors to modern social organizations.

Walking Through the Old Town’s Historic Streets

The tour continues through Hinter Ägidien and Ägidienmarkt, where the narrow streets and historic buildings evoke the city’s medieval atmosphere. The guide shares stories about women, witches, and civic life during different periods, emphasizing Braunschweig’s complex history of social and moral deviance.

Next, stops at Ölschlägern and Hinter der Magnikirche add further context to Braunschweig’s urban development, highlighting how these areas served various social functions in past centuries.

Final Stop at St. Magni Kirche

The tour concludes at St. Magni Kirche, a prominent church that has witnessed centuries of Braunschweig’s history. Here, the guide summarizes the stories of beguines, courtesans, and witches, and how their stories are woven into the city’s identity. The 10-minute final walk is filled with reflections on how these historical themes continue to influence Braunschweig today.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The entire 1.5-kilometer walk takes place rain or shine, making it a reliable option regardless of weather. The tour is barrier-free, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended due to the walking pace and cobbled streets.

Participants are asked not to record videos or audio, respecting the guide’s instructions. The tour is available as a private group, offering a flexible and personalized experience.

What Past Participants Say

The two reviews available express high satisfaction, rating the tour 5 out of 5. Reviewers praise the flexibility of scheduling, the engaging storytelling style, and the depth of information provided. One reviewer notes that the guide answers questions beyond the main topics and makes the experience short, lively, and informative.

The Value of Braunschweig’s Witch, Courtesan, and Beguine Tour

This two-hour tour offers a focused and engaging look into a lesser-known aspect of Braunschweig’s history. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, those interested in women’s roles in medieval society, and anyone curious about the darker stories behind the city’s monuments.

The certified guide and well-curated stops ensure a quality experience, while the free cancellation policy provides flexibility. The tour’s moderate physical demands and accessibility make it suitable for most visitors, excluding children under 14.

Braunschweig’s Historical Stories Brought to Life

Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour combines factual storytelling with visual sights, making Braunschweig’s complex past accessible and engaging. Visitors learn about medieval city fortifications, the red-light district, and women’s communities like the beguines, painted vividly through historic buildings and streets.

The hidden stories of witches, courtesans, and beguines are woven into the fabric of the city’s architecture and neighborhoods, giving a rich, layered context to Braunschweig’s history that many standard tours overlook.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits adults and older teenagers with an interest in history, social history, or medieval stories. It offers a balanced pace with plenty of walking but no strenuous activity. The private group option makes it ideal for families, friends, or special interest groups seeking a personalized exploration of Braunschweig.

Readers who appreciate well-structured storytelling and authentic insights into the city’s past will find this tour both educational and entertaining. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to understand Braunschweig beyond the typical tourist spots.

Final Word: A Unique Look into Braunschweig’s Past

The “Hexen, Huren und Beginen” tour stands as a fascinating journey into Braunschweig’s medieval and early modern history, emphasizing stories often left out of conventional guides. Its expertly curated stops, engaging guide, and rich narrative make it a worthwhile addition for travelers eager to explore the city’s lesser-known layers.

While it’s not suited for children under 14 and recording is not permitted, the tour’s depth and authenticity compensate, offering a thought-provoking and visually stimulating experience. Whether for history buffs or curious explorers, this walk will turn Braunschweig into a city of stories about witches, courtesans, and beguines that continue to resonate today.

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