Wolfenbottel's Herzog-August Library harbours the most expensive book in the world. The book of the Gospels that once belonged to Henry the Lion sold for 16.6 million euros at a London auction, and since 1983 it has joined the library's already impressive collection.
The Welf dukes, one of whom was Henry the Lion himself, assembled the library's unique collection and at the same time made sure that the treasures were taken proper care of. Its librarians included Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
From Wolfenbottel, Lessing engaged in philosophical debates in the spirit of the Enlightenment, and he also completed his most famous play "Nathan der Weise" here. The glorious days of Wolfenbottel as a royal seat of the Welfs were already over by then - the dukes had returned to Braunschweig. Over many years, the inhabitants of Wolfenbottel have painstakingly restored their old city centre - unharmed by wars - to its old splendour, giving tourists visiting Germany a charming place to come on holiday.
Tourist Information Wolfenbottel
Stadtmarkt 7
38300 Wolfenbottel
+49 (0) 5331-86280
+49 (0) 5331-867708
Additional sources of information:
Museum Schloss Wolfenbottel / Museum Wolfenbottel Castle
Schlossplatz 13
38304 Wolfenbottel
+49 (0) 5331-924615
+49 (0) 5331-924618
Herzog August Bibliothek / Library
Lessingplatz 1
38304 Wolfenbottel
+49 (0) 5331-808214
+49 (0) 5331-808214
Lessinghaus
Lessingplatz 1
38304 Wolfenbottel
+49 (0) 5331-808214
+49 (0) 5331-808214
Park Hotel "Altes Kaffeehaus"
Harztorwall 18
38300 Wolfenbottel
+49 (0) 5331-8880
+49 (0) 5331-888100