"Pax optima rerum" - peace is the highest virtue. This truism, stated in 1648 at the end of the Thirty Years' War, was the central message of the Peace of Westphalia, negotiated in Münster and Osnabrück. Surrounded by narrow mediaeval streets, the historical town hall with its "Friedenssaal" lies in Osnabrück's old town. The marketplace in front of the Rathaus is one of the most beautiful records of urban mediaeval architecture.

1200 years ago, when the diocesan town here was founded by Charlemagne, this was the site where trade routes running from north to south and east to west met on the River Hase. These trade routes are today marked by the motorway and rail routes.

The only "tower railway station" in Germany was build in Osnabrück more than 100 years ago, and the railway tracks still cross on two separate levels. Thanks to its excellent traffic links, Osnabrück is easy to get to by car, train and even, via Münster/Osnabrück airport, by plane. Situated in southwest Niedersachsen, Osnabrück, with about 160,000 inhabitants, is the third largest city in the state. Conscious of tradition, the city combines the historical and the futuristic.

Holiday offers from Osnabrück

• Osnabrück for Foodies | from 219,00 Euro
• Osnabrück for beginners - A weekwend in the City of Peace | from 68,00 Euro
• Osnabrück at Christmas time | from 67,00 Euro

Felix Nussbaum Haus

The museum was built after plans of the American star architect Daniel Libeskind. Since 1999 works of the artist Felix Nussbaum are shown in the museum. Felix Nussbaum was born and also lived in Osnabrück. He was murdered in Auschwitzs' concentration camp. Felix Nussbaum is one of the grand Jewish painters of this century.

Reopening end of April 2011

The work on extending the Felix Nussbaum Haus is in full swing. The extension to the Felix Nussbaum Haus which, like the museum itself, was designed by American architect Daniel Libeskind, should offer sufficient space for a new foyer, a function room and a library, amongst other things. The two-storey extension will also create an additional connection between the Cultural History Museum and the Felix Nussbaum Haus. An enclosed passageway will lead to the entrance of the Felix Nussbaum Haus, ensuring the basic concept of the house remains untouched.

Museum of Historical Culture

Osnabrücks' oldest Museum presents 1200 years of historical culture. In addition to that archaeological records of the region such as a mask of a Roman legionnaire from the Varus Battle (9 a.C.), where the Germanic defeated the Romans, are shown. The Fanlight Hall shows different art historical exhibitions.

Osnabrück Zoo

In almost 70 years of existence the zoo developed from a small zoological garden to a famous zoo. Uncompromised has been the beautiful wooded scenery, that has its special charm in any season. Osnabrück Zoo shows off a large variety of animals, from the red-billed toucan to black vultures, you'll discover the full spectrum of zoological diversity. As well as the outdoor and indoor enclosures, visitors can observe rare animals in various aquariums and terrariums.

• http://www.zoo-osnabrueck.de (German)

Around Osnabrück

The North of the Osnabruck region is marked by a collection of unique historic farm buildings, which give the Artland route its name.

Magnificent farm complexes, of which over 100 are listed buildings, lie in idyllic parkland.

Top 3 for Osnabrück

1. Felix-Nussbaum-Haus
Build by Daniel Libeskind, with 180 works it shows the world's largest collection of works by the artist Felix Nussbaum, who was born in Osnabrück and killed in Auschwitz.

2. Erich Maria Remarque Peace Centre
A permanent exhibition gives an insight into the work and global effect of the writer Erich Maria Remarque, who was born in Osnabrück. The presentation is supplemented by thematic temporary exhibitions. The Remarque archive contains the world's most comprehensive collection of materials by and about Remarque. The publication of his most famous book "All Quiet on the Western Front" made Remarque famous throughout the world.

3. The historic city centre
The area on either side of Heger Straße lives by day from the numerous craft businesses and by night from the many pubs.

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