Discover Söllingen

Söllingen offers two distinct themes for planning a trip: local history and half-timbered details on the one hand, and wind energy as a visitor attraction on the other. Its history dates back to its first documented mention in 1090. The Wind Energy Experience Park offers a different focus, while the rectory on Am Bullerberg adds specific architectural features to the historical picture.

From “Solynge” to an industrial centre

Söllingen was first documented in 1090, under the name “Solynge”. The name may point to a former saltworks. This interpretation remains a possibility; the early written record and the traditional form of the place name are the established historical references.

In the 19th century, Söllingen developed into an industrial centre. Its businesses included a sugar factory, a distillery, a steam-powered brickworks, a juice factory and a steam dairy. The range of businesses shows how broadly industry shaped the town during this period: it encompassed food processing as well as brickmaking and distilling.

The rectory on Bullerberg

The rectory at Am Bullerberg 1 is a two-storey half-timbered house. It stands on a limestone cellar base and has a half-hipped roof covered with roof tiles. Several clearly identifiable architectural features define the building: the half-timbering, the limestone cellar section and the distinctive roof shape together describe its exterior.

The half-timbered structure is also described in detail: it has two-panel braces and double pegging. On the south side, an entrance is centred on the façade and set behind an outside staircase. Anyone interested in historic building styles can get a close look at the layout and entrance of a specific house, rather than just a generic half-timbered façade.

Wind energy as a visitor attraction

At the Wind Energy Experience Park, you can combine a picnic with views of the Söllingen wind farm. Schools and other larger groups can book a free guided tour with the Landwind Group. As the offer is specifically aimed at these groups, you should confirm group arrangements before your trip.

Söllingen brings together a range of interests: early local history, 19th-century industrial development, the details of the rectory and the subject of wind energy. Söllingen is on Federal Highway 244, a useful point of reference for planning your journey.

More destinations in the wider Helmstedt travel region

The wider Helmstedt travel region also includes independent cultural attractions in Helmstedt and Königslutter. The Imperial Cathedral in Königslutter is one of Lower Saxony’s most impressive Romanesque buildings. The cathedral, cloister and Emperor Lothair’s Lime Tree in the former monastery courtyard together form a popular attraction. At the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments, guided tours explain how the instruments work; almost all are functional and ready to be demonstrated.

In Helmstedt, the Juleum Novum, the assembly hall of the former university, tells the story of the Renaissance: this palace-like building was constructed between 1592 and 1597. The District and University Museum in the Juleum displays a model of Helmstedt as it looked around 1750, as well as original objects from the university era, including an astronomical disc, a globe and tableware from the university refectory. Climbing the Juleum Tower involves 153 steps and takes place from April to October on the first Saturday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Check current dates and arrangements before planning your visit.

Schöningen offers a different focus. At the research museum, you can see the Schöningen spears close to where they were found. They were left there around 300,000 years ago and discovered in 1994; excavations are still taking place at the site. The Schöningen Discovery Trail runs for 2.5 kilometres from Burgplatz to the research museum and has eight stops with large information boards.

Discover more destinations: Groß Twülpstedt, Büddenstedt, Brunsleberfeld, Königslutter Am Elm, Lauingen, Süpplingenburg, Warberg, Räbke.

View the wider travel guide: Helmstedt.