DID YOU KNOW?
Located in Lower Saxony in north-central Germany, Braunschweig (also known as Brunswick) is approximately two hours by train from Berlin. It is located north of the Harz mountains at the farthest navigable point of the Oker River, which connects to the North Sea via the rivers Aller and Weser. With a history spanning more than a thousand years, the city combines medieval charm with modern science, technology, and research.
Historic landmarks include Burgplatz Square, Brunswick Palace, the Cathedral, and the iconic Brunswick Lion. Erected in the 12th century under Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, the lion statue remains a powerful symbol of the city’s heritage and identity.
Today, Braunschweig is a leading center for agricultural science, industry, and technological research. Its surrounding region produces sugar beets, winter wheat, barley, rye, potatoes, and white asparagus, reflecting Germany’s rich agricultural traditions.
POPULATION
Braunschweig’s population is approximately 255,500 and is the second largest city in Lower Saxony.
LOCATION
Braunschweig covers 192 square kilometers. The city lies on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains. There is a distinct old town, or inner city, which is nearly surrounded by the Oker River. Bridges cross the Oker at several sites to unite the Old Town’s traditional marketplaces, churches, and half-timbered buildings to the New Town section of the city. Braunschweig has been an important industrial area. Today it is known for its university and research institutes, mainly the Federal Agricultural Research Centre and the PTB, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, the national institute of natural and engineering sciences and the highest technical authority for metrology and physical safety engineering of the Federal Republic of Germany.
HISTORY
Braunschweig is the historic seat of the House of Guelph in northern Germany. It was here, close to the seat of the Hanoverians, that the Guelph dynasty started their rise to power. First mentioned in a document in 1031, Braunschweig rose to become the Guelph dynasty’s capital in the twelfth century, as Henry the Lion expanded the town of Braunschweig into a city. Throughout the centuries, the House of Guelph shaped the city’s history, and – with one interruption – the Guelph Dukes had their residences there until the 20th century. The Guelphs were the most influential noble family in all of northern Germany. They patronized numerous innovations in commerce, culture and the sciences, thus helping Braunschweig and the surrounding lands to prosper.
EXCHANGES
Omaha and Braunschweig have many on-going exchanges with Omaha area high schools and with the Raabe School in Braunschweig, and also maintain an active and strong relationship between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Technische Universtät.
Meet the Mayor
Dr. Torsten Kornblum – Mayor of Braunschweig, Germany
Dr. Torsten Kornblum has served as Mayor of Braunschweig since 2021 and is a member of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD). His term extends through 2029. A seasoned public servant with a doctorate in law, Dr. Kornblum brings extensive experience in municipal and state governance. He is a dedicated public servant, husband, and father of three.
Before his election, he served on the Münster City Council (2009–2014) and later as a department head at the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior (2014–2020). These roles have shaped his pragmatic, citizen-focused approach to leadership.
As mayor of one of Germany’s leading research and innovation hubs, Dr. Kornblum is dedicated to transparent governance, sustainable urban development, and international collaboration—including Braunschweig’s valued sister city partnership with Omaha.
TOP BUSINESSES
ALBA BRAUNSCHWEIG GMBH - Recycling, waste management, raw materials
BBR – BAUDIS BERGMANN RÖSCH VERKEHRSTECHNIK - Railway electronics
BRAUNSCHWEIGER VERSORGUNGS - Electricity, water, gas
BZV MEDIENHAUS GMBH - Newspaper, media and services
BRAUNSCHWEIGISCHE LANDESSPARKASSE - Savings bank with 100+ branches
BRAUNSCHWEIGISCHE MASCHINENBAUANSTALT AG - Sugar, starch and processing
BÜHLER GMBH - Food processing
CKC AG - IT and business consulting
ESSILOR GMBH - Eyewear, lenses
FÜRSTEN-REFORM DR. MED. HANS PLÜMER NACHF - Honey and bee wax products
