Gänseliesel Guide
Kiss the Goose Girl: Göttingen's Beloved Landmark Guide
The Gänseliesel (Goose Girl) is a bronze statue located in the heart of Göttingen's market square. She is arguably the city's most famous landmark and a beloved symbol of Göttingen. The statue depicts a young girl tending to her geese, and it has become a tradition for newly graduated doctoral students to climb the statue and kiss the Gänseliesel as a sign of celebration and good luck. The Gänseliesel statue was created by sculptor Paul Nisse in 1901 and quickly became a popular meeting place and symbol of the city. The original statue was damaged during World War II and was replaced with a replica in 1951. The tradition of kissing the Gänseliesel began in the early 20th century and has continued to this day, making it a unique and cherished custom in Göttingen. Visitors can admire the Gänseliesel statue in the market square and witness the tradition of doctoral students kissing her. Take photos with the statue and learn about the history and significance of this iconic landmark. The market square is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, where you can enjoy local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere of Göttingen's city center. The area offers a variety of traditional German dishes and international flavors.
Transportation
The Gänseliesel is located in the Markt (market square) in the center of Göttingen. It is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus lines stop at the 'Markt' stop, including lines 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 34, 120, 150, 155, 170. From the Göttingen train station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk.