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Göttingen

The Cost of Conscience: The Göttingen Seven

2.6 km92 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the year 1837, when seven brilliant minds at Germany's most prestigious university made a choice that would cost them their livelihoods, but ignite the spark of a revolution. This is not just a story of kings and constitutions; it is a profound exploration of academic freedom, the courage of youth, and the heavy price of civil disobedience. Join us on a journey through the cobblestone streets of Göttingen, where the echoes of defiance still resonate.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Historische Sternwarte

The historic observatory where physicist Wilhelm Eduard Weber worked, highlighting the scientific community's role in the constitutional protest.

Historische Sternwarte

Pic by Johannes Poets on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.92 km • 14 min
2

STOP 2

Aula der Universität

The ceremonial heart of the university, representing the institutional prestige the professors risked by defying the King.

Aula der Universität

Pic by Ben Thies on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.51 km • 8 min
3

STOP 3

Paulinerkirche

A historic church turned library, where the Brothers Grimm worked and faced the agonizing choice of exile.

Paulinerkirche

Pic by mibuchat on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.67 km • 10 min
4

STOP 4

Historisches Auditorium

A grand lecture hall symbolizing the enduring spirit of the student body, who fiercely defended the Seven through illegal protests.

Historisches Auditorium

Pic by Dguendel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

0.06 km • 1 min
5

STOP 5

Weender Tor

The historic northern exit of the city where hundreds of students formed an emotional procession to escort the banished professors into exile.

Weender Tor

Pic by GeorgDerReisende on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.41 km • 6 min
6

END

Platz der Göttinger Sieben

The modern campus square and monument dedicated to the Seven, serving as a final reflection on their legacy and the ongoing fight for academic freedom.

Platz der Göttinger Sieben

Pic by mibuchat on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, academics, political science enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of intellectual life and civil courage.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the fading light casts long shadows over the historic university buildings, adding a sense of dramatic weight to the narrative.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as we will be navigating historic cobblestone streets.
  • Pacing Take your time at the memorial square at the end; it's a place that demands quiet reflection.
  • Weather Göttingen can be brisk; bring a light jacket even in summer, as the historical gravity might just give you chills.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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