Planetenweg

1:2 billion scale model of the solar system through the city

A 1:2 billion scale model of the solar system laid out through the city as a walking route. The sun is the gilt ball on top of the spire of the Jacobikirche; Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are clustered near the market square; the outer planets get progressively further out, with Neptune and Pluto on the city's northeastern edge. A nice way to see Göttingen if you have a couple of hours and like the conceit.

A leaflet and map are available at the tourist office in the Altes Rathaus.

things to do sight
A story
Sun to Pluto on a 1:2,000,000,000 scale: it works out to about 3 kilometres of walking, with the planets bronze inlays in the pavement at the right relative distances. Pluto is set far up the Nikolausberger Weg, in a residential street that has nothing remarkable about it apart from this small, dignified plaque.