Who’s Behind cityguide2go?

Look closer – and you’ll see more.

My name is Edmund Kupczak. I originally planned to study history – but back in the early 1990s, that didn’t seem like a particularly secure career path. So I turned to law instead and spent nearly twenty years living and working in Tübingen, in the southwest of Germany, where I worked in a law office.

But my passion for history, local heritage, and traditional architecture never let go of me. In my spare time, I produced two films – one about Hirschau, the village I lived in, and another about the city of Tübingen. Both were made available through the local town hall and the city’s tourism office. The Tübingen film was produced in four languages – German, English, French and Italian – each spoken by native speakers. I voiced the German version myself – something I no longer do today, so I can focus fully on the content.

Since 2010, I’ve been back in my original home region – in Celle. And I’ve been rediscovering it with fresh eyes.

cityguide2go is my way of sharing that knowledge – thoroughly researched, but engagingly told.

All tours, texts and accompanying images are based on careful research: historical maps, archive materials, architectural studies, newspaper clippings, and personal conversations.

I don’t make up stories – I uncover them. And I tell them in a way that invites listeners to really hear them.

Celle is where it starts – but not where it ends. More guides are planned for places like Lüneburg and Goslar. But for now, my full focus is on Celle’s old town – there’s still so much to uncover.

Questions for the local historian

How are the dialogues for your audio tours created?
The dialogues are crafted to sound like natural conversations – vivid, pleasant to listen to, and brought to life by carefully chosen voices with character. I selected the two voices with great care to ensure the result feels both natural and authentic. Of course, it doesn’t always work perfectly on the first try: the script for the Hoppener House (Part 1), with its 45 minutes of audio, took about 10 to 12 hours to complete – just for the German version. But I truly enjoy the process, especially when Lisa’s cheerful laughter makes it all worthwhile in the end.

What makes your tours different from other audio guides?
I don’t tell made-up anecdotes just for entertainment. Everything is based on verified sources – but that doesn’t mean it has to be dry. History can be engaging, as long as it’s true.

You’re also known for your publications in the Sachsenspiegel, aren’t you?
Yes, and I’m especially pleased about that. The Sachsenspiegel is a long-established feature in the local newspaper, the Cellesche Zeitung, where a small circle of carefully selected authors present thoroughly researched articles on regional history. The standards for historical accuracy, language, and source evaluation are high – which is precisely what makes this format so respected. Some people may know my name from those publications; for others, it’s simply a reassuring sign that the same level of care and research also goes into my audio tours.

Why do you do all this?
Because I believe the most fascinating stories often lie hidden in the smallest details. And because I love helping people see their surroundings in a whole new light.

How long does it take you to create a tour?
That depends – sometimes an old photo reveals something unexpected that opens a new trail of research. Quality takes time. But it’s worth it.

What’s next?
More stations in Celle, first of all. Then perhaps Lüneburg or Goslar. But as always – one step at a time, with care, curiosity, and a keen eye for the hidden.