Hannover Travel Guide
A detailed destination guide for your next Germany vacation
Hannover Overview
Hanover or Hannover (German: Hannover, on the river Leine, is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany and was once by personal union the family seat of the Hanoverian Kings of Great Britain, in their dignities as the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg (which title was later called the Elector of Hanover at the end of the historical period known as Early Modern Europe). After the Napoleonic Wars ended, the Electorate was enlarged and made into the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover.
In addition to being the capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover was the capital of the administrative area Regierungsbezirk Hannover (Hanover region) until Lower Saxony's administrative regions were disbanded at the beginning of 2005. It is, however, still part of the Hanover district (Region Hannover), which is a municipal body made up from the former district and city of Hanover.
With a population of 522,944 (1 February 2007) the city is a major center of northern Germany, known for hosting annual commercial expositions such as the Hanover Fair and the CeBIT. Every year Hanover hosts the Schützenfest Hannover, the world's largest Marksmen's Fun Fair, and the Oktoberfest Hannover, which is the second largest Oktoberfest in the world. In 2000, Hanover hosted the world fair Expo 2000. The Hanover fairground, due to numerous extensions especially for the Expo 2000, is the largest in the world. Hanover also has regional importance because of its universities and medical school, its international airport, and its large zoo. The city is also a major crossing point of railway lines and highways (Autobahnen), connecting European main lines in east-west-direction (Berlin - Ruhr area) and north-south-direction (Hamburg - Munich (Munich vacation rentals | Munich travel guide) et al.).
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Where to stay in Hannover?
Check out our selection of hand-selected and quality Hannover vacation rentals and holiday apartments.
Things to See in Hannover
Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen
The Great Garden is an important European baroque garden. The palace itself, however, was largely destroyed by Allied bombing. Some points of interest are the Grotto (the interior was designed by the French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle), the Galery Building, the Orangerie and the two pavillons by Remy de la Fosse. The Great Garden consists of several parts. The most popular ones are the Great Ground and the Neuveau Jardin. At the centre of the Neuveau Jardin is Europe's highest garden fountain. The historic Garden Theatre inter alia hosted the musicals of the German rock musician Heinz Rudolf Kunze.
The Berggarten is an important European botanical garden. Some points of interest are the Tropical House, the Cactus House, the Canary House and the Orchid House, which hosts one of the world's biggest collection of orchids, and free-flying birds and butterflies. Near the entrance to the Berggarten is the historic Library Pavillon. The Mausoleum of the Guelphs is also located in the Berggarten. Like the Great Garden, the Berggarten also consists of several parts, for example the Paradies and the Prairie Garden. There is also the Sea Life Centre Hanover, which is the first tropical aquarium in Germany.
The Georgengarten is an English landscape garden. The Leibniz Temple and the Georgen Palace are two points of interest there.
Another point of interest is the Old Town. At the centre is the huge Market Church and the Old Town Hall. Near by are the Leibniz House, the Nolte House, and the Beguine Tower. A very nice quarter of the Old Town is the Kreuz-Church-Quarter around the Kreuz Church with many nice little lanes. Nearby is the old theatre, called Ballhofeins. On the edge of the Old Town are the Market Hall, the Leine Palace, and the ruin of the Aegidien Church which is now a monument to the victims of war and violence. Through the Marstall Gate you arrive at the bank of the river Leine, where the world-famous Nanas of Niki de Saint-Phalle are located. They are part of the Mile of Sculpture which leads from the Königsworter Square up to the entrance of the Georgengarten. Near the Old Town is the district Calenberger Neustadt where the Catholic Church of St. Clemens, the Reformed Church, and the Protestant Neustädter Church are located.
The 36 most important sights of the city centre are connected with a 4.2 kilometres (3 mi) long red line, which is painted on the pavement. This so-called Red Thread marks out a walk that starts at the Tourist Information Office and ends on the Ernst-August-Square in front of the central station. There is also a guided sightseeing-bus tour through the city.
Maps and Driving Directions to Hannover
Travel Insider Tips for Hannover
I would recommend two places that you should see while you are in Hannover. One is Lüneburg, and the other is Hamburg. Both are a short train ride away, and you will be surprised how wonderful these two cities are!
Shared by Mark Styers, Sep 2009
I stayed in Hannover, took a train to the bigger cities, and bicycled through all the smaller towns. Took tons of pictures and videos, met many interesting people. Ate lots of fantastic food. Had lots of super fantastic beer and ice cream. Even met some distant, living relatives. The weather was great. Had a wonderful time. I'm going again next June, but to Wiesbaden, Heidelburg, Heilbronn and Munich. Probably will stop by Hannover again.
Shared by Scott A. Strohman, Sep 2009
Years ago I was a student living in Celle. I would take the train into Hanover to shop. I remember going into the shop Unter den Linden
in Hanover. It was quite impressive.
Shared by Mary Erdrich Hanz, Jan 1970
Hannover
[ source: Flickr]
Popular Points of Interest in and near Hannover
Herrenhausen Gardens
The City of Hannover owes the brightest jewel in its crown to an out-of-the-ordinary woman: the world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen were created by Sophia, Princess Palatine of the Rhine, who was Electress of Hannover from 1692 to 1714. The baroque Great Garden (Grosser Garten) and the adjacent George Garden (Georgengarten), a landscape garden in the English style, together form a grand display of the art of European horticulture over a period of three centuries on an area measuring almost two kilometres from end to end. Opposite them is the Hill Garden (Berggarten), which has developed into a botanical display garden of international standing; between 500 and 800 orchids in resplendent bloom can be admired there at any time of the year. The Welfengarten makes up the grounds of the University of Hanover, as the university now uses the castle at the garden's centre - Welfenschloss - as its main building.
Hannover Zoo
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Hanover Zoo in Hanover, Germany, is one of the most spectacular adventure zoos in Germany. About 2,000 animals from all over the world live in six Zoo Worlds that recreate their natural environment without visible barriers. Animal feedings and up to 8 shows per day, a free boat ride down the Sambezi river, jungle path, evolution trail, guided tours, a petting zoo and a huge adventure play ground for the little ones make for a fantastic day-trip.
Hours: March 1 - October 24, 2009 9am - 6pm. Starting October 25, 2009 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Entrance fees vary from season to season (winter, summer and winter-zoo). Summer prices are 19.50 € Adults, 13.50 € Children ages 3-17. Entrance fee includes Zambezi boat-ride, summer slides and up to 25 shows & feedings.
Marktkirche (The Church on the Marketplace)
[ source: Wikipedia ]
North German neo-gothicarchitectural style. The roof and the vaults of the naves were destroyed in an air raid in 1943 and rebuilt to the same plan in 1952. Even though it has been the church of the Lutheran bishop of Hanover since 1925 it is not called a cathedral.
Hours: 10am - 6pm.
The church is a Hallenkirche
(hall church
) which means that the sidenaves are as high as the middle nave. Above the three naves rises a monumental saddleback roof. The high western tower was a symbol for the power and the wealth of the citizens of the town.
The Red Thread
The Red Thread
is a floorline visitors’ guide of a different kind. The Red Thread is painted on the pavement, is 4200 metres long, and weaves its way through the inner city joining up 36 prime attractions. All you have to do is follow the Red Thread.
This do-it-yourself city tour is accompanied by an informative brochure which describes all of the interesting buildings and monuments you meet along the way, and is also full of interesting historical background. Furthermore the brochure describes a new "ExtraTour" which is a 45 minutes refreshing detour to the banks of Lake Maschsee.
The brochure costs 2.50 € and is available from the Tourist Information opposite the central railway station, and the Infocounter in the New Town Hall, Trammplatz 2.
Maschsee Lake
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Maschsee Lake is known far beyond the boundaries of the city and is definitely one of the most popular destinations in Hannover. This artificial lake, created between 1934 and 1936 in the flood meadows surrounding the River Leine, attracts lovers of water sports, walkers, cyclists, joggers and inline skaters.
The Maschsee Lake is perfect as a venue for regattas and other boat races, such as the annual Dragon Boat races, and many other types of water sports. In addition to sailing, rowing, taking a trip in a pedalo or windsurfing, you can also swim in the lake: the Maschsee outdoor swimming baths are on the south bank. And those who do not feel inclined to undertake water sports themselves can still cruise around the lake in the summer months on boats operated by Hannover’s public transport company, üstra.
One of the highlights of the summer festival season in Hannover is the Maschsee Lake Festival. All around the lake, over a million visitors each year are treated to performing arts for all ages, culinary delights, music and fireworks.
Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
[ source: Wikipedia ]
The Town Hall was built over a period of more than 100 years. The earliest part (from 1410) overlooks the Schmiedestrasse (Blacksmith Street); the later wing next to the market was erected on the foundations of a 13th century trade hall. The adjacent wing in the Koebelinger Strasse is called the Chemists' Wing
(Apothekenflügel
), because it was the location of the Town Hall's pharmacy. This wing was later rebuilt in Italian Romanesque style, after a citizen's action group led by a well known neo-Gothic architect, Conrad Wilhelm Hase, managed to save the entire building from demolition in 1844. Hase was subsequently commissioned to renovate the remaining wings in their original style of 1500, with its exceptional gothic gables and the ornamental frieze.
Amongst the portraits of the princes and coats-of-arms it features the Luderziehen
, a popular game from the Middle-Ages, a kind of Tug of War
with the opponents using just their little fingers instead of the rope (a similar game called Fingerhakeln is still a firm part of the south German folklore). This marvellous picture above the outer right arched window in the Schmiedestrasse can only be seen by following the red line
around the Old Town Hall.
Museum August Kestner
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Founded in 1889, the Museum August Kestner in Hannover is one of the most important museums in Lower Saxony. It is named after the German art collector August Kestner (1777-1853). The Egyptian collection documents art and culture in the country from the 4th century BC to Roman and Christian times. An extensive gallery of reliefs, sculptures, stelae, vessels, amulets, papyrus and burial objects shed light on the day-to-day life of the ancient Egyptians, including their religion, rituals and belief in the afterlife. The classical cultures of the Graeco-Roman Mediterranean and the Near East are also represented, and there is a section dedicated to applied art and design in Europe, which focuses on medieval manuscripts, textiles, bronzes, ivories and goldsmith's work. The coin collection meanwhile documents 2,500 years of monetary history.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm. Open Wednesday until 8pm.
Admission: 6 € Adults, free entrance on Fridays.
Marienburg Castle
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Most impressively, Marienburg Castle raises its distinctive silhouette over the South Western slope of the Marienberg, some 15 km north-westerly of Hildesheim and approx. 20 km south of Hanover. The castle with its many turrets dominates the rolling hills of the valley of the River Leine. The former summer residence of the Guelphs - once a birthday present from the Hanoverian King George V to his wife, Queen Mary - is considered one of the most important neo-Gothic historical buildings in Germany. A variety of different facades, turrets and the multitude of different roof shapes easily cast a spell on the visitor making them part of fairy tale life in a castle.
Today, you can have a comprehensive glimpse into the grand halls and historical rooms of the castle during a one-hour guided tour. The tour allows viewing the state and private rooms of the royal family. The elaborate interior design with historical furniture, paintings, rare and singular objects of arts impressively reawakens life at court during the end of the 19th century.
Hours: March 29 - November 1: open daily, guided tours 10:30am - 5pm. November and December open weekends only. Please note that the church chapel is closed most Saturdays due to weddings.
Admission: Adults 6.50 €, 13–16 years 5.50 €, 7-12 years 4.50 €, 3–6 years 3.50 €, 0–3 years free.
Bevern Castle
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Bevern Castle is one of the most significant buildings of the Weser renaissance. Satius von Münchausen created this castle and which was finished in 1612 after 9 years of construction. The castle has four connected wings with a square courtyard in the center and a surrounding moat along with a garden. Visitors access the castle via two bridges.
The architecture is unique for this region at this time period between the Reformation and Thirty Year War. Design influence can be found in the upper-Italian late gothic period as well as the early Dutch baroque style. Typical for buildings of this period are gazebos, decorated pediments and octagonal stairwells. Bevern Castle exhibits a very unique overall conception of the Weser renaissance style which is certainly worth visiting!
In the last years, the castle has been transformed into an event location with changing events and exhibitions. Guided tours are available on Sundays and Holidays at 3pm. Driving distance from Hannover: 45 miles (73km), 1 hr 15 min.
Related Sites
We collected some useful links related to Hannover. If you know a few more sites not listed here, or also know some insider tips or point of interests for this destination? Please share and submit your Germany travel tip. If approved it will be shown on this page!
- Homepage of Hannover: Hannover (official home page)
- Wikipedia: Hannover
More about the History of Hannover
Founded in medieval times on the south bank of the river Leine (the original name Honovere may be translated as "high bank", though this is debated), Hanover was a small village of ferrymen and fishermen that became a comparatively large town in the 13th century as a natural crossroads. In a time of relatively difficult overland travel, its position on the upper navigable reaches of the river favored it for increasing trade and growth. Connected to the Hanseatic League city of Bremerhaven (Bremerhaven vacation rentals | Bremerhaven travel guide) via the Leine river from its place near the southern edge of the wide central German plains to its north and situated north-west of the Harz mountains, it enjoyed a mountain skirting "crossroads" position in east-west land traffic by mule train. Hanover thus acted as a gateway to the Rhine, the Ruhr and Saar River valleys and their industrial areas to the southwest, for the plains regions both to its east and north, as well as overland traffic skirting the Hartz between the Low Countries and Saxony or Thuringia.
In 1883 from the city of Hanover, the Hanover district government was created and became active. The city was enlarged first in 1869, followed in 1882 by adding Königsworther Platz and the Welfengarten. In 1891 the municipalities of Herrenhausen, Hainholz, Vahrenwald were added. In 1907 the municipalities of Stöcken, Gutsbezirk Mecklenheide, Bothfeld, Klein-Buchholz, Groß-Buchholz, Kirchrode, Döhren and Wülfel were incorporated into Hanover.
Hanover was an important road junction and production center that was a target area of the Strategic bombing during World War II, including the Oil Campaign. Targets included the AFA (Stöcken), the Deurag-Nerag refinery (Misburg), the Continental plant (Vahrenwald), the United light metal works (VLW) in Ricklingen and Laatzen, and in Linden, the Hanover/Limmer rubber reclamation plant, the Hanomag factory, and NMH. Forced laborers were used from the Hannover-Misburg subcamp of the Neuengamme concentration camp. The residential areas were also targeted and more than 6,000 people were killed in the Allied bombing raids. More than 90% of the city center was destroyed in 88 bombing raids[6]. After the war, the Aegidienkirche was not rebuilt and its ruins were kept as a war memorial. Hanover was in the British zone of occupation of Germany after the war, and became part of the new state (Land) of Lower Saxony in 1946. Today the City of Hanover is a Vice-President City of Mayors for Peace, an international Mayoral organization mobilizing cities and citizens worldwide to abolish and eliminate nuclear weapons by the year 2020.
What makes this Live Like a German Hannover Travel Guide special...
This Hannover travel guide provides you with an overview of Hannover, Hannover pictures, and a local travel guide that suggests many special trips, unique activities, and vacation ideas, that you can't find in a typical Germany travel guide.
Some of this information is compiled from popular and well-known sources (e.g., such as Wikipedia, Wikitravel, and great pictures from Flickr). However, what makes this Germany travel guide special is that most of the travel suggestions and insider tips are provided by local residents, property owners, and our readers, who share and submit their travel tips with us. All submissions are then editorially reviewed to ensure high quality. All this information is logically organized within this destination guide to make it easy for you to find things quickly.
In addition, the Hannover destination guide features restaurant recommendations, restaurant reviews, where to go for grocery shopping, sports activities, getting around, cultural events and highlights, entertainment, and health related information - so you are informed for your travel to Germany, and you can learn about all the cool things you can do during your Germany vacation!
