A Quick Overview
The Herrenhausen Gardens were originally created in the 17th century. Read up more on the fascinating history of the Gardens here…
The official owner of the Herrenhausen Gardens is the Foundation of Herrenhausen Gardens. However, it hasn’t always been so. Find more information here…
The entry fee for Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover, Germany is €8 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12 years old.
With its meticulously designed layouts, symmetrical patterns, and stunning fountains and sculptures, the Herrenhausen Gardens are a testament to the artistic and cultural legacy of Europe’s aristocracy.
Whether you are a lover of botany, history, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city, the Herrenhausen Gardens are a must-visit destination. Join us as we explore the rich history, design, and features of this enchanting garden, and discover the secrets of this baroque masterpiece.
About Hanover
Hanover is a city in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the banks of the River Leine. It is the capital and largest city of the state of Lower Saxony, as well as the administrative center of the Hanover Region. Hanover is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture, as well as its thriving economy and strong transportation links.
The city is home to many museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Hanover is also famous for hosting big events like CeBIT, one of the largest and most important trade fair’s for digital technology, or the Hanover Fair, where leading companies present their latest products and technologies. In addition, the city is home to several universities, making it an important center of education and research.
Herrenhausen Gardens – Early History
Hanover’s Herrenhausen Gardens have a rich history dating back to the 17th century. They were originally created by Ernst August, the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg in 1666, who wanted to have a palace and garden’s to match the grandeur of the other European courts. The Royal Garden, better known as the Great Garden, the most famous and most visited of the garden’s, was designed in the Baroque style, with a large central fountain, numerous statues, and symmetrical garden’s. The Baroque palace was also built at the same time in the center of the Royal Garden.
The Herrenhausen Gardens were expanded and embellished over the years by subsequent rulers of Hanover. His son, Georg Ludwig, who became King George I of Great Britain, continued to develop the Gardens, adding the Grotto and the Sea Monsters fountain. His grandson, King George II, created the Berggarten in 1750, a botanical garden which today is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers. His great-grandson, King George III, added the Georgengarten, a landscape garden, and the Welfengarten, a garden in the English landscape style.
Herrenhausen Gardens – From the 19th Century to Present Day
During the 19th century, the Gardens were opened to the public and became a popular destination for visitors. It was one of the most popular places for walks, socializing and enjoying the outdoors. However, during World War II, the palace and much of the Gardens were destroyed.
After the war, the city of Hanover started the reconstruction of the palace, and the gardens started to be restored in the 1960s. Today the Herrenhausen Palace, which is an exhibition center and congress center, and the Gardens have been restored to their former glory and are once again open to the public.
Additional Information: The Herrenhausen Gardens were the first German garden to be included in the European Garden Heritage Network, which recognizes significant gardens and parks throughout Europe.
In recent years, Hanover’s Herrenhausen Gardens have become famous for the annual Festival of Lights, which sees the palace and Gardens illuminated with colorful and imaginative light displays. The Festival is one of the most popular events in Hanover, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The Herrenhausen Gardens are a beautiful and historic attraction, with a rich history and cultural significance. They continue to be a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, showcasing the beauty of Hanover’s past and present.
Ownership
The Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover, Germany, were originally created in the 17th century by the House of Welf, a German noble family. Over the centuries, the gardens passed through the hands of various owners until they were acquired by the city of Hannover in 1866.
Today, the official owner of the Herrenhausen Gardens is the Foundation of Herrenhausen Gardens, which was established in 2011 to manage and maintain the gardens. The foundation is overseen by a board of trustees, which includes representatives from the city of Hannover, the state of Lower Saxony, and the House of Welf.
Additional Information: The Great Garden was originally designed to rival the gardens of Versailles in France, and its symmetrical layout was meant to demonstrate the power and prestige of the Electors of Hanover.
The foundation’s mission is to preserve and develop the Herrenhausen Gardens as a cultural and scientific site, and to ensure that they continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
This involves maintaining the gardens’ historic features, such as the fountains, sculptures, and buildings, as well as introducing new elements and exhibitions that showcase the latest developments in horticulture and garden design.
General Information on the Gardens
The Herrenhausen Gardens are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when they are closed. Admission fees for the gardens are €8 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12 years old. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee.
In addition to the gardens, Herrenhausen also features several historic buildings, including the Herrenhausen Palace, the Orangery, and the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen. These buildings are open to visitors for guided tours and special events throughout the year.
The Most Important Features of the Gardens
Here are some of the most important parts and features of the Gardens:
- The Great/Royal Garden: This is the centerpiece of the Herrenhausen Gardens and covers an area of over 50 hectares. It features a symmetrical layout with geometric patterns, fountains, and sculptures. The Grand Fountain at the center of the garden is one of the largest baroque fountains in Europe.
- The Berggarten: This is a botanical garden located adjacent to the Great Garden. It features a large collection of plants from all over the world, including rare and exotic species. The Berggarten also houses several greenhouses, including the Orchid House, the Cactus House, and the Tropical House.
- The Grotto: This is a large artificial cave located in the Great Garden. It houses a water-powered fountain that is activated by a hydraulic system.
Additional Information: The Grotto, a large artificial cave in the Great Garden, was designed to look like a natural formation and houses a water-powered fountain that is over 300 years old.
- The Gallery Building: This is a baroque-style building located in the Great Garden. It was originally built as a place for Elector Ernst August and his family to enjoy music and entertainment.
- The Herrenhausen Palace: This is a baroque-style palace located near the Great Garden. It was originally built in the 17th century, but was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1950s. Today, it is used for cultural and scientific events.
- The Maze: This is a large hedge maze located in the Great Garden. It was originally created in the 17th century and is still a popular attraction today.
- The Fountain Theater: This is an open-air theater located in the Great Garden. It features a large fountain as its centerpiece and is used for concerts, plays, and other performances.
When Should You Visit Herrenhausen Gardens?
The best time to visit Hanover’s Herrenhausen Gardens depends on what you are hoping to see and do during your visit. Each season offers its own unique charm and experiences.
Spring is the perfect time to see the gardens come to life, with a wide variety of bulbs, shrubs, and trees in bloom. The Berggarten, the botanical garden, is particularly beautiful during this time, with many different types of flowers on display. The Festival of Blossoms is held in April and early May every year, offering visitors a special experience with thousands of tulips in many colors.
During summer, the weather is warm and pleasant. The Royal Garden and the Georgengarten are both perfect for picnics and lounging, while the Berggarten is perfect for those who want to see a wide variety of plants and flowers. The Welfengarten is also a great place to relax, with a lawn area perfect for sunbathing.
Additional Information: The Herrenhausen Gardens have hosted several prestigious events over the years, including the International Garden Show and the World Equestrian Festival.
If you visit Hanover’s Herrenhausen Gardens in autumn, you will see the trees changing colors and the air becoming crisp. This is a good time to appreciate the beauty of the gardens as the leaves change colors and the weather becomes milder. Additionally, The Festival of Lights, held annually in autumn, provides a beautiful display of colorful and imaginative light displays that illuminate the gardens and palace.
Winter is also a great time to visit the gardens, as the gardens are decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, creating a magical atmosphere. The Great Garden’s central fountain is transformed into an ice rink in winter, which is a fun and unique experience for visitors. Additionally, many exhibitions and concerts are held in the palace during the winter months, adding to the winter charm of the gardens.
A Brief Recap
As you have gathered by now, Herrenhausen Gardens offer beautiful experiences and a lot to see all year round, so depending on what you’re looking for, any time can be the best time to visit. It’s, however, always recommendable to check the schedule of events and exhibitions on their website before planning a visit to make the most out of your trip.
FAQ – Herrenhausen Gardens
The Herrenhausen Gardens are located in Hanover, Germany. Hanover is the capital of the state of Lower Saxony, which in turn is located in the northern part of the country.
Depending on your goal and preferences, any time of the year is fine, but you should always check the event’s calendar on the official website to see if there are any exhibitions or events of particular interest for you.
The Festival of Blossoms, held in April and May and the Festival of Light, which is always held in autumn.
