Things to do in Hannover, the green city

Hannover is a city that often gets overlooked by tourists, but it has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a relaxing and diverse destination. Hannover is the capital of Lower Saxony, a state in northwestern Germany, and it has a rich history, culture, and nature. Whether you are interested in exploring the beautiful gardens, museums, and churches of the city, or you want to venture out to the nearby attractions, such as the Harz Mountains or the Steinhuder Meer, you will find something to suit your taste in Hannover.

In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to spend a day in Hannover, what the city is famous for, and why it is worth visiting. We will also provide you with some useful information on how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat in Hannover. Let’s get started!

Follow the red thread: A self-guided tour of Hannover’s sights

One of the best ways to get to know Hannover is to follow the Red Thread, a 4.2-kilometer line on the pavement that leads you to 36 of the most important sights in the city center. You can pick up a brochure with explanations and a map at the tourist information or download it online. The tour starts at the main train station and takes you through different areas and eras of Hannover’s history.

Some of the highlights along the way are:

• The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus): This impressive building was completed in 1913 and resembles a castle. It houses the city administration and four models of Hannover at different stages of its development. You can also take an elevator to the top of the dome and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
• The Market Church (Marktkirche): This Gothic church was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest and largest churches in Hannover. It has a 97-meter-high tower that dominates the skyline. Inside, you can admire the medieval altar, stained glass windows, and organ.
• The Opera House (Opernhaus): This neoclassical building was constructed in 1845 and is one of the most prestigious opera houses in Germany. It hosts performances of opera, ballet, musicals, and concerts. You can also take a guided tour of the interior and learn more about its history and architecture.
• The Aegidien Church (Aegidienkirche): This church was destroyed during World War II and was never rebuilt. It stands as a memorial for peace and reconciliation. In front of it, you can see a replica of the Hiroshima Peace Bell, which was donated by Japan in 1985.

Explore Hannover’s art and culture

If you are interested in art and culture, Hannover has a lot to offer. The city has more than 20 museums covering a variety of topics, including history, art, science, technology, sports, and more. Here are some of the most popular:

• The Sprengel Museum: This museum has an impressive collection of modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. It features works by artists such as Picasso, Klee, Kandinsky, Nolde, Munch, Warhol, Beuys, Richter, and many more. The museum also has temporary exhibitions and events.
• The Lower Saxony State Museum: This museum displays exhibits on natural history, archaeology, ethnology, and art. It has a dinosaur hall with skeletons and fossils, a gallery with paintings from the Middle Ages to the present day, a section with objects from ancient cultures around the world, and a vivarium with live animals.
• The Wilhelm Busch Museum: This museum is dedicated to Wilhelm Busch (1832-1908), one of Germany’s most famous humorists and cartoonists. He is best known for his stories of Max and Moritz, two mischievous boys who cause trouble with their pranks. The museum shows his drawings, paintings, poems, letters, and personal items.

Hannover is also a city that celebrates art and culture with various festivals throughout the year. Some of them are:

• The Maschsee Festival: This festival takes place every summer around the Maschsee lake. It offers music concerts, culinary specialties from different countries, boat rides, fireworks, and more.
• The International Fireworks Competition: This competition takes place every year from May to September at the Herrenhausen Gardens. Five teams from different countries present their spectacular fireworks shows accompanied by music.
• The Schützenfest: This festival is the largest marksmen’s funfair in the world. It takes place every year in July at the Schützenplatz. It features shooting competitions, carnival rides, food stalls, live music, and a parade.
• The Festival Theaterformen: This festival is one of the most important international theater festivals in Germany. It takes place every year in June at various venues in Hannover. It showcases contemporary theater productions from different countries and cultures.

Enjoy Hannover’s nature and greenery

Hannover is a city that prides itself on its greenery and nature. The city has more than 200 parks and gardens covering approximately 12 percent of its land area. These green spaces offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the most beautiful and popular:

• The Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten): This is the most famous and impressive garden complex in Hannover. It consists of four gardens that date back to the 17th century and feature baroque, English, and botanical styles. The gardens are home to fountains, sculptures, mazes, pavilions, greenhouses, and a museum. The gardens also host events such as concerts, theater performances, and fireworks competitions.
• The Eilenriede: This is the largest urban forest in Europe. It covers an area of 640 hectares and offers a natural oasis in the middle of the city. You can walk, bike, jog, or picnic in the forest. You can also visit the zoo, which is located within the forest and has more than 2,000 animals from different continents.
• The Maschsee: This is an artificial lake that was created in the 1930s as a flood control measure. It has become a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy activities such as sailing, rowing, swimming, or fishing on the lake. You can also relax on the shore or visit one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the lake.

How to get around, where to stay, and what to eat

Hannover is a city that is easy to navigate and enjoy. Here are some practical tips on how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat in Hannover:

• How to get around: As mentioned above, Hannover has a well-developed public transportation system that covers all parts of the city. You can buy tickets at machines or online. You can also use taxis or ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Free Now. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or use car-sharing services, such as Share Now or Sixt. However, be aware that parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas.
• Where to stay: Hannover has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. You can find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and more. Some of the best areas to stay in are the city center, where you can be close to the main attractions and the red thread; Linden, where you can experience the alternative and multicultural vibe; or List, where you can enjoy the greenery and elegance. You can also use online platforms, such as Booking.com or Airbnb, to find and book your accommodation.
• What to eat: Hannover has a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects its history and culture. You can find traditional dishes, such as sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and potato salad; regional specialties, such as Calenberger Pfannenschlag (a stew with pork, sausage, and vegetables), Lüttje Lage (a drink with beer and schnapps), or Welfenspeise (a dessert with custard and wine); or international cuisines, such as Turkish, Italian, Indian, or Vietnamese. You can also visit one of the many markets in the city, such as the Markthalle, which is a historic market hall with more than 50 stalls that offer fresh and local products.

Why you should visit Hannover

Hannover is a city that deserves more attention and appreciation from travelers. It is a city that combines history, culture, nature, and modernity in a unique and harmonious way. It is also a city that is easy to get around, where to stay, and what to eat. And it is a city that is close to other attractions in Lower Saxony or nearby states, such as Bremen, Hamburg, or Berlin.

If you are looking for a destination that will surprise you with its charm and diversity, Hannover is the place for you. You will discover the hidden gems of the green city and have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Don’t hesitate and book your trip to Hannover today!

Sources:

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187351-Activities-c56-Hannover_Lower_Saxony.html
• https://www.touristspy.com/23-best-things-to-do-in-hannover-germany/
• https://www.mywanderlust.pl/things-to-do-in-hannover-germany/