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Leisure & culture

Destinations in lower saxony.

Discover Lower Saxony's numerous cultural landscapes and cultural regions.

In urban and rural areas, you will find seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread throughout the state, as well as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea on the North Sea coast.

Heideblüte in der Lüneburger Heide

JUST 88 KM FROM HANNOVER

Lüneburg Heath

The vast and peaceful Lüneburg Heath: At one with nature - touring the heath by bike or on foot.

Strandkoerbe am Strand von Wangerooge

JUST 224 KM FROM HANNOVER

A short trip just above sea level: Lower Saxony’s island coast - rippling waves in the Wadden Sea.

Gondeln / Liebesbankweg

JUST 87 KM FROM HANNOVER

Harz Mountains

Local recreation area in Lower Saxony: Hiking and wellness: a short trip to the Harz Mountains...

Marktplatz von Goslar

7 WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN ONE STATE

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Major attractions and over 1000 years of history - just a few kilometres from Hannover.

Boote am Steinhuder Meer

LOWER SAXONY'S CENTER

Hannover Holiday Region

Recreation in and around Hannover - within just a few kilometres.

Jagdschloss Springe

Just 21 KM from Hannover

Calenberger Land

For the love of nature: Historical gems and wild animals amongst rolling hills.

Weser im Kreis Höxter

JUST 46 KM FROM HANNOVER

Weserbergland

Heading for the hills: Lower Saxony’s waterways, bike paths and motorcycle routes.

Hildesheimer Dom

JUST 30 KM FROM HANNOVER

World Heritage Site with churches and cultural monuments - just 30 km from Hannover.

Altstadtmarkt

Just 70 km away from Hannover

Braunschweig / Wolfsburg / Wolfenbüttel

Discover the region around Braunschweig, Wolfsburg und Wolfenbüttel - just 70 km away from Hannover.

Göttingen_Paulinerstraße

JUST 120 KM FROM HANNOVER

Charming university city between tradition and modernity - just 120 km from Hannover.

Römerkohorte beim Exerzieren während der Römer- und Germanentagen

JUST 112 KM FROM HANNOVER

The Osnabrück Region

The Osnabrück region offers everything needed for a great active holiday: from Romans to dinosaurs -...

Oldenburger Münsterland (Dümmerland)

JUST 108 KM FROM HANNOVER

Oldenburger Münsterland

Active holidays in Oldenburger Münsterland: Between moors and rivers - fun on and by the water

Jagdschloss Clemenswerth

JUST 158 KM FROM HANNOVER

Where bike routes and cruise ships entice: Cycling by the moors along the Ems.

Schloss Bückeburg

JUST 49 KM FROM HANNOVER

The Schaumburg Region

Impressive landscapes and a fascinating past: a region of inspiration and history - castles,...

Aalschocker

JUST 60 KM FROM HANNOVER

Middle Weser

The Middle Weser region: a delight for cyclists and asparagus lovers.

Bad Bentheim

JUST 181 KM FROM HANNOVER

Grafschaft Bentheim

Culture and landscape worth experiencing: the GEO region - perfect for getting to know people and...

PlanetWare.com

18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Hanover

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The historic city of Hanover (Hannover) is situated on the River Leine and is the capital city of the Land of Lower Saxony. An important commercial center with a university and academies of music and drama, it's certainly one of the best places to visit in Germany for those seeking a fun and authentic urban experience.

Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover

It's also an important trade fair and festival center, noted for such events as Oktoberfest Hannover , one of the largest such celebrations in the world. Another important event is the Hanover Schützenfest , the world's largest traditional "marksmen" fair and so named for its target-shooting competition.

Hanover has also earned a reputation as an important cultural center and boasts numerous world-class museums, galleries, and theaters.

Its extensive parks and gardens justify Hanover's claim to be "the city in the country," and make it an ideal destination to explore on foot. Stroll along the banks of the Mittelland Canal , the country's most significant man-made waterway, which is connected to the many top tourist attractions in the city's Old Town (Altstadt) and Kröpcke center square areas via numerous footpaths.

Learn more about the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hanover, Germany.

See also: Where to Stay in Hanover

1. Start Your Hanover Adventure in Herrenhausen Gardens

2. indulge your green thumb at the berggarten botanic gardens, 3. take a stroll through the marktplatz and see the marktkirche, 4. climb the new town hall's tower, 5. take in a performance at the state opera of hanover, 6. get artsy at the sprengel museum, 7. hanover's old town and leine palace, 8. the ballhof and ballhofplatz, 9. explore the region's history at the lower saxony state museum, 10. enjoy a paddle on the maschsee, 11. see napoleon's caricatures at the wilhelm busch museum, 12. take the kids to hanover adventure zoo, 13. eilenriede: hanover's "green lungs", 14. hannover museum of history, 15. see the rare artworks at museum august kestner, 16. visit the ruins of aegidienkirche, 17. take a drive to aviation museum hannover-laatzen, 18. see the marine life at sea life hannover, where to stay in hanover for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hanover.

Herrenhausen Gardens

Hanover's magnificent royal gardens, Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten) is really a number of great attractions in one. It encompasses both the Welfengarten and Georgengarten, two beautiful English-style parks, and the Berggarten , a botanic garden featuring orchid, palm, and cactus houses.

It's also here that you'll find the Grosser Garten (Great Garden). Dating from 1666, it's considered the best-preserved example of an Early Baroque garden in Germany and features beautiful cascades, fountains, an orangery, and even a garden theater. At the north end of Herrenhausen stands the Mausoleum, which was built in 1846 for King Ernest Augustus and Queen Friederike, and contains the tomb of George I of Britain.

Also of note is the recently rebuilt Herrenhausen Palace . Built in 1640 and once a royal summer home, this impressive mansion was completely destroyed in WW2, only to be completely rebuilt in 2012. Today it houses the Schloss Herrenhausen Museum with its many fascinating displays of original artifacts and documents related to the city's rich Baroque era. There's also a bookshop on-site, along with a café.

One of the top things to do in Hanover at night is to participate in one of Herrenhausen Gardens' "glowing gardens" events. Held throughout the summer, these evening strolls take place against a backdrop of spectacular illuminations that kick off at the famous sundial at sunset. Along the way, you'll be accompanied by classic Baroque music, and have the chance to purchase and release your own paper lantern.

The garden also serves as the backdrop to an annual firework competition. This popular event draws entrants from around the world lighting up the evening sky with spectacular performances May through September.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419 Hannover, Germany

Berggarten Botanic Gardens

While located within the grounds of Herrenhausen Gardens, there's enough to see in the beautiful Berggarten (translated as "Mountain Garden") to warrant a visit of its own. Able to trace its roots all the way back to the early 17th century when it was established as a kitchen and herb garden, this popular botanical garden is open year-round and is a must-visit whether you consider yourself a plant lover or not. You'll find a mix of outdoor and indoor plants here.

It's fun to wander in and out of the four large greenhouses used to house the many different species in the Berggarten collection. All told some 20,000 plants representing over 3,000 species can be seen, representing the tropics and subtropical flora from the Canary Islands.

The star of this green attraction, though, is the splendid Orchid House, said to be the largest such collection of orchids in all of Europe . You'll have a chance to see at least some of the 800 plants in bloom here.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, Hannover, Germany

Marktplatz and the Marktkirche

Hanover's lovely marketplace, the Marktplatz, is located in the center of the historic Old Town (Altstadt), and is a great place to explore once you've seen Herrenhausen Gardens. It's here you'll find many of the city's most important buildings.

One of the most notable of these lovely structures is the 15th-century Late Gothic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This attractive old building is home to a number of interesting small shops and galleries and is where you'll find the graceful Neo-Gothic Market Fountain, built in 1881.

The other important tourist attraction here is the brick-built Marktkirche or Market Church. With its impressive 97-meter-high tower, the church stands testament to the city's former importance as a royal city. Dating from the 14th century, notable interior features include a splendid 15th-century bronze font and a wood-carved altar dating from 1480.

Leading from the Marktplatz is Kramerstrasse , which still preserves something of the atmosphere of old Hanover with its many handsome half-timbered houses.

Address: Hanns-Lilje-Platz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

The New Town Hall

In Hanover's Trammplatz stands the majestic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Built between 1901-13 in the style of the Wilhelmine period, this palace-like structure is sometimes also referred to as the New City Hall. It's one of Hanover's most interesting structures as it's built entirely on a foundation of 6,026 beech piles and crowned with a domed tower, which stands almost 98 meters high and dominates the city's skyline.

Be sure to allow a little extra time to climb the dome. From its viewing platform, which is accessed by a unique elevator that lifts passengers at an angle, you'll be treated to some of the best views over the city.

Also of interest are models of the city that show its growth and development over the centuries, and the Hodler Room has a huge painting called The Oath of Loyalty , dating from 1913. English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Trammplatz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

State Opera of Hanover

For culture lovers, one of the top things to do in Hanover is to take in a professional operatic performance. For these, you'll want to visit the Neoclassical Hanover Opera House.

Also referred to as the State Opera of Hanover , it's set along the elegant Georgstrasse and is the perfect spot to indulge your artistic leanings. This elegant building was constructed in 1852 and is now home to the city's professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover.

Thanks to recent renovations, including improved acoustics, this stunning building offers a first-rate experience for opera fans during its season, which runs from September to June. Other notable events such as ballet performances are also scheduled throughout the year.

Address: Opernplatz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Sprengel Museum

Home to one of Germany's most important collections of modern art, the architecturally attractive Sprengel Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Founded in 1979 and containing both private and state-owned collections, the gallery is known for its numerous works by local artist Kurt Schwitters, as well as from other notable artists such as Max Ernst, Picasso, and Paul Klee, among others.

The museum is also home to a collection donated by well-known artist Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as a fascinating large metal sculpture by Alexander Calder. In addition to its regular roster of visiting art exhibits, educational programs and workshops are also offered. English-language guided tours are also available and can be tailored to your specific interests.

An on-site bookshop offers a variety of related publications, including some in English, while those conducting research or wanting to learn more about the artists whose work is featured can visit the museum library.

And even if art's not your thing, the museum's bell'ARTE restaurant and café is worth a visit for its large riverside terrace. This award-winning eatery has been a leader of Hanover's dining scene for over 20 years (opt for the "year-round" garden seating if available).

Address: Kurt-Schwitters-Platz 1, 30169 Hanover, Germany

Leineschloss

Hanover's Old Town (Altstadt) area is pleasant to explore on foot. It's here you'll find the attractive Leine Palace (Leineschloss), the state parliament building. Constructed in the 17th century on the banks of the river after which it's named, this former royal residence of Duke George von Calenberg was later altered in Neoclassical style between 1817 and 1842.

For those interested in exploring more of these charming timber-framed houses, the little town of Celle , about 40 kilometers northeast of Hanover on the banks of the River Aller, boasts more than 400 half-timbered homes in its quaint old town and makes for an easy day trip.

Address: Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Ballhofplatz in Hanover

Also located in the Old Town, you'll find Hanover's finest half-timbered building, the Ballhof . Built between 1649 and 1665 for the then-fashionable games of battledore and shuttlecock, as well as for musical concerts, it's well worth adding to your list of must-see historic sites in Hanover.

Now home to the Lower Saxony State Theater, it's still a popular venue for music events including pop and jazz concerts, as well as operatic performances.

Just a five-minute walk away across the river is the New Town Church , or Neustädter Kirche. This 17th-century structure houses the tomb of the famous German philosopher GW Leibniz, who was buried here in 1716.

Address: Knochenhauerstraße 28, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Lower Saxony State Museum

The Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover), located opposite the New Town Hall, houses many important collections of antiquities. The most popular is the State Gallery (Landesgalerie) with its collection of European art from the Middle Ages period right up to the 20th century.

In addition to major works by the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens, there's a sizeable collection of German Old Masters and Impressionist works. Also of note are its archaeological and ethnological collections, among Germany's oldest and boasting more than 20,000 artifacts, as well as numerous species of fish and reptiles.

Be sure to also check out the Fürstenhaus Herrenhausen-Museum . Set in a fine old building dating from the 1700s, it's notable for its collections of period artwork, sculptures, and furniture.

Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, 30169 Hannover, Germany

The Maschsee

The Maschsee is an impressive artificial lake situated in the very heart of Hanover that serves as a popular focal point for a variety of activities and leisure pursuits. Completed in 1936, it extends 2.4 kilometers and is up to 530 meters wide in places.

It's the city's largest and busiest sports and recreation area, and is especially popular among boaters, whether the vessel of choice is a sailboat, paddleboat, kayak, or powered vessel. It's also popular with swimmers drawn by the chance to sunbathe on Maschsee Beach. The lake is also circled by many excellent pathways and is the perfect place for a stroll or picnic.

If you're in Hanover during the summer months, be sure to consider visiting the Maschseefes Lake Festival. This huge festival includes music, food, and fireworks and attracts upwards of two million attendees each year. Another fun thing to do is to seek out the many interesting sculptures dotted around the lake, especially at night when they're lit up.

On the west side of the lake is the Niedersachsen-Stadion stadium, built in 1954 on mounds of rubble from buildings destroyed in the war. Another pleasant area for a stroll is Herrenhäuser Allee , laid out in 1726 and including many attractive historic buildings.

Wilhelm Busch Museum

The Wilhelm Busch Museum (Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst Wilhelm Busch) in Hanover covers the life and times of the famous poet and designer after which it's named. Founded in 1937, the museum is housed in the attractive 18th-century "Georgenpalais" in Herrenhausen Gardens.

Along with permanent displays of caricatures and comic art, the museum is home to the world's largest collection of Busch's work. A particular highlight is a unique collection of more than 700 caricatures of Napoleon, as well as examples of satirical art dating back some four centuries.

In addition to regular visiting exhibits, the museum hosts educational workshops, music concerts, literary and culinary events, as well as programs geared toward children.

Address: Georgengarten, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Hanover Adventure Zoo

Established in 1865 on the edge of Eilenriede park, Hanover Adventure Zoo (Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover) is the fifth oldest zoological park in Germany. It is successfully remodeled along the lines of a theme park, and today an estimated 1.5 million people visit the attraction's 3,400-plus animals each year.

Highlights include areas such as the seasonal Winter Zoo with its Christmas themes and activities, as well as the kids' area, Mullewapp, with its popular petting zoo and rides. Other zoo attractions include the fascinating Meyer's Farm, where you can explore authentic, 19th-century Lower Saxony half-timbered structures, and the Disney-like Zambezi River boat ride through the open cages of animals such as rhinos and elephants.

Be sure to check the zoo's website for news of special events and scheduled feeding times.

Address: Adenauerallee 3, 30175 Hanover, Germany

Windmill in Hermann Löns Park

Located on the east side of Hanover, the beautiful municipal forest of Eilenriede is an area of outstanding natural beauty, which covers some 1,600 acres of land. This huge recreation area, one of the largest inner-city forests in all of Europe, contains numerous footpaths and bridle paths just waiting to be explored, along with playing fields and open spaces for relaxation.

Fun things to do here include visiting Hanover Adventure Zoo, hiking and biking its extensive network of trails, enjoying a forest-top trekking experience... or sunbathing. There's also a large playground for the kids, as well as a good cafe with plenty of outdoor seating.

Often referred to as the city's "Grüne Lunge," or "green lung," it's a wonderful place to spend time when visiting Hanover, as is Hermann Löns Park , a beautiful landscaped park with an old windmill. Adjoining it is the Tiergarten , laid out in 1679 as a hunting park, with old trees and an abundance of wildlife, including some 200 red deer, wild horses, and wild pigs.

Address: Niemcy, Hohenzollernstraße 28, 30161 Hannover, Germany

Hannover Museum of History

A must-visit for those wanting to learn more about this once-royal city, the Hannover Museum of History (Historisches Museum Hannover) can easily be tackled in a visit of two or three hours.

Set in one of the city's oldest buildings complete with a fortified tower, the museum provides a fascinating insight into some 900-plus years of local history, from its earliest recorded events at the turn of the 12th century right up to today.

Highlights include displays explaining the city's ties to the British Royal Family, as well as exhibits of cultural and religious artifacts. Be sure to check out the four elegant horse-drawn coaches that once belonged to royalty, as well as period outfits and weaponry. Plan your visit for a Friday, and you'll be rewarded with free admission.

Address: Pferdestraße 6, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Kestner Museum exterior

The modern-looking concrete and glass Kestner Museum (Museum August Kestner) in Hanover is of interest for its rare collection of applied and decorative arts. Some of these artworks date back over 6,000 years and were collected by the museum's namesake during his time as an official in Rome during the mid-19th century.

Highlights of its impressive collections include art-related antiquities from the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman periods. Established in 1889 and the city's oldest museum, it also holds large collections of local antiquities, coins, and handicrafts, many dating back to medieval times.

Other important artworks can be enjoyed at the Kestnergesellschaft , an interesting art gallery noted for its many modern art collections and exhibits.

Address: Trammplatz 3, 30159 Hanover, Germany

Aegidienkirche

One of the few war-damaged buildings in Hanover never to have been restored, and one of three important churches located in the city's Old Town, Aegidienkirche was instead left in ruins as a war memorial. Built in 1347, the ruins reveal enough to show it must have been a beautiful structure to look at in its heyday, and in many ways, it still is.

Destroyed in an Allied air raid in 1943, along with many other landmarks in the Old Town, it has since been the recipient of notable sculptures, which together with some of the surviving Baroque features, make for a very sobering reminder of the destructive nature of war. A bell from another war-ravished city, Hiroshima, was added in 1985.

Address: 1, Aegidienkirchhof, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Aviation Museum Hannover-Laatzen

Take an easy 20-minute drive south of Hanover, and you'll find yourself in the town of Laatzen. This popular destination for tourists is home to Aviation Museum Hannover .

Here, you'll find an impressive collection of 36 fully-restored aircraft, including rare examples of military aircraft from World Wars I and II. You'll want to check out the rival British Spitfire and German Messerschmitt 109 machines from the 1940s.

These static displays are augmented by realistic models, many hanging from the ceiling as part of interesting dioramas. In addition, there are some 30 or so engines on display, including both jet and piston variants, all of which provide a fascinating insight into the workings of these marvelous machines.

The museum also has a rich catalog of related artifacts including clothing, documents, and vehicles. All displays carry English-language information, and English-language guided tours are also available.

Address: Ulmer Str. 2, 30880 Laatzen, Germany

SEA LIFE Hannover

One of the top family attractions in the city, SEA LIFE Hannover is a fun way to spend a few hours with the kids. Covering marine species from as close as the city's own Leine River to faraway tropical destinations such as the Caribbean, the museum offers plenty of opportunities to get close-up views of some of the 3,500 sea creatures that call the attraction home.

In its 37 pools and tanks are such fascinating species as Cuban crocodiles, stingrays, octopuses, and sharks, along with a wide array of tropical fish and turtles. Some of the best viewing experiences can be enjoyed while walking the long glass tunnel under the site's largest pool.

Feeding sessions can be watched, and educational "ranger talks" in the rainforest section are also worth joining.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4A, 30419 Hannover, Germany

Hanover's Old Town, where many of its historic buildings are located, is not crowded with hotels. But there's a good selection within a reasonable walking distance, and others can be found on the city's excellent transit system. The main train station, Hauptbahnhof, is close to the Old Town, as is the park-ringed Maschteich lake, so either is a convenient location. Here are some highly rated hotels in Hanover:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Mercure Hotel Hannover City has stylishly decorated rooms, some overlooking the park beside new City Hall, and is within a 10-minute walk of the Hauptbahnhof and Old Town shopping streets.
  • Right next to the train station, on a shopping street, Kastens Hotel Luisenhof has a gym on the top floor.
  • The nearby Grand Hotel Mussmann , also an easy walk from restaurants, the opera house, and the historical museum, includes free breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Near the new City Hall, State Museum, and Kestner Museum, the top-ranked DORMERO Hotel Hannover has high-tech rooms, free wireless, and a gym.
  • Overlooking the market square in the Old Town, Concorde am Leineschloss Hotel is surprisingly quiet and has a good choice of restaurants close by.
  • In the Old Town and close to the City Hall, Arthotel ANA Prestige Hannover offers discounted parking nearby.

Budget Hotels:

  • Next door to the bus station, just a few steps from the train station and close to the top Old Town attractions, Ibis Budget Hannover Hauptbahnhof has basic rooms with free Wi-Fi.
  • In a quiet neighborhood halfway between the Hauptbahnhof and the zoo, the family-run Hotel Flora has old-fashioned rooms, some with balconies, and all only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town center.
  • Some distance north of the Old Town but on a direct tram line, Ibis Hannover City has free Wi-Fi and inexpensive on-site parking.

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Explore Northern Germany : Hanover's location makes it the perfect base from which to explore the northern part of the country. From here, you can hop aboard a train, and two hours later you'll be exploring the huge port of Hamburg , the 'gateway to Germany', and a great choice for its many maritime attractions, such as the International Maritime Museum. The city of Bremen is closer still, just an hour away by train. Here, you should begin your adventure by exploring the city's historic Marktplatz with its old Town Hall and statue of Germany's most famous knight, Roland. And although a little farther than Hamburg, the beautiful town of Schwerin is a must-visit for its magnificent palace and other well-preserved 18th-century buildings.

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Something Beginning with "B" : The beautiful town of Baden-Baden is the perfect place for those seeking a romantic getaway. Everywhere you turn, you'll find elegant spas and delightful public baths, all fed by the thermal waters that have for centuries made the town popular with royalty and tourists alike. The old university town of Bamberg is equally pleasant and offers visitors a chance to explore some of Germany's most exquisite old churches. Brandenburg is another romantic small town worth exploring, as popular for its 12th-century cathedral and well-preserved old town walls as it is for its many fine shopping and dining experiences.

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Germany Travel Ideas : If you're looking for some outdoor fun when it comes to vacationing in Germany, you're in luck. This large European country features everything from the superb hiking and biking experiences in beautiful Bavaria to the endless water-based activities available on lovely Lake Constance . Real adventurers, though, should explore the multitude of things to do in the mountainous Garmisch-Partenkirchen region , as popular with winter sports enthusiasts as it is with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

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Attractions and Places To See around Hannover - Top 10 | Komoot

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The Top 10 Attractions around Hannover

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Am Surfstrand Mardorf

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Radweg am Steinhuder Meer

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Especially on the sometimes narrow because of the moor on the opposite traffic pay attention 😊 it will be a nice tour and you can really enjoy the nature

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Westufer Maschsee

In the middle of the city and yet the perfect recreation area. The Maschsee is ideal for swimming, water sports or a leisurely stroll, cycling, inline skating or running. The … read more

Annaturm im Deister

Hiking Highlight

Cozy beer garden (with fair prices); great view from the Anna Tower (free admission)

Die Leine in Döhren

With a little luck you can watch kingfishers from the bridge. Pay attention to a bright sharp "Thiiiet" and look up the blue-sparkling diamond splinters ...

Blick zur Insel Wilhelmstein und nach Steinhude

To circle the lake on the excellent trails is really fun. Driving through fields, woods and meadows; and again and again through the moorland.

Leinebrücke am Maschsee

Vogelbiotop am meerbruch.

Now that's a luxury bicycle parking lot!

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Steg Mardorf

Here it is worthwhile to take a break and let your mind wander. The view from the jetty is breathtakingly beautiful. ⛵

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Discover the most popular attractions around hannover.

Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

  • Ahltener Wald
  • Barsinghausen
  • Brelinger Berge
  • Helstorfer Moor
  • Langenhagen
  • Natural Park Saupark
  • Großer Wülfler u. Detmarscher Teich
  • Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen
  • Schilfbruch
  • Bockmerholz
  • Staatsforst Kananohe
  • Burgdorfer Holz
  • Bockmerholz, Gaim
  • Lake Steinhude
  • Altwarmbüchener Moor
  • Neustadt am Rübenberge
  • Wennigsen (Deister)
  • Eilenriede-Nord
  • Bissendorfer Moor
  • Gestorfer Lößhügel
  • Hämeler Forest
  • Benther Berg
  • Altwarmbüchener Lake
  • Otternhagener Moor
  • Gehrdener Berg
  • Laubwälder Südlich Seelze
  • Großer Hemminger Teich

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

  • Lüneburg Heath
  • Weser Uplands
  • Hameln-Pyrmont
  • Wolfenbüttel
  • Holzminden District
  • Naturpark Wildeshauser Geest
  • Grafschaft Bentheim
  • East Frisia
  • Wurster Nordseeküste
  • Hechthausen
  • Cloppenburg
  • Wesermarsch
  • Braunschweig
  • Middle Weser
  • Hagen im Bremischen
  • Mittelstenahe
  • Ihlienworth
  • Neuhaus (Oste)
  • Delmenhorst
  • Wingster Wald
  • Ahlen-Falkenberger Moor, Halemer/Dahlemer See
  • Holzurburg am Bederkesaer Lake
  • Bederkesaer Lake
  • Flögelner Lake
  • Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich
  • Balksee und Randmoore/ Basmoor und Nordahner Holz
  • Dahlemer Lake

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

Lower Saxony’s capital is a university city and economic centre that was once the seat of an Imperial Electorate. The royal line, the House of Hanover, gave the United Kingdom three kings, and also gave this city some splendid properties like the Herrenhäuser Gardens. That mosaic of regal parks and palaces is still Hanover’s big historical attraction.

The Eilenriede park in the middle of Hanover is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, while also in the centre is the Maschsee, a man-made lake with green banks where a big festival takes place in August. The Maschseefest is just one of many major events that unfold in Hanover in summer, from the Spring Festival to an International Fireworks Competition.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hanover :

1. Herrenhäuser Gardens

Herrenhäuser Gardens

The pride of Hanover is a chain of gardens from the days of the Imperial Electors and Kings of Hanover.

The show-stopper is the Great Garden, in a Baroque French style laid out by Electress Sophia of Hanover in the 17th century.

The 50-hectare garden is fronted by a palace and enriched with sculptures, fountains, a box-hedge maze, an orangery and dainty broderies.

The orangery is a stately backdrop for classical concerts, and Sophia’s garden theatre also stages plays and music performances in summer.

That palace was almost obliterated in the war and has only been restored in the last few years.

Since 2013 it has hosted three exhibition rooms for the Hanover Historical Museum, recounting the design of the gardens and the distinguished personalities from Hanover’s past like Wilhelm Leibniz.

2. Berggarten

Berggarten

Another of the Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Berggarten (Mountain Garden) warrants a separate entry in the list.

It was started as a herb and kitchen garden for the palace, but Electress Sophia picked the Berggarten as a space to grow exotic plants.

An early greenhouse was built in the park in 1686 supporting crops like tobacco and mulberry trees.

Nowadays the park is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens, growing 20,000 plants from 3,000 species.

There are four greenhouses, for tropical plants, cactuses and the subtropical flora of the Canary Islands.

But the main event is the Orchid House, which has Europe’s largest orchid collection, made up of up to 800 plants from 300 species, blooming against deep tropical foliage.

3. Georgengarten

Georgengarten

In the 1810s King George III bought an estate to the east of the Great Garden.

The property’s name was changed from the Wallmodenschloss to the Georgenpalais, and the park was renamed Georgengarten.

On a long, slender plot the gardens are in the English style with rambling lawns and groves of mature trees.

Running straight through the park from end to end is the Herrenhäuser Allee, a regal, two-kilometre lime-flanked avenue.

See if you can track down the temple erected in honour the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

This dates from the end of the 1780s and was originally at Hanover’s parade grounds, now Waterlooplatz, before being relocated to Georgengarten.

And today the beautiful Georgenpalais houses the Wilhelm Busch museum, which we’ll talk about later.

4. Lower Saxony State Museum

Lower Saxony State Museum

With four very different departments exhibiting fine arts, archaeology, natural history and ethnology, you could say that this museum has a bit of everything.

The Renaissance and Baroque galleries are bolstered by names like Albrecht Dürer, Rubens and Rembrandt, but also a fine collection of 19th-century art by Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Impressionists such as Max Liebermann.

Don’t neglect the other departments through, where you’ll come across Bronze Age jewellery, and mummified human remains from Lower Saxony’s moorlands in archaeology.

There are models of dinosaurs and an aquarium in the natural history department, and some 20,000 pieces of traditional art collected from Oceania, Africa, America and across Asia in the ethnology department.

5. Sprengel Museum

Sprengel Museum

Displaying a real who’s who of modern art in Germany, the Sprengel Museum is a cultural attraction that needs to be on your agenda.

The museum was founded in 1979 a decade after the chocolate manufacturer Bernhard Sprengel donated his modern art collection to the city.

This has been bolstered by Lower Saxony’s own art collections and subsequent private donations to stand as a world-class survey of 20th-century art.

Both Expressionist groups, Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter are here, as well as pieces by Picasso, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Max Beckmann, Emil Nolde and Fernand Léger.

The museum also traces the major trends in art after 1945 and has works by kinetic sculptor Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Capitalist Realist artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke.

6. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

New Town Hall

Hanover’s resplendent New Town Hall was built at the start of the 20th in a theatrical Historicist style.

With its soaring dome reaching, towers and location in front of the Maschteich pond, the New Town Hall looks more like a palace than a civic building.

Large parts of the interior are open to the public for tours.

Under the dome are four scale models showing Hanover at different stages in its history.

The model that shows the extent of the destruction in the Second World War is an eye-opener.

You’ll be led from hall to hall, and the Hodler Hall is unforgettable for its large mural by the Swiss Symbolist Ferdinand Hodler recording Hanover’s conversion during the Reformation.

A special elevator traces the curve of the dome and carries you to an observation platform almost 100 metres above street level.

7. Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

Old Town Hall

On Marktplatz the Old Town Hall is Hanover’s oldest secular building, first taking shape at the start of the 15th century.

This monument, unmistakeable for its elaborate gables, is also the southernmost example of the Northern German Brick Gothic style.

The earliest section is on the east side, on Schmiedestraße, while the west side, on Köbelinger Straße, where the Town Hall’s pharmacy used to be was updated with a Neo-Romanesque design in the 19th century.

The facade on Schmiedestraße has coats of arms and portraits of Electors and princes, but also a depiction of Luderziehen, an old-fashioned game that is like a tug of war but done by linking little fingers instead of rope.

8. Maschsee

Maschsee

The 78-hectare, man-made lake near New Town Hall was a product of the Great Depression.

Hanover had long suffered from spring floods, and as a means to ease both flooding and the mass unemployment of the period the city began work on a lake in the floodplain of the River Leine in 1934. An interesting piece of trivia about the lake is that it loses up to a centimetre from its water level every day, and needs to be replenished by a pump station and network of ponds on the south shore.

But for you and me, Maschsee is for watersports in summer, and walks along the leafy shore, which is dotted with public art by Alexander Calder, Georg Kolbe and Arno Breker.

9. Marktkirche

Marktkirche

Hanover’s silhouette wouldn’t be the same without the 14th-century Marktkirche in the centre of the Altstadt.

The distinguishing feature is the tower and its four pointed gables.

The story goes that the tower was supposed to be taller, but in the 1360s money ran low because of the Black Death and so a steeple was simply added to the what had already been completed.

Although the church was hit by bombs in the Second World War, a lot of its art is still in place.

You have to allow time to marvel at the three eastern stained glass windows in the chancel, dating to 1370, and the winged high altar from 1480 that has sculpted panels of scenes from the Passion, coated with gold leaf.

10. Aegidienkirche

Aegidienkirche

The easternmost of Hanover’s old town churches has a history going back to 1163, but was struck by bombs in the war.

The nave and chancel have been left in their roofless, damaged state as a memorial for victims of wars and violence.

The current layout is from the 14th century in the Gothic style, while the tower, which is completely intact was given a Baroque facade at the start of the 18th century.

Inside it is a peace bell donated by Hanover’s sister city Hiroshima, and every 6 August there’s a ceremony in the church and the bell tolls on the hour throughout the day until 18:00.

11. Historisches Museum

Historisches Museum

Hanover’s historical museum is on “Am Hohen Ufer”, an embankment on the Leine River on the west side of the Altstadt.

Hanover was founded at this location on the road from Bremen to Hildesheim.

The Beginenturm, the last fully preserved city tower, has been integrated into the museum, as well as the remnants of the 17th-century ducal armoury.

The museum will bring you up to speed on Hanover’s complicated past, leading you from the Middle Ages and Welf Duchy, through the Principality of Calenburg and the royal House of Hanover.

You’ll see how Hanover has evolved from a medieval market town to an urban centre over 750 years, and discover how rural life changed in Lower Saxony from the 1600s to the 1900s.

12. Eilenriede

Eilenriede

Twice the size of New York’s Central Park, the Eilenriede is a city forest almost in the centre of Hanover.

The western entrance is only ten minutes or so on foot from the Hauptbahnhof.

It is one of the largest connected city forests in Europe, blessed with big swathes of oak and beech woodland interspersed with lawns, water features and playgrounds.

The park was a managed forest, producing timber for 600 years before it opened to the public in the 19th century.

There’s a handful of cafes in the park and also information posts that inform you about the deer, hares, bats and martens that make a habitat in the park.

13. Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen

Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen

A U-Bahn ride away in Laatzen to the south of Hanover there’s a riveting little museum on the history of aviation.

It is based on the collection of the enthusiast and entrepreneur Günter Leonhardt, who went as far as salvaging several Junkers Ju 52s from the bottom of a Norwegian lake in the Arctic Circle.

In total the museum has 36 aircraft, together with 30 piston and jet engines and almost 700 models.

Some of the rarer pieces on show are an intact Junkers Jumo 004 turbjet engine, a Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109 and a section from a Ju 52 that you can walk inside.

And from the post-War period there’s a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and a MiG-15.

14. Wilhelm Busch Museum

Wilhelm Busch Museum

In the Georgenpalais, this museum holds the largest collection in the world for the revered 19th-century humorist and illustrator Wilhelm Busch.

You can browse paintings, drawings and original manuscripts for works like his satirical illustrated story Max and Moritz.

The museum has also gathered thousands of exhibits for artists from the same period or who have shared Busch’s irreverent worldview.

English satirists like William Hogarth and George Cruickshank are here, along with Francisco Goya, J. J. Grandville and Walter Trier, and some 700 period caricatures of Napoleon.

There are also exhibitions for contemporary satirical cartoonists like Steve Bell, Jean-Jacques Sempé and Tomi Ungerer.

15. Leibnizhaus

Leibnizhaus

The philosopher, mathematician, diplomat and historian Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz spent 40 years of his life in Hanover and passed away at this Renaissance townhouse in 1716. Well, in truth it wasn’t this exact building, as the actual Leibnizhaus didn’t survive the war.

What we see now is a reconstruction from the 1980s using the original facade but in a different location.

The reliefs around the mullioned windows on that facade are worth a photo.

The interior is used for events, but there’s also an exhibition space with some artefacts from Leibniz’s life.

Most exciting is his Rechenmaschine (adding machine), which expanded on Pascal’s calculator and uses the binary number system, the basis for all modern computers.

16. Hanover Tiergarten

Hanover Tiergarten

Just past Hanover’s eastern outskirts is a 112-hectare park that was once a hunting ground for the Electors and Kings of Hanover.

You’ll be in no doubt about the great age of the Tiergarten when you see the 650-year-old oak tree at the entrance and the many 400-500-year-old oaks in the park’s extensive woodland.

The Tiergarten remains a game reserve where up to 150 roe, fallow and red can roam freely, and there are also huge enclosures for wild boars.

Living wild in the park are several bat species, owls, hawks, falcons, foxes, badgers and Egyptian geese.

17. Museum August Kestner

Museum August Kestner

Hanover’s oldest museum was inaugurated in 1889 and has wide-ranging collections comprising ancient artefacts from Egypt, Greece and Rome, and several hundred years of European applied art.

The museum venue is deserves a mention as it’s a Neo-Renaissance building inside a cube-like superstructure broken by 5,000 small windows.

Antiquarians will be in their element inside, browsing Etruscan art, Greek vases, mummies, reliefs, papyri and sculptures from Ancient Egypt.

Also awaiting you are medieval manuscripts, and precious textiles, enamelwork, ivory and bronze decorative items up to the Renaissance.

On top of all this is the largest coin collection in North Germany, composed of 120,000 pieces across 2,500 years.

18. Ernst-August-Denkmal

Ernst-August-Denkmal

On Ernst-August-Platz, right in front of the main entrance to the Hauptbahnhof is a memorial for the King of Hanover, Ernest Augustus.

His reign lasted from 1837 to 1851, and if you’re interested in the historic connections between Hanover and the British throne, he was the fifth son of King George III and the uncle of Queen Victoria.

Ernest-Augustus is depicted on horseback dressed in full hussar finery.

The bronze statue was cast in 1861 and stands atop a granite plinth inscribed with the sentence, “Dem Landesvater / Sein treues Volk”, which roughly translates to “Dedicated to the father of the country, by his faithful people”.

19. Kröpcke-Uhr

Kröpcke-Uhr

Like the statue of Ernst-August, this clock is another of Hanover’s traditional meet-up locations.

The clock is in the middle of an eponymous pedestrian zone at the intersection of Georgstraße and Bahnhofstraße.

It’s a rare piece of Classical design in a modern part of the city, going back to 1885 and named after the Café Kröpcke, which sits behind it.

Now the cafe is a big 1970s structure operated by Mövenpick.

Meanwhile the current clock is an exact replica of the first one to stand here, and its glass panels hold posters for the major events or exhibitions taking place in Hanover.

20. Marienburg Castle

Marienburg Castle

If you make one day-trip from Hanover this Neo-Gothic palace about 20 kilometres south of the city would be a good shout.

Resting on the side of the Marienburg Hill, the palace was started in 1857 by King George V of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.

The reason the Marienburg can’t be missed is that it was uninhabited after the couple were exiled when Hanover was annexed by Prussia in 1860, and so remained perfectly untouched until after the Second World War.

Non-German speakers can take an audio-tour, which guides you up to the top of the 44-metre main tower, and into lavish halls adorned with period furniture from the collection of the Royal House of Hanover.

21. Hannover 96

Hannover 96

Hanover was one of the cities selected for the World Cup in 2006, and the HDI Arena (Niedersachsenstadion) was given a refit.

Now it’s a thoroughly modern sporting arena filled with almost 50,000 fans when Hannover 96 play their home games.

As for the team, Hannover 96 have had some difficult years, but as of 2017-18 play at the highest level in the Bundesliga.

Despite not having won the league championship since 1954 full-houses are common and the atmosphere is always electric.

It’s also one of Europe’s few stadiums in walking distance from the city centre, just on the west side of the Maschsee.

The HDI Arena is a cashless stadium, so you’ll have to charge a club card, which you can then use to buy food and drinks during the match.

22. Lüttje Lage

Lüttje Lage

Say you really want to blend in at a bar in Hanover, the best thing to do is to try a Lüttje Lage, if you’re brave enough.

After ordering you’ll be presented with two small glasses, one with old-fashioned top-fermented beer and the other with clear Kornbrand (grain brandy) at a minimum of 37.5% alcohol content.

After that there are a couple of ways to drink your Lüttje Lage.

The old-school method is to pour the liquor on your tongue and rinse it with the beer.

But if you want to show off, you can grip the beer between your thumb and index finger, wedge the Kornbrand between your middle and ring finger, and try to down them both in one go.

23. International Fireworks Competition

International Fireworks Competition

If you spend an extended amount of time in Hanover you’ll notice that the city has a love for pyrotechnics.

There are fireworks displays all summer long, from the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) beginning in April through to the Oktoberfest in autumn.

And for five nights spread across the summer the city stages the International Fireworks Competition at the Herrenhäuser Gardens in the Great Garden.

Before the countdown to ignition there’s live music, street theatre and all kinds of sideshows.

It all builds up to a world-class pyrotechnics display, combined with music and planned by the best pyrotechnicians in the business.

24. Maschseefest

Maschseefest

Over 19 days in August there’s an outdoor festival on the banks of the Maschsee, attended by up to two million party-goers.

The Maschseefest is a celebration of music and gastronomy, with lots of little side events and parties going on for all the family.

Evenings are when things really take off, especially over the weekends, when there are concerts by tribute acts playing the repertoires of bands like U2, ABBA, AC/DC and the Beatles.

All along the north shore of the lake the promenade is overrun by an international array of food and drink stalls, serving up delicacies from Brazil, Spain, Vietnam, Canada, Japan and South Africa, and German staples like Currywurst.

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany):

  • Herrenhäuser Gardens
  • Georgengarten
  • Lower Saxony State Museum
  • Sprengel Museum
  • New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
  • Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
  • Marktkirche
  • Aegidienkirche
  • Historisches Museum
  • Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen
  • Wilhelm Busch Museum
  • Leibnizhaus
  • Hanover Tiergarten
  • Museum August Kestner
  • Ernst-August-Denkmal
  • Kröpcke-Uhr
  • Marienburg Castle
  • Hannover 96
  • Lüttje Lage
  • International Fireworks Competition
  • Maschseefest

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  • The Best Day Trips From...

The Best Day Trips From Hanover, Germany

The Happy Rizzi House

If you find yourself in Hanover with a few days to spare, you’ll be delighted to hear that the surrounding region has a great deal to offer – within only a couple of hours you can reach large cities, quaint villages and enchanting landscapes. Here’s a list of the best day trips to take on your next visit.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Celle sits on the Aller River 45 km (28 miles) north of Hanover – this little gem of a town enchants locals and visitors with its charming Old Town where timber-framed houses stand in rank and file, the ducal Celle Castle , and the vast fields and moorlands of the Südheide Nature Park. A full day in the city is plenty to explore the highlights without rushing.

places to visit around hannover germany

Though Goslar is located on the northwestern slopes of the beautiful Harz mountains, the town in itself is a worthy day trip destination in its own right. Known for its medieval town centre with half-timbered houses and picturesque courtyards, the 12th-century Market Church St. Cosmas and Damian and the 1,000-year-old copper and silver mines of Rammelsberg Mountain, Goslar offers plenty to do for a day trip.

Lüneburg Heath

If you want to leave the hustle and bustle of a city behind for the day, you’ll be pleased to know that Hanover is a gateway to the tranquil meadows and heathlands of the Lüneburg Heath nature park. The area is traversed by hiking trails and cycling routes, studded with vantage points and man-made attractions, and boasts a ton of opportunity to reconnect with nature. Both Bispingen and Schneverdingen are about 90 km (56 miles) north of Hanover and are great starting points to explore this natural wonderland.

Lüneburg Heath

Steinhuder Meer

Northwest Germany’s largest lake encompasses 30 sq km (11.6 sq miles) and is a mere 40-minute drive west from Hanover. The list of recreational activities is long: you can try your hand at sailing, wind or kitesurfing, or paddle boating at the watersports end of things, but if you’d rather stay on land, you can take on the circular trail around the lake on foot or by bike. If you fancy a bit of culture, you’re in luck as well. In the 18th-century, Prince William of Schaumburg-Lippe commissioned an artificial island to be raised and a fortress to be erected in the middle of the lake. Today Bückeburg Castle is a popular tourist spot reached by regular ferry services in and out of Steinhude.

Wernigerode

More timber-frame bliss awaits you in the magical town of Wernigerode . What’s one of the top stopovers for outdoorsy trips to the Harz Mountains, is also worth the 75-minute drive from Hanover if you decide to explore the town on a day. Should you get bored marvelling at the Insta-perfect colourful houses and cobbled alleys, venture out to Wernigerode Castle or jump aboard the Harzer Schmalspurbahn for a trip around the national park.

Wernigerode, Germany

A day in Bremen means meandering the winding alleys of half-timbered houses, shopping for handicrafts at artisan workshops and speciality boutiques, delving into the history of the Hanseatic League and exploring the childhood fairytale of the Bremen Town Musicians. A day is plenty to get an overview of what Bremen has to offer and to sample some of the local seafood dishes.

Brunswick (Braunschweig)

Heavy bombardments during the World War II turned much of Braunschweig’s historic town centre to rubble, but years and years of meticulous reconstruction restored its original beauty. Today Braunschweig , some 65 km (40 miles) east of Hanover, is the perfect day-trip destination for lovers of history and architecture. Make sure to put Dankwarderode Castle , the Happy Rizzi House, St. Blasius Cathedral and Riddagshausen Abbey on your must-see list.

The Happy Rizzi House

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

places to visit around hannover germany

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places to visit around hannover germany

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The most epic hiking trails around hanover, germany.

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The best hotels to book in hanover for every traveller.

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Happy to Wander

Things to do in Hannover, Germany: The Magical, Underrated Gem of Lower Saxony

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

places to visit around hannover germany

This post about the Lower Saxony gem of Hannover, Germany was written in collaboration with Visit Hannover.

Today my friends, I want to tell you the tale of a magical, faraway land. 

A land that blessed the world with life-altering revelations like the gramophone, binary (0010101100101) and classic rock crooners,  the Scorpions.

… A land whose royal court gave us Queen “Grandmother of Europe” Victoria, one of THE most important figures in modern history.

It might shock you to know that this magical land I’m talking about is  Hannover.

Yes, Hannover, Germany .

*Germans drop beer in horror*

An epic guide for Hannover, Germany. This detailed travel guide is filled with things to do in Hannover, and Hannover travel tips! Don’t miss this hidden gem on your next Europe trip. #germany #travel #europe

Save this guide on things to do in Hannover for later!

You’ll be glad you did.

A) It’s likely you’ve never even heard of Hannover before, or B) you know it for its (typically) lacklustre reputation as a travel destination.

While sure, Hannover IS best known for being “trade fair central” and a less popular place to visit compared to Munich or Berlin, that in itself provoked the stubborn donkey-person inside of me.

Skeptical as always about sweeping statements like “Hannover is boring, nobody goes there”, I recently spent a few days in the city with Visit Hannover … and I can at last confirm: Hannover is one of those cities that suffers from a brutally misunderstood reputation.

Don’t worry though, this post will guide you through all the incredible things you (probably) didn’t even know you could do there.

places to visit around hannover germany

Why Visit Hannover?

Travel snobs (especially of the German variety) are quick to dismiss Hannover as “boring”.

And as I soon learned, Hannoverians (which sounds like a lost breed of dinosaurs, tbh) are far too humble to defend themselves.

So I’ll volunteer as tribute and do it for them.

The appeal of Hannover is multifaceted, but I’ll quickly break down some reasons why you might want to visit.

places to visit around hannover germany

1. It’s still not “mainstream”

Call me a hipster, but there’s something special about discovering a destination you haven’t seen mapped out on social media time and time again.

With Munich or Berlin, you know the main sights, you’ve seen them through the lens of a million filters, but Hannover?

Every step, every corner is a surprise (but in a fun, adventurous way, not in a sketchy dark alley way). Let’s say my inner Dora the Explorer was  muy  stoked.

places to visit around hannover germany

2. There’s an abundance of cool events

I have a longer list of events at the bottom of this post, but trust me when I say Hannover really knows how to throw a party.

And whether you’re looking for literal fireworks or just a fun gathering of buzzed Germans, there’s something visit-worthy year round.

3. The history is a nerdgasm waiting to happen

*heavy breathing*

Do yourself a favour and have a quick read on Hannover’s history.

Or maybe come and see for yourself.

From the House of Hannover glory days to utter destruction during WWII, the streets here are like a History Channel documentary come to life.

4. Last but not least: it’s actually really beautiful

It helps that Hannover has some ridiculously good looking royal gardens, a cutesy wutesy Old Town, green oases spread all throughout the city and a pretty okay-looking population too 😉

*steps off soap box*

Anyways, why don’t we chat about some of the unexpectedly cool things you can do in Hannover…

places to visit around hannover germany

The Best Things to do in Hannover, Germany

So now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you of Hannover’s many merits, allow me to seal the deal with a sweet list of things to do in Hannover. I promise, they’re cool and delightfully unexpected.

1. Sightsee like an expert by staring at the ground

Hannover’s Red Thread is a genius hack for the easily lost and confused – it’s a long red line painted into the ground that stretches for over 4km and takes you to the city’s most important (and beautiful!) sights.

Once on the Red Thread, it’s impossible to get lost, and you get to see the highlights of the city like a total pro.

BONUS TIP : You can easily purchase a guidebook for 3 euros from the Tourist Information Office to get the inside scoop on each sight’s context and history. No excuses – it even comes in 10 different languages.

I mean, why do more cities not have this?

places to visit around hannover germany

2. Escape to the royal gardens of Herrenhausen

10 minutes away from Hannover’s city center is one of the most beautiful royal gardens in Europe – the royal gardens of Herrenhausen, a Baroque masterpiece filled with endless stretches of manicured hedges and colourful blooms.

The best part? This place lights up in the summer (literally) with endless festivals, including an International fireworks competition.

Besides that, Herrenhausen is where you’ll also be able to spot the tallest court fountain in the world – reaching 35m high up in the sky.

places to visit around hannover germany

Due to their limited hours of operation though, they’re super easy to miss, so make sure you arrive when they’re “on”, which, in the summer season, is daily from 10am-12pm and 3-5pm.

Otherwise, they’re on from 10-12am and 2-5pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Don’t be silly like me and miss the fountains the first time around because you were too busy eating cake. (True story, and genuinely not a joke)

On that note…

BONUS TIP: The restaurant right outside of the gardens (Restaurant Schlossküche Herrenhausen) serves amazing cake. Come hungry.

places to visit around hannover germany

3. Get an incredible view via a super trippy elevator

Hannover’s New Town Hall is one of the city’s starring attractions, not only because it’s purdy , but because its elevator is unique in the world for a curving lift that takes you at a 17 degree angle up to the cupola.

The experience, while disorienting like that “room spinning” feeling after too many beers, is more than worth it because the view from up top is the most glorious view you’ll get in Hannover [no beer goggles necessary].

places to visit around hannover germany

The catch is of course that it gets really busy. “

Dazzling over 100,000 guests annually” busy. That’s why it’s a smart idea to get here early, especially on weekends because only 5 people are allowed in the lift at any given time…

BUT, pro tip: the lift is also open on Sundays, which many people don’t know about, which means you’re pretty much guaranteed a shorter wait.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss the interior of the Town Hall itself, which is not just beautiful, but houses four town models that depict Hannover’s historical evolution from 1689 to the present day. It’s a harrowing look at just how much WWII affected the city and how much the city has evolved in the decades since.

places to visit around hannover germany

4. Go Limmering in Linden

Linden, while technically part of Hannover, is a unique neighbourhood that makes a worthy destination all on its own. If you’re craving a bit of cool during your Hannover city break, a stop in Linden is a must.

Packed to the brim with cool restaurants, cafes, bars, independent shops, street art and more, this part of town has become THE gathering place for students, academics and creatives.

… so naturally, one of the top things here to do is booze up 😉

It was here in Linden that I was introduced to a beloved past time of local youths: “Limmering”, drunkedly stumbling from kiosk to kiosk, treating yourself to a new beer at each stop… like a pub crawl but with tiny street kiosks instead.

Granted, I only needed one beer to get the idea (after all guys, I’m a profe$$ional), but it was a great way to experience a neighbourhood once proclaimed by a journalist as “what Berlin was felt like 20 years ago”.

places to visit around hannover germany

Of course, there are far more things to do in Linden than just drink beers.

Some might say Linden is Hannover’s answer to Berlin’s Kreuzberg, with cool little streets to explore, artsy murals to gawk at, international eats to feast on and independent shops to browse.

We had dinner here one night, enjoying yummy Spanish tapas at O’Atlántico

places to visit around hannover germany

5. Prance through Old Town

While tiny in size, Hannover’s Old Town is still worth mentioning as one of the top things to do… especially given its cutesy, Disney-esque appeal.

With half-timbered buildings framed by buzzing terraces and a super central location linking Hannover’s hotspots, stopping here is a must… if even just for a quick look and photo.

NOTE: Of course, the Old Town pictured here isn’t actually that “old” in reality. Like much of the city, Hannover’s original old town was completely bombed during World War II, and what remains today is a reconstruction that incorporates some of the few facades that survived.

This explains the “Old Town”‘s more polished look and feel, but hey, you can’t complain when it looks like this, right?

places to visit around hannover germany

6. Rummage through Germany’s oldest flea market

Along the banks of Hannover’s River Leine is where you’ll discover Germany’s oldest flea market, which takes place on Saturdays.

Here, you can rummage through dozens of stalls peddling antiques, paintings, and all kinds of wonderful junk you never knew you needed.

From hand-painted pendants and antique teacups to candlestick holders and umm… more antique teacups, this is THE best place to pick up a historic and unique souvenir from your time in Hannover.

PS: The cutest thing you might spot here are the famous Nanas statues by Niki de Saint Phalle.

That famous Black Eyed Peas lyric “lovely lady lumps” might have very well been written about these colourful, buxom statues that first angered Hannoverians upon their installation in the 70s, but is now firmly a part of the city’s quirky cultural landscape.

At the very least, they make for a fun, colourful photograph.

places to visit around hannover germany

7. Enjoy some of the city’s many green oases

As our guide told us, Hannover has a breezy “10 minute rule”, which means you’re essentially 10 minutes away at any given moment from a green space in the city, whether that’s a park, massive artificial lake (Maschsee), or um… a municipal forest.

That’s right, in Hannover is where you’ll find the Eilenriede, Europe’s largest municipal forest, featuring over 640 hectares of woods.

Besides offering a green escape in the city center, on some days, it’s reported you might even spot foxes, deer and bats. Depending on your interests, that piece of information was either cool or terrifying. I hope it was the former.

NOTE: Hannover’s green spaces are best appreciated with a yummy picnic and ice cold beer in hand.

places to visit around hannover germany

8. Spend all your money

I don’t usually like including “shopping” on things to do lists, mainly because I think there is so much more to offer in most cities, but the shopping in Hannover is especially noteworthy for a few reasons.

Firstly, there’s the Kröpcke , the main central square of Hannover, which is marked by streets upon streets of pedestrian-only shopping, making it especially pleasant since you know you won’t be getting run over 😉

This is where you’ll find many popular chain shops, and a great place to bum around for a few hours. For a more alternative shopping experience, there is also a thriving independent shop scene, especially in neighbourhoods like Linden, where you can grab more unique pieces if you so desire.

Psssst, when you start to feel hungry after making it rain cash money, I’ve heard  great things about Market Hall (AKA the Belly of Hannover) which offers up a huge and delectable diversity of international cuisine.

places to visit around hannover germany

9. Attend an awesome event or festival

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that a trip to Hannover is best enjoyed when in conjunction with one of the city’s many big events.

Here are a few events to keep an eye out for:

  • Enercity Swinging Hannover: October
  • Marksmen’s Festival: June-July
  • Maschsee Lake Festival: August
  • Party Weekend at Lake Steinhude: August
  • Christmas Market: End of November – December
  • International fireworks competition at Herrenhausen: Dates from May – September

places to visit around hannover germany

BONUS: Visit Marienburg Castle

Okay, almost done, I promise!

A final bonus entry on my list of things to do in Hannover is visiting fairytale Marienburg Castle.

Located 20km south of Hannover, Marienburg is a Gothic revival castle built in the 19th century.

Actually, more accurately, it’s one of the most romantic birthday gifts of all time, built by George V (the last king of Hannover) for his wife Marie.

Yes, indeed – Marienburg Castle was a 39th birthday gift – a castle with 160 rooms and sky high watchtowers… how romantic.

… Meanwhile, I can’t even get a text back.

FINAL TIP: Consider buying a Hannover Card

So, last little tip for ya: if you’re planning to visit Hannover and intend to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting a Hannover card, which gives you travel on all buses/trains within the city, and a lot of discounts at major attractions like the gardens at Herrenhausen and a few different museums.

There are Hannover cards for 1-3 days for both singles (solo riders) and groups (up to five people). If used wisely, the savings can be huge.

Where to buy the Hannover card: You can get the Hannover card at a variety of locations, including the airport, multiple hotel reception desks and Hannover tourist information centres.

places to visit around hannover germany

So, in conclusion: go to Hannover

As I was told, often the people of Hannover are too humble to brag about their own city, so I’m here to do it for them.

Guys, Hannover is awesome!

Not only is it lovely to look at and explore, it’s crawling with cool things to do.

Far from its reputation as a boring city to visit, Hannover brings together all the ingredients of a perfect city break, wrapping it up in one cool and beautiful package…

Now, as you can probably tell, when I find an unappreciated city I like: everybody is soon to know.

I do more than shout it from the rooftops, I paint it across the whole building and take out ten billboard ads just in case.

Think of me as an overprotective stage mom that wants the world to know how talented her kid is. In this case, said ‘talented kid’ is Hannover, and my incessant wailings have come to you in the form of this blog post.

I hope you liked it, and take a chance on humble little Hannover.

places to visit around hannover germany

I hope you enjoyed that thorough guide on things to do in Hannover! Have you ever been to Hannover, or are planning to go? Let me know in the comments! 

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10 thoughts on “Things to do in Hannover, Germany: The Magical, Underrated Gem of Lower Saxony”

I actually never thought of Hannover before. This looks so cool!

We were going to stop in Hannover en route to Berlin this summer, but bad delays on the motorway scuppered that plan, shame. Next time!

I went to Hannover in 2015 and had a blast. Next to no tourists and the old town area is so cute. How smart is the Red Thread idea though? Love that place!! 🙂

*Hanoverian is the correct spelling in English. Hannoveraner ist die richtige Schreibweise auf Deutsch.

I´m a citizen of Hannover and never seen the city as you as a tourist did. 😉

I like my city, but if you look around in germany most people from other cities don´t wanna come to Hannover as they find it ugly and boring as you said, but we are the “greenest” city in Germany and our city park is the biggest in europe and twice the size of the Madison Square Garden. One tip for tourists : Make sure you visit our oldest private brewery “Herrenhäuser”. It costs 12,50€ but after the guide showed you the beer brewing process you will be taken into a tower room and then you have 2!!! hours to drink and test all the beers they produce including snacks. The “cheapest” chance to get boozed by local private brewed beer and a little taste of history from Hannovers oldest still producing brewery founded in 1868. But you have to register a tour in advance as a lot of locals are doing this frequently ^^ The brewery is just a 10 minute ride from the city center away. Here you can sign up for a tour…( sadly it´s all in german, but i think you´ll get through it ).

https://www.herrenhaeuser.de/brauereibesichtigung/

Such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!

Well, I do live in Hannover and though most of the world denies it, it‘s not only nice for a visit, it‘s a great town to live in. We born Hannoveranians tend to say it is the best town in the world. Not as big as Berlin or Munic, not to talk about New York or Vienna, but that makes it even better. It‘s more peaceful and mostly safe – even for women. Nevertheless we do have theatres and an opera, an airport with a moderate size, so nobody needs to fear they get lost. And we don‘t have that much tourism, so we have the city mostly for ourselves without it being overcrowded. Well… thinking about that point…. I don’t think I can recommend visiting Hannover anymore… but if you do – have fun. Karin

While in Hannover you must try the “Hannover National Drink”: Luettje Lage. Its a small glass of beer together with an even smaller glass of schnapps / liquor and both glasses held in one hand. Its a lot of fun. Instructions on how to drink it: http://www.luettjelage.com/tutorial

I’m going to Hildesheim (only 25 minutes ride from Hannover) for my erasmus the next semester and I can’t wait to get there! It looks like such a peaceful place yet fun as well! Thanks for this post, it’s a more positive than what you can read on some forums on the internet! (can’t be more dull than where I’m from anyway)

Please don’t overrate Hannover. There are a few highlights (Herrenhauser gardens, Rathaus) but it’s not a great city. People who love green spaces love it — that means you need a bicycle — but the rest agree with the bad reputation. The Altstadt is very nice but very small, and the few interesting buildings are vastly outnumbered by dull ones. Shopping is quite bad, with mostly generic shops. Sure, visit here — but Hamburg is definitely nicer, if not Bremen, Hildesheim, Hameln, Celle, etc. And don’t spend more than one night.

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Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany

Places to visit in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

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  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • The New Town Hall
  • Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
  • Eilenriede - Park
  • Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster

Top 20 Places to See in Hannover, Germany

  •  Aegidienkirche
  •  Eilenriede
  •  Hannover 96 Stadium
  •  Hannover Adventure Zoo
  •  Hannover City Hall
  •  Hannover City Museum
  •  Hannover Congress Centrum
  •  Hannover Zoo
  •  Herrenhausen Gardens
  •  Leibniz House
  •  Lower Saxony State Museum
  •  Marktkirche
  •  Maschpark
  •  Maschsee Lake
  •  New Town Hall
  •  Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen
  •  Sea Life Hannover
  •  Sprengel Museum
  •  Wilhelm Busch German Museum

  •  Bavarian Forest National Park
  •  Berchtesgaden National Park
  •  Black Forest National Park
  •  Eifel National Park
  •  Hainich National Park
  •  Hamburgisches Wattenmeer National Park
  •  Harz National Park
  •  Jasmund National Park
  •  Lower Oder Valley National Park
  •  Müritz National Park
  •  Saxon Switzerland National Park
  •  Vorpommern Lagoon Area National Park
  •  Wadden Sea National Park
  •  Bochum
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  •  Dortmund
  •  Dresden
  •  Duisburg
  •  Düsseldorf
  •  Essen
  •  Frankfurt
  •  Hamburg
  •  Hannover
  •  Leipzig
  •  Mannheim
  •  Munich
  •  Nuremberg
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  •  Wuppertal
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  •  Bielefeld
  •  Bastei Rocks
  •  Berlin Cathedral
  •  Berlin Olympic Stadium
  •  Berlin TV Tower
  •  Berlin Wall
  •  Black Forest
  •  Brandenburg Gate
  •  Cologne Cathedral
  •  Dresden Frauenkirche
  •  Hamburg Harbor
  •  Heidelberg Castle
  •  Lake Constance
  •  Miniatur Wunderland
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Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany - Hannover Must-See Attractions

Things to do in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

places to visit around hannover germany

Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town

places to visit around hannover germany

SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket

places to visit around hannover germany

Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

Private guided rickshaw city tour in Munster

places to visit around hannover germany

Goslar City guided tour

places to visit around hannover germany

Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

places to visit around hannover germany

Taste and Travel Odyssey in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

  • From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car

places to visit around hannover germany

  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops

Walking Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Top Attractions in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Other Top Attractions around Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Historical Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Cultural Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

What travellers are saying

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  • The New Town Hall
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  • Eilenriede - Park
  • Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster
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Hannover – the most underrated city in Germany

For some reason unknown to me Hannover, Germany doesn’t have the best reputation among tourists. They prefer to visit much more famous German cities such as Berlin, Munich or Cologne.

I knew nothing about the city before visiting, I had no clue about any things to do in Hannover but that was actually good.

With no expectations at all, I could make my own opinion about Hannover, and it’s a good one!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

When I announced on my Instagram profile I’m going to visit Hannover for the weekend one of the comments was “why? this is the most boring city in Germany!”.

I must admit this got me intrigued even more as I don’t believe there are places with nothing interesting to see and do, we just need to visit them with the open mind and appreciate what they have to offer.

As it quickly turned out it was super easy with Hannover.

The city turned out to be a great weekend destination and even with the not so good weather I enjoyed it big time!

Planning a trip to Hannover?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

  • Concorde Hotel am Leineschloss (8.4/10)
  • Hotel Savoy Hannover (9.0/10)
  • Grand Hotel Mussmann (8.9/10)

Tours and activities:

  • Guided Old Town Walking Tour
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover’s old town
  • Culinary bike tour

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Germany with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Germany on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

A short history of Hannover

Even if these days Hannover looks like a fairly new, modern city it has a long and interesting history.

The place was first mentioned already in the 11th century and got the town rights some 200 years later.

Since 1636 Hannover has been the seat of Electorate of Brunswick-Lüneburg, later known as Kingdom of Hannover.

This strong and independent state, very closely linked with Great Britain, was eventually incorporated into Prussia in the second half of the 19th century.

What used to be a grand city was turned into the ruins – during World War 2 Hannover was bombed and 90% of the city was destroyed.

Today Hannover is a lively city, with a mix of architecture and a cool vibe that is so easy to enjoy.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

The New Town Hall – the must thing to do in Hannover!

The most known sight of the city and an absolute must thing to do in Hannover is the New Town Hall.

It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, finished in 1913 and it is stunning not only from the outside but also inside.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

When I entered the building and saw the 38-meter high main hall my jaw literally dropped. It looked like from a fairy tale with all the details and stairs perfect for the princess to walk down.

It’s worth to stop here for a second and see four miniature town models, showing how Hannover used to look like in the year 1689, 1939, 1945 and it the present day.

This little overview helps you understand the dramatic history of the city, it’s ups and downs.

It must have been such a beautiful place back in the day but only three buildings survived the WW2 in the intact shape…

Things to do in Hannover Germany

But the main hall isn’t the only reason why you need to visit the New Town Hall.

From the top of the dome you can admire the most splendid view of Hannover, Maschsee and the surrounding area all the way to Harz mountains (on a clear day, I wasn’t so lucky, unfortunately).

It’s especially interesting when you keep in mind how the city used to look like on the models – gives you an interesting perspective to see the change.

But before you get to the top of the dome you will take the unique oblique elevator, the only one of that kind in Europe !

Since it has a transparent floor you can actually see the angle when moving up and down and it’s such a funny feeling!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Charming but tiny Hannover Old Town

If someone asks me how the typical German old town looks like I’d describe colorful half-timbered houses mixed with red brick buildings.

And that’s how the core of Hannover old town is!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Even if the area is really tiny now, after WW2 bombing raids, it’s quaint and so picturesque!

Cobbled lanes, buildings covered in ivy, cozy corners and charming little shops or cafes – it kind of felt like the time has stopped there!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

After WW2 the half-timbered houses were collected from all over the city and put together to create a small substitute of the old town Hannover used to have.

The result is really good and makes you move back in time to the good, old days.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Kröpcke – the very heart of Hannover

The present old town might be tiny but the actual one was pretty impressive and you can still clearly see its shape on the map (or the model in the New Town Hall).

These days it’s the social and commercial heart of the city and the meeting point for many is Kröpcke. The name can apply to the square, the cafe or the clock and the last one is where everyone meets.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

The origin of the name comes from the first cafe that was opened here in 1869 and a few years later was bought by a man named Wilhelm Kröpcke.

He was liked and respected by many so to commemorate him and his cafe (that was destroyed during the war) the square was named after him. How nice is that?!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Other things to do in the center of Hannover

While in the center there are few other sights that cannot be missed.

Only few steps away from Kröpcke there’s a magnificent Opera House that is among the most beautiful neo-classical buildings I’ve ever seen!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

A little bit further you will find ruins of Aegidienkirche.

The church was built in the 12th century and was one of the largest worship places in Hannover, the reformation in the city started in here. In 1943 it was all destroyed.

Just like churches in Berlin or Hamburg Aegidenkirche was never rebuilt to be a somber reminder of the tragedy of war.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

On the outskirts of the city walls there is the Leine Palace – now home to the State Parliament of Lower Saxony.

In front of it every Saturday, rain or shine, there is the colorful flea market.

Established in 1967 it is the oldest flea market in Germany! The selection of good is enormous and everyone can find something for themselves.

I had a really hard time trying to resist the urge to buy something at every second stall!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Market Hall – a food paradise in Hannover

But my absolute favorite activity in the old town and one of the best things to do in Hannover was visiting the market hall.

It’s pretty compact but offers both local food and delicious dishes from all over the world – everything at very affordable prices!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

When I visited the place on Saturday at noon it was bursting at the seams with colors, smells and lots of visitors!

I literally couldn’t decide what I want to try, everything looked just so good but eventually I opted for some Middle Eastern goodies (as this is always a good idea!) and it was just the best!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Herrenhausen Gardens – a true gem of Hannover

A little further from the center (a short tram ride or some 4kms walk through a beautiful city park – Georgengarten – where the main lane was designed to be wide enough to fit carriages back in the royalty days) you can find Herrenhausen Gardens – a true gem of Hannover that cannot be missed.

The Great Garden is considered to be the most important baroque garden in Europe and it sure is impressive.

Even on the gloomy day, it was beautiful with all the lanes, sculptures, fountains, hidden gardens, and all the carefully planned flower arrangements.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

However, my favorite part of Herrenhausen Gardens was the grotto designed by the world-famous artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

Even if she was born in France she has always been a great friend of Hannover and eventually was granted an honorary citizen title.

The grotto was her gift to the people of Hannover. It’s an impressive modern interior, full of details showing the life of Niki. It somehow fits very well in the baroque surrounding.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Hannover – a (modern) art paradise

But Herrenhausen Gardens aren’t the only place where you can see art by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Her most popular work – Nanas – are standing proudly at the bank of Leine River, where Saturday flea market takes place.

Three colorful and curvy figures bring a smile even on the gloomy day and are a peculiar symbol of the city.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

To see even more of Niki’s works head to the Sprengel Museum with a great collection of modern art.

Besides Niki, you can admire there such world-famous names as Picasso, Chagall or Kokoschka.

I honestly didn’t expect the museum will be so amazing and with the brutalism design, I enjoyed every single minute there.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Linden – the coolest neighborhood of Hannover

To my utter joy, Hannover is full of brutalist architecture.

I know for many it’s hard to love concrete masterpieces but I’m a huge fan of these and I was almost jumping with joy when I saw them.

There are so many of them in the center but the most famous building is the residential block in Linden.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

This area is worth exploring anyway!

Linden is the closest to famous Berlin lifestyle you will find in Hannover.

While Central Linden is chic and sophisticated with more upscale vibe and perfect for young families (kind of like Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin ) North Linden is more edgy and funky (like Berlin’s Kreuzberg ).

On Saturday early afternoon both places were vibrant, full of people enjoying their lunch or coffee in numerous outdoor places and it was clear to me that Linden is a good place to live in Hannover.

Later on, I learned it’s currently the most desired neighborhood in the city so I wasn’t far from the truth.

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Exceptional green spaces in Hannover

Another reason why I enjoyed Hannover so much was an unbelievable number of green spaces.

The city has the rule that from every place you need to have a 10 minutes’ walk max to the park. There is even a regular forest in the city that used to be a hunting area for the royalty.

Add to this around 500kms of bike lanes and I feel like Hannover might be one of the greenest and eco-friendly cities in Germany!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

The most popular green space is definitely Maschsee – a big artificial lake right behind the New Town Hall.

It’s the best getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for relaxing or watersports.

Every summer the lake turns into the venue of Maschseefest – the festival that attracts around 2 million visitors each year! I was lucky to be in Hannover during that time and it was pretty amazing!

There are numerous stages around the lake, each of them with different kind of music, as well as numerous stalls serving food from all over the world.

You can hop on the boat and move from one stage to the other while sipping a drink. It was so much fun!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Is it worth to visit Hannover?

For the city that is supposed to be the most boring in Germany, there are surprisingly many things to do in Hannover.

From the beautiful architecture to vibrant neighborhoods, from interesting history to amazing art, from really good food scene to amazing green spaces – Hannover has it all!

I’m really glad I didn’t listen to anyone and I’ve decided to spend the weekend in Hannover as it turned out to be a great city.

If you’re looking for the perfect yet not so obvious city break destination then I definitely recommend going to Hannover!

You might be surprised as much as I was!

Things to do in Hannover Germany

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

  • You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Germany
  • I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
  • To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
  • For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
  • Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
  • Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Germany here.
  • If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Germany check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
  • Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

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Things to do in Hannover Germany

Disclaimer: my trip to Hannover was in partnership with Visit Hannover but all opinions are my own as always! The city is such a gem!

love, kami 2

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49 Comments

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treverer.com

Very interesting read. I’m from Germany but I’ve never been there. Maybe I should give it a try…

Kami and the rest of the world

definitely! Hannover was such a big positive surprise for me!

I’ve been in Hannover for 3 days and indeed a nice green city with very friendly peeps.I was there also for a concert and it’s the hometown of my fave Rockband. There’s also a beach.

which rockband is it? I’m glad you had a good time there!

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I loved this post! Exactly what I was looking for! Than you. I’m planning go to Hannover next year.

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I’m really glad to hear that. Have a great trip to Hannover!

I thought so! I just learnt recently they are from Hannover :)

I’ll see them in Gdansk 1/12

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Joy @MyTravelingJoys

Super Kami! We have not been to Hanover yet but are going to Hamburg in a few weeks ;) I agree with you too that there are no boring places!

Dziękuję bardzo for sharing your tips!

It’s not too far away from Hamburg so maybe you can squeeze in a short detour to Hannover :) Have a great time in Germany and you’re very welcome :)

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hello Kami, can I ask what camera do you use to take your photos? They are very nice. Thanks. Stefano

Thank you! I use Fujifilm x-t10 and I can definitely recommend it!

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Robin Richardson

We lucked out that my son met a exchange student in High School here in Missouri, USA. We have visited with his family and they live in Hannover. We have been to Hannover several times and love it. I always say when in Germany just turn a corner and find something new and different.

Exactly! I’m really glad you enjoyed Hannover! It’s such a great city, isn’t it?

Richard Maughan

I usually go to Bremen and Hamburg but next time I will include Hannover

definitely do that, it’s worth it!

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Jako dziecko jeździłam do Hannoveru na wakacje, bo mieszkał tam mój wujek. Ostatni raz widziałam miasto ponad 15 lat temu i wspomnienia trochę się zatarły. Miło było zobaczyć to wszystko jeszcze raz na zdjęciach i przeczytać Twój wpis. Wygląda to tak, jakby czas zatrzymał się w miejscu. Z mojej perspektywy nic się nie zmieniło :)

a to bardzo ciekawe co piszesz, bo mi się Hannover wydał dość nowoczesnym i fajnym miastem :) Fajnie byłoby przeczytać Twoje wrażenia z wizyty teraz, jak byś postrzegała miasto po takim czasie :)

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We’re thinking of going there in April. Flying from London Heathrow. How do we get from the airport to the centre. The hotel im looking at is the Intercityhotel in Rosenstrasse.

There’s a direct train from the airport to the main train station and I believe the hotel you’re thinking about is next to the train station – it should be very easy to get there! Hannover is really interesting, you definitely should visit it!

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Right?! I got a job in Hannover, which actually was exactly what I wanted to do for a while. When I told my friends, they like “MEH! what? Hannover is so boring! people are very cold there” (I am currently living in Munich).

I was a bit scared, but went over the weekend for a flat-hunt and I loved the city! people were sooo friendly, I cannot even think about them being cold. The transportation system is also very organized.

And for my luck, I found a flat in Linden-Mitte, right at the edge with Linden North *insert very happy smiley here*.

Thank you for all the tips, will check all that when I get there :)

I’m sure you will enjoy your time in Hannover! The city really left a good impression on me and seems to be a perfect place for living! And if you found a flat in Linden then it’s even better! :)

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It’s funny that I came across your blog and that your actually recommending to visit hannover, my (always) underestimated hometown.

Hannover really isn’t the city that impresses you at first sight. But if you are willing to look behind the curtain there is so much more to explore. I always say to people that are about to visit: “try to leave the city center as soon as possible”. If you want to follow my tip and don’t know where to go, here are some suggestions:

– visit the exeptional “PlatzProjekt” in Linden Nord just next to a skate park (2er). A little “village” where people are free to explore doing things themselfes with a workspace, coffee and beer place, options to stay for the night, massage-box (I go there for meditation on Mondays)and so on. Just explore, maybe there is an Event planned on the day of your visit. Check out: https://www.platzprojekt.de/ – the watergate in Linden Limmer during summer(take the Bus 700 from the trainstation to “Steinfeldstraße”. First it seems that you’re in the middle of nowhere but actually there is an old factory which is forbidden to visit but you should do it anyway because of the incredible street art and for the thrill. Just be a little careful and don’t walk on the roof. If you go past the factory buildings there is a little “island” where locals go swimming during the summer. From there you can have a nice walk back to Linden Nord alongside the Leine river. Don’t think twice, do it! – explore the Ihmezentrum. Its the brutal building described in the blog. Just go inside and get lost, enjoy the street art and the view over the Ihme river. – “glocksee” is one of the locations where students and locals go at night to drink and dance. I really love the whole area, streetart everywhere and free concerts on tuesday evenings. Every first friday of the month there is good music garanteed. Go there! – hannover is best know for the kiosk-scene. Of course it’s always nice to sit in a local pub (If you’re still looking for a drink after walking back from the watergate take a drink in my favourite pub the Lindwurm and have a “Mexikaner”). If you don’t want to go inside just grab a drink on any kiosk on Limmerstreet and find a place to sit. If its either spring, summer or autumm you’ll not be alone, trust me! The people in Linden are always open to chat so just pick whatever topic you like. Trust me, they’ll join the conversation.

Of course there is so much more to write and tell but I guess its best if you find out for yourselves. Enjoy :)

Thank you for your awesome comment Selina! You just made me want to return to Hannover! There’s still so much to see and do in the city for me, one weekend wasn’t enough!

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Thank you for this write-up – I really appreciate the detail you went in to :-)

I’d be really interested if you had any opinion on how long a trip, beyond the weekend you were there, that you felt Hannover could sustain and yet still be interesting. A week? A month?

I honestly have no idea as it depends on the person and his/her travelling style. But I think the week would be fine, especially in the summer time

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Marylou Lonneman

thank you for the suggestions. we are planning a trip to Germany in September for our 30th anniversary. My husband has traced his family to the Hannover area so is excited to visit.

I’m sure you will have a wonderful trip to Germany and I hope you will enjoy Hannover as much as I did!

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Hi all, very nice comments for individuals that really wish to visit Hanover. It sure is being presented in a very good light and sure there are many places worth visiting, however, having lived here for the past year now I could not regret it more. So many people are incredibly unfriendly and would rather swear at you. The only time people (in the city centre and other locations within the city) will talk to you/ start a conversation is if they want money from you. If Hanover truly has these amazing destinations and people, I have yet to see them. I don’t mean to talk bad about the city but I’m speaking from my own experiences and to be honest I am extremely disappointed.

It’s always different to live in the city and to visit it. I still think it’s a great destination for a city break but I can see why you might not enjoy living there. I hope you will find it more friendly eventually! All the best!

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Hi Kami I’m visiting Hannover in 2 weeks and will use your very helpful guide as a base for exploring the city. Thank you for taking the time to write this, it’s full of excellent information! Do you by chance have a similar blog about Hamburg?

Hi Jessica, sorry for my late answer. I hope you enjoyed Hannover! Unfortunately I don’t have yet anything similar about Hamburg but it’s a great city as well! I’ve been there few times but it was a while ago, well before this blog was created. Happy travels!

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Amit Sharma

Very Interesting Post. I’ll be visiting Hannover in Hanover Fair in Apr 2019 from India. Can you suggest, which place shall I visit to spend most interesting place enroute to Hannover for 3 more days ? I haven’t visited Germany ever !

It depends where you will be flying into in Germany. But Cologne is a nice city, or Frankfurt and surroundings, or Berlin. Germany is really interesting and beautiful so I’m sure no matter where you go you will enjoy it :)

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I’m possibly moving to Hannover in July, and I’m so excited. Fingers crossed it all works out! Hannover does look really interesting.

It is an interesting city so I really hope all goes well for you, fingers crossed!

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Thanks for the review, Kami! It really summed up the perfect way to spend a short time in Hannover! I am going in two weeks so I look forward to checking out your recommendations :) Thanks!

I hope you will like it there! Let me know how it was :) Happy travels!

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Hector Carrozzo

Final Hanover is a beautiful city. In 2017 there was still “The red line” with which you can visit the most interesting places in the city. It is a 4 Km red line painted on the street and with a small booklet you can make a self-guided visit. Thanks Kami

That’s exactly what I did, such a fun way to discover Hannover! All the best!

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Please specify that if someone is within 20 miles of Hannover it would be worth it to stop by. (Your sightseeing tips are exactly right.) However, if one is coming over from another country, there are literally dozens of better cities to visit in Germany.

It’s all very subjective. While I agree Hannover is not the most exciting destination in Germany, it is definitely not the worst and I would recommend visiting it for sure (maybe not coming there specifically for Hannover but still visiting). One of the best things about the city is that it’s not overrun by tourists and you can really enjoy the place.

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Henry Salari

Hi Kami, First, your name is very cool..because my son’s name is Kamran and that is what we call him: Kami. I wanted to thank you for your photos and captions. You’re right, most people opt for bigger and more famous cities. I was born in Iran and in 1986 we moved to Hannover and that is where I grew up. Your photos brought back many precious memories. I live in the US now and visit Europe often but Hannover holds a special place in my heart. Hope to read and see more of your travels soon.

Thank you for your kind comment, Henry. I’m glad this article has brought so many nice memories. Hannover is indeed such a nice and underrated city, I really enjoyed my visit there. All the best and happy travels! And greetings to your son :)

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Thank you for sharing :) I’m living in Hannover and reallyy love this city and think it is totally underrated . It’s nice to hear that you also liked it :)

Thank you for your comment! I’m surprised not so many people visit Hannover, it’s such an interesting city!

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It really is a beautiful underrated German city. I only had about 5 hours to discover this city during a dark evening in October but still fell in love with it immediately. Great post!

thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed Hannover too and I agree it’s very underrated!

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Travelling Thirties

7 Things to Do in Hannover Germany (2023)

Every one has heard of German cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremberg but what about Hannover Germany?

We visited Hannover Germany as more of a “stop over” city on our way from Copenhagen to Heidelberg and we were so glad that we did, there are so many things to do in Hannover that it made for the perfect two night stop over

Hannover is a beautiful city, especially during autumn with the beautiful bright coloured leaves. There are some many gardens around the City of Hannover to wander around and enjoy the autumn colours.

During WWII Hannover Germany was subject to 8 different air raids and many residents were injured and many many lives were lost. Due to the bombings a lot of Hannover’s buildings were destroyed. Many of the buildings and houses you see today around the city have been rebuilt.

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Are you planning a trip to Hannover Germany? Check out these posts to help plan your trip

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Table of Contents

Things to do in Hanover

1. the red thread tour.

A road with a red line painted on it and a half holding a book which reads The Red Thread

My number one recommendation when visiting Hannover Germany, is that you head to the tourist information center and pick up “The Red Thread” Guide book.

The tourist information center is located directly opposite the main station or there is one inside the New Town Hall. I recommend the tourists information center opposite the main station as it is easy to find and it is bigger.

“The Red Thread Tour” is based on a guide book that will cost you 3€ and it is yours to keep. The guidebook is available in ten languages!

“The Red Thread” is painted on the pavement and weaves its way around the city of Hannover. On your tour you will cover 4.2km (don’t worry the walk is very easy and the ground is flat) and you will pass 39 of the main attractions within the city.

At each stop, there is a big number painted on the ground, locate the number in your guide book and you will find the information for the stop you are at.

We spent 2 -3 hours walking around Hannover and reading about the history, architecture and stories behind each stop.

You can go as fast as you would like or take your time, it is up to you! The Red Thread Tour has all the perks of a traditional tour, except it is entirely up to you how you go about your tour.

2. Get an amazing view with the most unique elevator

A big old building with a red roof and a green dome

The New Town Hall is one of the prettiest buildings in Hannover Germany and it is also one of the most popular attractions in Hannover. Not only because of it’s beauty but also because of it’s elevator. It is one of the most unique hotels in the world. The lift curves and take you up on a 17 degree angle.

Once you have “survived” this dizzy experience you will be rewarded with some stunning views over Hannover. However, the elevator does get extremely busy, especially on the weekends.

Only 5 people are permitted in the elevator at a time, so it is best to get to the town hall early so you don’t miss out!

A spiral stair case leading down to a floor with a star tiled into the floor

The inside of the New Town Hall is just as stunning as the outside so make sure you take the time to wander around the interior of the New Town Hall.

Inside you will also find four models of Hannover Germany, which depict how Hannover has evolved since 1689 including the devastating effects of WWII.

3. Take in the stunning Old Town

A street with a red line painted down the middle leading up to a church is lined with half timber buildings

Hannover’s Old Town is not as large or as grand as other Old Towns around Europe but it is still a very cute Old Town. The half time houses make you feel s though you are walking through a Disney movie!

The Old Town is very central to the rest of Hannover and makes the perfect stop on your Red Thread Tour. Why not stop and grab a drink at Broyhan Haus , the oldest pub in Hannover. It is super cute inside so be prepared to still be there at dinner time. Lucky the food is as good as their drinks.

A footpath with two buildings covered in ivy and decorated with fairy lights

Interestingly, Hannover’s Old Town isn’t actually that old. Along with much of Hannover Germany, the old town was bombed and destroyed during World War II. The Old Town that we see today is a reconstruction using facades from around the city that survived during World War II.

4. Grab a snap with Nanas statues by Niki de Saint Phalle

A green statue of two large women on the bank of a river surrounded by trees

As you walk along the river, you can’t pass by the statues of the “Nana’s. When these statues were first installed in the 1970s the locals were outraged! However, today they are adored and make up part of the eclectic culture in Hannover Germany.

5. Relax in one of the beautiful parks

A park with a lake in the middle and autumn coloured trees on the other side of the lake

Lucky for nature lovers, Hannover has a breezy 10 minute rule. The 10 minute rule means that no matter where you are in Hannover, you are never more than 10 minutes away from a park. Whether it Maschsee lake, which by the way is man made, or the largest municipal forest in the world!

No kidding, in the middle of Hannover Germany is is 640 acers of forest for you to explore!

On a beautiful sunny day, you will see locals and tourists mingling in one of the amazing Hannover parks.

6. Check out the museums on a Friday

If you are travelling on a budget, or like me, you just like to save some money when you can, then you need to check out some of the best museums in Hannover on a Friday.

The museums in Hannover are free every Friday. One of the best museums in the city is the Hannover History museum. The museum details medieval Hannover and how the British have influenced their history. As you walk around the museum you will find historic paintings, clothes from the 1800s and King George V’s royal carriage.

In order to get the most out of your visit to the museum you will want to ask for an English audio guide from the front desk.

Another great museum to visit is the Lower Saxony State museum where you will find a collection of art from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, archaeology, ethnology and natural history.

For the full list of museums in Hannover (and there are more than you would think) check out the tourism’s website .

7. Visit Marienburg Castle

Autumn leaves next to the bridge leading into the castle

Whilst Marienburg Castle in not in fact in Hannover, it is only an hour away by train, or half an hour if you’re keen to drive.

Marienburg Castle was built by King George the V for his wife as a birthday present!!

Not long after the Castle was completed, the Royal family was sent into exile in Austria and no one returned to the castle until 1945. Because of this, Marienburg Castle is one of the best preserved Castles.

I can’t recommend a day trip to Marienburg Castle enough! If you are interested in visiting Marienburg Castle (or Schloss Marienburg) check out this post

Getting around Hanover

Hannover is a very easy city to navigate. It is a very walkable city, most locations you will want to visit are within walking distance of each other.

However, if you would refer not to walk taxis are available and are safe for tourists to hail on the side of the road, you can hire a bicycle from the main train station and there is also a fantastic bus and tram network.

Getting to Hanover Germany

An old stone building with autumn trees in front and a green statue on top of the building

Flying to Hannover

Flying to Hannover from is a short and painless flight from many European and UK cities. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Flybe, Eurowings and British Airways all have flights to and from Hannover Germany.

If you are flying in from abroad, such as the US or Australia you will have a connection, but there are usually included in your overall flight itinerary.

Driving to Hannover

Hannover is accessible from any European country by car. Germany has a fantastic network of motorways (autobahn) were there are no speed limits.

Driving on the autobahn is normally on tourists lists of things to do when visiting Germany.

In Germany, you will be driving on the right hand side of the road and it is very easy to hire a car if you do not have your own.

By car, Hannover Germany is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bremen, 3 hours from Berlin and 6 hours from Munich.

A road lined with half timber half brick buildings

Taking the train to Hannover

Travelling around Europe via train is a great alternative to flying or driving. Germany has a fantastic rail service. Their trains run on time and are efficient.

By train, Hannover is roughly 8 hours from London, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Berlin, 4 hours and 20 minutes from Munich and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Frankfurt.

If you are planning on travelling around Europe on the trains and you don’t have a fixed plane, I recommend checking out the Eurail pass .

Travelling on the Eurail pass is fantastic if you are looking for some flexibility without spending a fortune on train tickets.

Have you been to Hannover Germany? Would you recommend it to others? Let me know in the comments below.

Fiona xoxo

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Only By Land Logo

Top Twelve Things to do in Hannover Germany

Hanover Germany is one of Europe’s hidden gems.  Here are a few things to do in Hannover;

  • Hannover New Town Hall
  • Marktkirche
  • Hannover 96
  • Hannover Train Station
  • Herrenhausen Gardens and Allee
  • Telemax Tower
  • Sprengel Museum
  • Marienburg Castle
  • Where to eat in Hannover

Hotels in Hannover are excellent value , therefore expect to find a good deal.  Nearby the train station is an excellent location.  Moreover, there’s a red line that runs around the city of Hanover and if you follow this line it will take you past all the famous sites of the city.  You can pick this red line up from outside the train station.

1. Hannover New Town Hall

Explore the Gardens

Hannover New Town Hall is a stunning building which is stunning from every angle.  In fact from the rear side of the town hall you’ll find a reflection pool which offers unreal reflections.  What’s more, the surrounding park is a good place to relax on a lovely day.  Read why Hannover New Town Hall is a top Instagram spot in Europe on my Travel Blog.

Hannover Town Hall Interior

Spiral Staircase at Hannover New Town Hall

Entry to Hannover New Town Hall is free and the interior is arguably more beautiful than its exterior.  For this reason it should be on top of your list of things to do in Hannover.  See more Hannover New Town Hall photography .

2. Old Town Hannover

Old Town Hannover

The historic old town of Hanover is full of both colorful as well as traditional German style buildings.  Many of these colorful buildings are now shops, cafes, bars or restaurants therefore I encourage you to view their interiors.  A restaurant I must recommend is Broyhanhaus .  Broyanhaus serves typical German food in a typical German building.  Finally, the majority of colorful buildings are on Kramerstrasse and also Ballhofplatz.

3. Marktkirche

Marktkirche

Marktkirche in English means Church of the Marketplace.  This is a Gothic church and also the southernmost example of North German Gothic churches.  Marktkirche was built in the 14th century and as you’d imagine it was severely damaged during the second World War.  It was fully restored in 1953 as a top point of interest of the city.  Marktkirche is visible from almost anywhere in the city therefore a good marker if you get lost.  More importantly, as a backdrop it can enhance any photos you take of other Hannover attractions.  Lastly, it’s free to go inside the church and make sure you pay attention to the incredible detail.

4. Hannover 96

Hannover 96 Stadium Facts - HDI Arena

Did you know Hannover was twice a World Cup host city?  Both in 1974 and 2006 in the modern Hannover 96 stadium.  Check if they’re playing when you’re in town.  Alternatively, visit for a stadium tour.  Read more about the Hannover 96 stadium on my Travel Blog.

Kropcke, - things to do in Hannover Germany

Kropcke is the center of modern Hannover and feature a popular monument called the Kropcke clock.  Kropcke pedestrian zone is packed with shops, restaurants, markets, kiosks, cafes and bars.  What’s more there’s an open air passage which connects it to the main train station.  As you’d imagine this is also packed with shops and take away food.

6. Hannover Train Station

Things to do in Hannover

Firstly, the statue in front of the train station is Ernst-August.  He is in fact, the uncle of Queen Victoria.  The horse is a popular meeting spot and Germans will often arrange to meet under the tail.  As you would imagine, the train station was almost completely destroyed during the war.  As a result, it’s become a beautifully restored, advanced train station.

7. Herrenhausen Gardens

Golden Gates Instagram Spot in Hannover Germany

Herrenhausen Gardens are Hannover’s answer to the Gardens of Versailles.  Simply put, no visit to Hannover is complete without visiting here.  Both Herrenhausen Gardens as well as the Sea Life Aquarium opposite are a short tram ride from the center.  Lastly, a short U Bahn ride in the other direction will take you to  Hanover Zoo .

Herrenhauser Allee

Herrenhausen Allee

You can take the tram to Herrenhausen Gardens but I recommend you walk.  There’s a kilometer long royal path called Herrenhauser Allee.  Herrenhauser Allee was built exclusively for royalty but today it’s a park open to the public.  It leads directly from the center to the gates of Herrenhausen Palace.  See more of my original photography from Herrenhausen Gardens .

8. Telemax Telecom Tower

Telemax Telecom Tower

Behind the train station is the famous Telemax Telecom Tower of Hanover.  It’s the fifth tallest TV tower in Germany.  Unfortunately, you cannot ascend it for panoramic views.  It does however, make a wonderful backdrop for a photo.

9. Street Art

street art in hannover germany

One of the top things to do in Hannover is search for street art.  Even more so for those who love Instagram photography as there are many colorful walls to pose against.  In actual fact, the majority of street art is located in nearby North Linden.  Nonetheless you’ll discover plenty dotted around central Hannover.  Read about the top Instagram spots in Hannover .

10. Sprengel Museum

Things to do in Hannover - Museums

Hannover is home to several museums.  I highly recommend the Sprengel Museum which features many modern art exhibitions.  Not only is this a fascinating insight into art but it’s also a large museum fully of highly Instagram worthy locations.  Check the Sprengel Museum site to see which exhibitions are on when you’re in town.  Lastly, after your visit why not try the onsite Bell ARTE restaurant.

11. Marienburg Castle

Queen's Library - Marienburg Castle

Marienburg Castle is an hour but worthwhile trip from Hannover.  This is Hannover’s version of the Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich .  I agree, the exterior is not as striking but the interior is one of the most beautiful castles you’ll ever visit.  What’s more, Marienburg Castle doesn’t receive a huge amount of tourists so you could be in this place all alone.  Perfect for those memorable pictures.  View my original photography from both the exterior as well as the interior Marienburg Castle rooms

12. Where to Eat in Hannover

Restaurants in Hannover Germany

Twelfth on my list of things to do in Hannover are its restaurants.  I dined in 3 excellent restaurants which I must share with you.  Firstly, is Broyhanhaus on Kramerstrasse in the middle of Old Town Hannover.  Broyanhaus serve delicious German dishes in a historic Hannover building.  Secondly, is Bell ARTE restaurant which serves Italian dishes in the Sprengal Museum.  Finally, last but not least is Reimanns Eck which serves delicious German dishes including the one pictured above.

How to travel from Hannover to Warsaw

Train to Warsaw

I took an overnight Flixbus to Berlin, stayed in Berlin for 2 nights before taking a 6 hour express train direct to Warsaw for €46.  As Poland is part of the Schengen community there is no border control between Germany and Poland.  Still there is a chance you’ll have your passport checked so have it close by.  Enjoy your trip.

Warsaw to Krakow

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28 comments.

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Looks like a great little city to visit! Sightseeing is way better without crowds of tourists. Good to know how to move in and out as well!

I have to admit I haven’t been to Hannover but your photos gives me the impression that it is a charming little town to check out if I was in the area. Great post.

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I really enjoy Germany but have not been to Hanover, it looks cute!

Hanover is a city that we never made it to in Germany. It looks pretty beautiful, especially the old town. What a fun trip travelling across Europe you had.

What a colourful set of images, makes me want to visit both Hanover and Warsaw. Warsaw has been on my list a long time actually, so it’s time to get moving!

I love the traditional German buildings in your photos. Add in some castles and it looks like a great destination. I need to see more of Germany!

I also use FlixBus when traveling in Europe, they are really comfortable and cheap!

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Great post! We’re big fans of overland travel and your journey sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing!

Oh, look at that cobblestoned square in front of the Town Hall, just love it! The town looks so charming and colorful, love your photos. 🙂

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You’ve just ticked all the boxes for me! Cheaper hotels, not too crowded and what a great idea to have that red line to show you around town! Speaking as a hopeless person who ALWAYS gets lost, this would be so amazing for me 😉

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Hanover should be treated to better photographers, according to your observations. Probably a good spot to set up a tripod and shot some city blocks.

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How do you get that curved perspective in your pictures? Love it! Germany is one of my favorite cities and Hannover is quintessential Germany too, it seems.

' src=

Sounds like a great place to visit in Europe. Amazing pictures. The post is very informative.

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I didn’t know that Hanover is such a beautiful destination! The architecture of the New Town Hall looks absolutely splendid and Gothic church looks quite fascinating! Germany is on my bucket list. Hope to visit there soon!

Amazing trip! As a photographer myself i would absolutely love to go here! Love the German building style and especially those colour full ones! Visited many German cities, but Hanover is still on our bucket list

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If you can get to Hamburg it’s a great city!!

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We’ve been to Germany a number of times but haven’t even heard of Hanover. It looks like a great place to visit — I love all those bright colors! I also like that you can get less expensive hotels there.

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I like exploring unknown and obscure places which is not on anyone’s wwishlist. There is a certain charm in such places. I am sure Hanover will still leave me with lot of stories even though it is not high on most traveler’s list.

Hanover is beautiful! I don’t know why more people don’t visit, although it’s great that hotels are cheap. I can’t get over how pretty the buildings look. I think the wet streets are just gorgeous.

' src=

Hanover looks wonderful. So many bright and beautiful buildings. I love the idea that not many people go here and it’s cheaper for us to stay in.

' src=

Hanover sounds like such an amazing place! I definitely think I would enjoy it, even if it’s not that popular. The new town hall loks so vibrant!

I am seeking places which are affordable but also have nice sceneries. Hanover is one of them. I like the Marienburg Castle. It looks incredible. I would like to watch live music and plays there.

' src=

We are awe of that colorful and vibrant architecture of the buildings. Hanover definitely looks like a photographers paradise. Loved the idea of red line it must be very easy for the tourists to explore the key attractions of the city. We haven’t heard of Marienburg Castle but we would love to as fairytale castles are fascinating.

Your adventure makes me want to tour Europe asap!! Warsaw does look incredible and those colourful buildings in Hannover are so picturesque, it is like walking through a fairy tale!!

' src=

I have never been to Germany but Hanover sounds like a great place. I enjoy reading your posts. They always provide so much useful information. Thank you!

' src=

Beautiful photography. I love getting to see cities that aren’t the big touristy ones, so thanks for this. It’s easier to visit these places and not be in the tourist bubble the entire time. Enjoy your journeys!

' src=

Hanover old town looks beautiful. I love that it is cheap, that helps when you want to travel for longer. Hanover really looks like a beautiful place to explore. The architecture is so beautiful

Hanover looks full stunning architecture. I was looking for buildings to photograph there, I knew about the colourful houses of old town. I didn’t know about the Rathaus though – wow!

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Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany - Hannover Must-See Attractions

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Walking Tours

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What travellers are saying

BrakiWorldTraveler

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • The New Town Hall
  • Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
  • Eilenriede - Park
  • Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

Things to do in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

places to visit around hannover germany

Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town

places to visit around hannover germany

SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket

places to visit around hannover germany

Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

Private guided rickshaw city tour in Munster

places to visit around hannover germany

Goslar City guided tour

places to visit around hannover germany

Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

places to visit around hannover germany

Taste and Travel Odyssey in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

  • From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car

places to visit around hannover germany

  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops

Walking Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Top Attractions in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Other Top Attractions around Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Historical Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Cultural Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

What travellers are saying

BrakiWorldTraveler

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • The New Town Hall
  • Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
  • Eilenriede - Park
  • Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster

Top Things to Do in Hannover

Things to do in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

places to visit around hannover germany

Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town

places to visit around hannover germany

SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket

places to visit around hannover germany

Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

Private guided rickshaw city tour in Munster

places to visit around hannover germany

Goslar City guided tour

places to visit around hannover germany

Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

places to visit around hannover germany

Taste and Travel Odyssey in Hanover

places to visit around hannover germany

  • From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car

places to visit around hannover germany

  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops

Walking Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Top Attractions in Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Other Top Attractions around Hannover

places to visit around hannover germany

Historical Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

Cultural Tours

places to visit around hannover germany

What travelers are saying

BrakiWorldTraveler

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • The New Town Hall
  • Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
  • Eilenriede - Park
  • Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster

IMAGES

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. 15 Destinations around Hannover

    Grafschaft Bentheim. Culture and landscape worth experiencing: the GEO region - perfect for getting to know people and... read more. 144. 15 different destinations just kilometers from Hannover. Whether hiking in the Harz or a historical sightseeing trip to one of the many castles...

  2. Things to Do in Hannover, Germany

    Things to Do in Hannover, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 70,779 traveler reviews and photos of Hannover tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,285. 45 mi away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. 2,774. 62 mi away.

  3. 18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Hanover

    10. Enjoy a Paddle on the Maschsee. The Maschsee. The Maschsee is an impressive artificial lake situated in the very heart of Hanover that serves as a popular focal point for a variety of activities and leisure pursuits. Completed in 1936, it extends 2.4 kilometers and is up to 530 meters wide in places.

  4. Attractions and Places To See around Hannover

    Steg Mardorf. Here it is worthwhile to take a break and let your mind wander. The view from the jetty is breathtakingly beautiful. ⛵. to discover even more attractions around Hannover. Explore the most beautiful places to visit around Hannover. Plan your next hike or cycling adventure to one of the 10 top attractions.

  5. 25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

    Marienburg Castle. If you make one day-trip from Hanover this Neo-Gothic palace about 20 kilometres south of the city would be a good shout. Resting on the side of the Marienburg Hill, the palace was started in 1857 by King George V of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.

  6. 16 Best Things to Do in Hanover, Germany

    13. Hanover Opera House. By Dguendel - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Address: Opernpl. 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany. Add the Hanover Opera House among the things to do in Hanover, and you won't be sorry. The building is more neoclassical and is home to the Staatsoper Company, which puts on magnificent shows.

  7. The Best Day Trips From Hanover Germany

    Northwest Germany's largest lake encompasses 30 sq km (11.6 sq miles) and is a mere 40-minute drive west from Hanover. The list of recreational activities is long: you can try your hand at sailing, wind or kitesurfing, or paddle boating at the watersports end of things, but if you'd rather stay on land, you can take on the circular trail around the lake on foot or by bike.

  8. Hannover, Germany City Guide: The Best Things to do in Hannover

    Queen Elizabeth the II is a direct descendent of House Hanover. Relax at the Maschsee : The place to be in the summer and when the weather is nice, the Maschsee is a large, artificial lake in the city centre. Take a Dance Break at the Singing Sewer : Yup…Hannover has a singing sewer. You read that correctly.

  9. 10+ Fun Things to Do in Wonderful Hannover, Germany

    This post about the Lower Saxony gem of Hannover, Germany was written in collaboration with Visit Hannover.. Today my friends, I want to tell you the tale of a magical, faraway land. A land that blessed the world with life-altering revelations like the gramophone, binary (0010101100101) and classic rock crooners, the Scorpions. A land whose royal court gave us Queen "Grandmother of Europe ...

  10. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Hannover (UPDATED 2024)

    See way to experience (1) 12. Marktkirche. 251. Churches & Cathedrals. By VadimM67. The 97-meter tower of the Market Church is visible from afar. Since 1366. It symbolizes the Old city of Hanover, which...

  11. Top 20 Places to See in Hannover, Germany

    Here are the top 20 places to see in Hannover, Germany. 1. Herrenhausen Gardens: Herrenhausen Gardens is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Hannover. The gardens are made up of several sections, including a grand garden, a baroque garden, and an English garden. Visitors can explore the gardens and take in the stunning views of ...

  12. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

    Things to Do in Hannover, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 70,734 traveller reviews and photos of Hannover tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,279. 45 mi away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. 2,773. 62 mi away.

  13. Things to do in Hannover

    The most known sight of the city and an absolute must thing to do in Hannover is the New Town Hall. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, finished in 1913 and it is stunning not only from the outside but also inside. When I entered the building and saw the 38-meter high main hall my jaw literally dropped.

  14. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover (Updated 2024)

    Things to Do in Hannover, Lower Saxony: See Tripadvisor's 70,532 traveller reviews and photos of Hannover attractions. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,195. 73 km away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. ... Hannover, Germany 55 contributions. 0. Excellent show.

  15. THE 10 BEST Hannover Sights & Historical Landmarks to Visit (2024)

    It is simply the most beautiful place to visit in town: very beautiful architecture, a park nearby and a lake and so... See tours. 2. Aegidienkirche. 268. Historic Sites. Mitte. By BrakiWorldTraveler. Beneath the bell tower you can find a bell from Hiroshima as a present from Japanese government.

  16. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hannover (Updated 2024)

    Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 70,699 traveller reviews and photos of Hannover tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,268. 73 km away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. 2,772. 100 km away.

  17. 7 Things to Do in Hannover Germany (2023)

    2. Get an amazing view with the most unique elevator. The New Town Hall is one of the prettiest buildings in Hannover Germany and it is also one of the most popular attractions in Hannover. Not only because of it's beauty but also because of it's elevator. It is one of the most unique hotels in the world.

  18. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

    The over 300 year old Herrenhäuser Gärten are a fascinating garden ensemble. It consists of the baroque Großer Garten, the botanical Berggarten and the Georgengarten in english landscape style. See full details. See ways to experience (4) 4. Maschsee. 840. Bodies of Water. By AsheshDuttaChoudhury.

  19. Top Twelve Things to do in Hannover Germany

    Hanover Germany is one of Europe's hidden gems. Here are a few things to do in Hannover; Hannover New Town Hall. Old Town. Marktkirche. Hannover 96. Kropcke. Hannover Train Station. Herrenhausen Gardens and Allee.

  20. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

    Things to Do in Hannover, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 70,645 traveller reviews and photos of Hannover tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,240. 73 km away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. 2,772. 100 km away.

  21. Things to Do in Hannover, Germany

    Review of: Sprengel Museum Hannover. Written August 9, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Sofyan Yudianto. Banyuwangi, Indonesia67 contributions. The best city forest in Hannover. Review of: Eilenriede - Park.

  22. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hannover (UPDATED 2024)

    Things to Do in Hannover, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 70,573 traveller reviews and photos of Hannover tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. ... Other Top Attractions around Hannover. 2023. Heide Park. 3,199. 73 km away. Soltau. Amusement & Theme Parks. 2023. Schnoor Viertel. 2,771. 100 km away.

  23. Top Things to Do in Hannover

    The collections in the open air and in the show houses reflect the flora on all continents. The orchid collection is of worldwide importance. The Berggarten offers visitors a variety of beautiful plant treasures at any time of the year. See full details. See way to experience (1) 10. SEA LIFE Hannover.