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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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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Tourist highlights.

Whether  town hall ,  Maschsee lake ,  old town  or  Herrenhausen Gardens  - you can discover numerous sights in Hannover!

Here are the highlights of the attractions in Hanover at a glance for you.

Tourist Highlight

Hannover Adventure Zoo

On animal safari around the world with exotic landscapes, over 2000 animals and amazing shows at...

The New Town Hall

Built in 1913, it is the seat of the Mayor and CEO of Hannover.

Tourist highlight

Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen are Hannover’s most famous attraction and have been a striking...

The Old Town

Half-timbered buildings, museums and sights in Hanover's old core.

Jogging, pedalo, walking & promenading

A maritime paradise right in the city centre!

The Old Town Hall

A historical building dating back to 1500 a.d.

City Centre

From the Central Station to Kröpcke, via Grosse Packhofstrasse to the Platz der Weltausstellung...

Buxom curves, luminous colours: the three Nanas on the Leibnizufer have become one of Hannover’s...

Opera House

One of the most beautiful neo-classical buildings of its kind.

Hannover Tourist Information

Ernst-August-Platz 8

30159 Hannover

+49 511 12345111

+49 511 12345112

Comprehensive service for your visit to Hannover is available at the Tourist Information, directly opposite the main train station. Just call or visit us!...

25 Best Things To Do In Hannover, Germany

Hannover , often spelled as Hanover in English, is a vibrant and historic city located in northern Germany. As the capital of the Lower Saxony state, Hannover holds a prominent position both culturally and economically.

Steeped in a rich history that dates back to medieval times, the city seamlessly blends its traditional heritage with modern amenities and a dynamic urban landscape.

Hannover is renowned for its green spaces, parks, and gardens, earning it the nickname “Die Grüne Stadt” or “The Green City.”

The city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness is evident in its many parks and recreational areas, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities to connect with nature.

The city’s historical significance is evident through its captivating architecture, preserved landmarks, and museums. From the grandeur of the Herrenhausen Gardens and the regal charm of the New Town Hall to the fascinating exhibits at the Historisches Museum Hannover, Hannover’s past comes alive through its impressive cultural attractions.

Hannover is not only a hub of historical and cultural experiences but also a thriving center for trade fairs, conventions, and industry events.

The Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest trade fairs, attracts global business leaders and entrepreneurs, contributing to the city’s international prominence.

With its excellent public transportation system, Hannover provides easy access to its many attractions and neighborhoods.

Visitors can explore the city’s lively markets, enjoy a diverse culinary scene, and immerse themselves in a wide range of cultural and entertainment offerings.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or modern city life, Hannover offers a well-rounded experience that appeals to all.

From its historical landmarks to its forward-looking vision, Hannover’s unique charm and warmth make it a captivating destination waiting to be explored.

1. Herrenhausen Gardens: Explore the magnificent baroque gardens, including the Great Garden, the Berggarten, and the Georgengarten

Herrenhausen Gardens is a collection of stunning baroque gardens located in Hannover, Germany. It consists of three main parts: the Great Garden, the Berggarten, and the Georgengarten.

The Great Garden: This is the centerpiece of Herrenhausen Gardens and is renowned for its grandeur and meticulous design. Created in the 17th century, it features perfectly symmetrical flowerbeds, impressive fountains, and elegant statues.

The centerpiece is the impressive Niki de Saint Phalle Grotto, a colorful artwork housing a café and a water playground for children. The Great Garden is a popular spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and various cultural events held throughout the year.

The Berggarten: Located adjacent to the Great Garden, the Berggarten is a botanical garden that offers a delightful collection of plants from different regions of the world.

Visitors can explore themed gardens, such as the Tropical House with exotic plants, the Cactus House, and a large collection of orchids. It’s a paradise for plant enthusiasts and a tranquil oasis within the bustling city.

The Georgengarten: A short distance away from the other two gardens, the Georgengarten is a more relaxed and informal park. It features wide open spaces, meandering paths, and a charming lake. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful stroll, jogging, or a family outing.

2. Herrenhausen Palace: Visit the stunning palace, which is now used for events and exhibitions

Herrenhausen Palace , also known as Schloss Herrenhausen, is a historic and magnificent building located within the Herrenhausen Gardens complex in Hannover, Germany. Originally constructed in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Electors of Hanover, the palace underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries.

The palace showcases a stunning blend of architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Classicist elements. Its elegant facade and elaborate decorations reflect the opulence and grandeur of the time when it was built.

The interior of Herrenhausen Palace once housed lavish apartments and staterooms, adorned with ornate furnishings, exquisite artworks, and intricate details.

However, much of the palace was tragically destroyed during World War II bombings. As a result, the interior was rebuilt and now serves as a venue for various events, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural functions.

Today, Herrenhausen Palace is a popular destination for visitors exploring the Herrenhausen Gardens. While the palace itself is used primarily for events and gatherings, its exterior and surrounding gardens offer a picturesque setting for leisurely walks, photography, and a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

The palace, along with the beautifully landscaped gardens, forms a significant cultural and historical landmark in Hannover, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

3. Hannover City Hall (Neues Rathaus): Admire the impressive architecture and take a ride to the top for a panoramic view of the city

Hannover City Hall , also known as Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), is an iconic and impressive building located in the heart of Hannover, Germany. Completed in 1913, it serves as the seat of the city’s government and administration.

The architecture of Hannover City Hall is a striking example of the Wilhelminian style, characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, towering dome, and intricate façade.

The building’s design was heavily influenced by the North German Renaissance and features elements of Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau as well.

One of the main highlights of the City Hall is its grand dome, which rises to a height of over 100 meters (328 feet). Visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs to the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Hannover’s skyline and surroundings.

Inside, the City Hall boasts a variety of beautifully decorated rooms and halls, including the council chamber, reception halls, and the impressive Kuppelsaal (Dome Hall).

The Kuppelsaal is often used for official events, concerts, and cultural functions, and its decorative ceiling paintings add to the overall splendor of the interior.

Notably, Hannover City Hall is also home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, which features an animated figurine that emerges to cuckoo every hour, delighting visitors and locals alike.

4. Maschsee: Relax by the picturesque lake, go for a boat ride, or walk or cycle around its shores

Maschsee is a picturesque lake located in Hannover, Germany, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat for both locals and visitors alike.

Created in 1936 as part of a public works project to provide employment during the Great Depression, it has since become a beloved recreational area and a significant landmark in the city.

The lake covers an area of about 78 hectares (193 acres) and is surrounded by well-maintained walking and cycling paths, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shores, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the views of the water.

For those looking to get out on the water, Maschsee offers boat rides and pedal boat rentals, allowing visitors to explore the lake from a different perspective.

This provides a unique opportunity to soak in the surrounding greenery and the city’s skyline visible from certain points on the lake.

Throughout the year, Maschsee hosts various events and festivals, attracting people of all ages. During the warmer months, the lake area becomes a hub of activity, with picnickers, joggers, and sun-seekers all making the most of the tranquil environment.

5. Hannover Zoo: Spend a day exploring the diverse animal exhibits and educational programs

Hannover Zoo is a vibrant and family-friendly zoological park located in Hannover, Germany. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country, having been established in 1865, and over the years, it has become a significant attraction for both locals and tourists.

The zoo covers a vast area, home to a diverse collection of animal species from various parts of the world. It is designed to provide a natural and spacious environment for the animals, with enclosures that mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible.

Visitors to Hannover Zoo can expect to see a wide array of animals, including majestic big cats, playful primates, colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, and much more.

The zoo’s emphasis on conservation and education makes it an ideal place to learn about the importance of wildlife protection and the challenges animals face in the wild.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo offers various interactive experiences and educational programs, making it an engaging and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can participate in feeding sessions, attend informative talks by zookeepers, and explore special themed areas such as the Zambezi boat trip, Gorilla Mountain, and the Jungle Palace.

6. Sprengel Museum: Discover modern art and an extensive collection of works from Expressionists

The Sprengel Museum is a prominent art museum located in Hannover, Germany. It is renowned for its comprehensive collection of modern art, with a particular focus on works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Named after the German art collector and patron Dr. Bernhard Sprengel, the museum was established in 1979 and has since become a cultural hub for contemporary art enthusiasts and visitors interested in modern artistic expressions.

The museum’s impressive collection includes works from notable artists such as Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Kurt Schwitters, among others.

It covers various art movements, including Expressionism, Dadaism, Bauhaus, and abstract art, providing visitors with a diverse and captivating experience.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Sprengel Museum hosts temporary exhibitions and special events, showcasing the works of both established and emerging contemporary artists from Germany and around the world.

The architecture of the museum itself is noteworthy, with its modern design and spacious galleries, providing an ideal setting for displaying large-scale artworks and installations.

7. Hannover Adventure Zoo (Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover): Experience a unique combination of a zoo and theme park

Hannover Adventure Zoo , also known as Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover, is a unique and immersive zoological park located in Hannover, Germany.

Unlike traditional zoos, this attraction offers visitors an interactive and adventurous experience, making it one of the most popular family destinations in the region.

The zoo is designed around different themed areas that represent various regions of the world. Each area provides an authentic environment for the animals, allowing them to thrive in settings that closely resemble their natural habitats. Visitors can embark on a journey through different continents, encountering a diverse range of wildlife along the way.

One of the zoo’s highlights is the “Yukon Bay” exhibit, where visitors can explore a detailed recreation of the Canadian wilderness.

The area includes a large underwater viewing area where you can observe polar bears and other Arctic animals swimming in a vast, ice-cold pool.

The “Gorilla Mountain” section is another fascinating attraction, offering an immersive experience in the African rainforest. Here, visitors can observe gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates in an environment that encourages their natural behaviors.

Hannover Adventure Zoo also features a “Mullewapp” area, inspired by the popular German children’s books. In this section, families can meet farm animals, and children can enjoy various interactive activities.

Additionally, the zoo offers various entertaining shows and presentations, allowing visitors to get up close to some of the animals while learning more about their characteristics and behaviors.

8. Marktkirche: Visit this beautiful Lutheran church, a significant landmark in the city center

Marktkirche , also known as the Market Church of Hannover, is a historic and significant landmark located in the heart of Hannover, Germany. It is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings and holds great cultural and religious importance.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Marktkirche is a fine example of North German Brick Gothic architecture. Its towering spire, reaching a height of about 97 meters (318 feet), dominates the city’s skyline and can be seen from various vantage points.

The church’s exterior is adorned with ornate brickwork, intricate sculptures, and Gothic-style windows, creating a visually stunning facade.

The main entrance features an elaborately designed portal that showcases biblical scenes and figures, adding to the church’s historical and artistic significance.

Inside, the Marktkirche boasts an impressive and spacious interior with a soaring nave and vaulted ceilings. The beautifully crafted altar, pulpit, and stained-glass windows contribute to the overall splendor of the church’s interior.

The church has served as a Protestant place of worship for centuries and continues to hold regular religious services, making it an essential center of spiritual life in Hannover.

Moreover, the Marktkirche often hosts concerts, cultural events, and organ recitals, taking advantage of its excellent acoustics and historic atmosphere.

9. Nanas Sculptures: Marvel at the colorful and playful sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle in the city center

The Nanas Sculptures are a delightful and iconic art installation in the city center of Hannover, Germany. Created by the renowned French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the Nanas are a series of vibrant and whimsical sculptures that have become synonymous with joy and femininity.

The sculptures are characterized by their colorful and exaggerated female forms, often depicted with curvaceous bodies, round faces, and bold, confident poses.

They are known for their playful and larger-than-life presence, instantly capturing the attention and imagination of passersby.

Niki de Saint Phalle’s inspiration for the Nanas came from her desire to celebrate and empower women. The sculptures serve as a celebration of femininity, breaking away from conventional notions of beauty and offering a more inclusive and empowering representation of women.

These joyful and exuberant sculptures can be found throughout the city center of Hannover, adding a touch of art and whimsy to public spaces.

Whether you encounter them while walking along the streets, relaxing in a park, or exploring a square, the Nanas sculptures are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten up your day.

With their vibrant colors and captivating presence, the Nanas sculptures have become beloved symbols of Hannover’s artistic spirit and progressive approach to public art. They serve as a wonderful reminder of the power of creativity to inspire and uplift both locals and visitors alike.

10. Sea Life Hannover: Explore the underwater world and get up close to marine creatures

Sea Life Hannover is a fascinating and educational marine life aquarium located in Hannover, Germany. As part of the popular Sea Life chain of aquariums, it offers visitors an immersive underwater journey through various aquatic ecosystems and a chance to get up close to a diverse range of marine creatures.

The aquarium features a series of well-designed and themed exhibits that showcase the wonders of the ocean. Visitors can explore habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to the depths of the sea, providing a comprehensive view of marine life from different parts of the world.

One of the highlights of Sea Life Hannover is the underwater tunnel, where visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel beneath a massive tank, surrounded by sharks, rays, and other fascinating sea creatures swimming overhead. This unique experience offers an intimate and safe encounter with these majestic marine animals.

Throughout the aquarium, there are informative displays and interactive touch pools, allowing visitors to learn more about the habits, behavior, and conservation efforts related to the marine species on display.

Sea Life Hannover places a strong emphasis on marine conservation and education, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call them home.

11. Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum): Learn about the history and culture of Lower Saxony

The Lower Saxony State Museum , also known as Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum, is a prominent cultural institution located in Hannover, Germany.

It is one of the largest and most important museums in the state of Lower Saxony, offering visitors a comprehensive and diverse collection that spans various aspects of art, culture, and history.

The museum’s extensive exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including archaeology, ethnology, natural history, and art history. Its impressive collections showcase artifacts and artworks from different periods, providing insights into the region’s past and its connections to the broader global context.

One of the museum’s main attractions is its archaeological section, which houses ancient artifacts from Lower Saxony, including prehistoric tools, coins, and medieval objects.

The ethnology collection features objects from different cultures worldwide, shedding light on the traditions and customs of various societies.

Art enthusiasts can explore a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from different periods and styles.

The museum’s art collection includes works from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic heritage.

In addition to its permanent collections, the Lower Saxony State Museum hosts temporary exhibitions, special events, and educational programs, making it a dynamic and engaging cultural hub for both locals and tourists.

12. Eilenriede Forest: Enjoy a relaxing walk or have a picnic in this expansive urban forest

Eilenriede Forest is a vast and enchanting urban forest located in the city of Hannover, Germany. Covering an area of around 640 hectares (approximately 1,580 acres), it is one of the largest city forests in Europe, providing a green oasis and a natural escape for both residents and visitors.

The forest is an integral part of Hannover’s landscape and plays a significant role in the city’s recreational and leisure activities.

Its name, “Eilenriede,” translates to “evergreen heath,” and it lives up to its name with its diverse mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, making it a picturesque destination throughout the year.

Eilenriede Forest features a network of well-maintained trails and pathways, making it an ideal location for walking, jogging, cycling, and nature hikes.

The peaceful ambiance and lush greenery offer a serene respite from the bustling urban environment, providing an opportunity to reconnect with nature without leaving the city.

In addition to its natural beauty, Eilenriede Forest offers various recreational facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, making it a popular spot for family outings and social gatherings.

Throughout the forest, there are several charming cafés and beer gardens where visitors can take a break and enjoy refreshments in a tranquil woodland setting.

Eilenriede Forest is also a haven for wildlife, providing habitats for various bird species, small mammals, and other creatures. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to observe and appreciate the local fauna.

13. Hannover Old Town: Stroll through the charming streets and visit historic buildings

Hannover Old Town , also known as Altstadt Hannover, is a charming and historic district located in the heart of Hannover, Germany. It is a place where the city’s rich history comes to life through its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Town is characterized by its traditional half-timbered buildings, charming squares, and narrow alleys, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a glimpse into the city’s past.

One of the main attractions in Hannover Old Town is the Marktkirche (Market Church), a striking example of North German Brick Gothic architecture with its tall spire dominating the skyline.

The church has been a significant landmark in the area for centuries and remains an essential place of worship and cultural events.

Another notable landmark is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), a beautiful building with a distinctive Renaissance facade. It serves as a museum today, offering visitors insights into the city’s history and government.

The historic Leibniz House (Leibnizhaus) is also located in the Old Town. It was once the residence of the renowned philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Hannover Old Town is a lively district with a mix of quaint shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. It is an excellent place to stroll around, exploring the picturesque streets and experiencing the city’s traditional charm.

Throughout the year, the Old Town hosts various festivals, markets, and cultural events, adding to its vibrant and inviting ambiance.

14. Lower Saxony State Opera (Niedersächsisches Staatstheater): Attend a performance at this renowned opera house

The Lower Saxony State Opera , also known as Niedersächsisches Staatstheater, is a prestigious performing arts venue located in Hannover, Germany. It is one of the most important cultural institutions in the region and serves as the primary opera house for Lower Saxony.

The opera house has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the 17th century. Over the years, it has been rebuilt and renovated, with the current building showcasing a beautiful blend of historical and modern architectural elements.

The Lower Saxony State Opera is renowned for its diverse and high-quality performances, encompassing opera, ballet, classical concerts, and other theatrical productions.

It hosts a wide range of artistic works from both traditional and contemporary repertoire, catering to a varied audience with different tastes and interests.

The opera house’s resident companies, such as the Lower Saxony State Orchestra and the State Ballet, consist of talented artists and performers who contribute to the artistic excellence of the institution.

Throughout the year, the Lower Saxony State Opera presents a rich and vibrant program, featuring classic masterpieces, innovative productions, and exciting collaborations with renowned international artists and directors.

The venue itself offers a grand and opulent setting for performances, with its elegant interior and excellent acoustics ensuring an immersive and enjoyable experience for theatergoers.

15. Wilhelm Busch Museum: Discover the life and work of the famous German humorist and artist

The Wilhelm Busch Museum , located in Hannover, Germany, is a cultural institution dedicated to the life and works of Wilhelm Busch, a renowned German humorist, caricaturist, and poet.

The museum is situated in the former summer residence of the artist and showcases a comprehensive collection of his literary and artistic achievements.

Wilhelm Busch is best known for his famous comic strip “Max and Moritz,” which is considered one of the earliest examples of the modern comic and has been cherished by generations of readers worldwide. The mischievous and humorous antics of Max and Moritz have made them beloved characters in German literature.

The museum provides visitors with insights into Wilhelm Busch’s creative process, displaying original drawings, sketches, manuscripts, and personal belongings, offering a glimpse into the artist’s life and the evolution of his artistic career.

Apart from “Max and Moritz,” the museum also features other works by Wilhelm Busch, including his humorous poems and caricatures, which often satirized the social and political issues of his time.

The museum’s setting in the artist’s former residence adds to the ambiance, immersing visitors in the historical context of Busch’s life and providing a unique perspective on the man behind the iconic creations.

16. Ballhofplatz: Experience the lively atmosphere and find various cafes and restaurants here

Ballhofplatz is a vibrant and charming square located in the heart of Hannover, Germany. It is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering a lively atmosphere and a range of activities.

The square is named after the Ballhof, a historic building situated on its eastern side. The Ballhof was originally a Renaissance-style ballroom and court theater, and it has served various functions throughout its history. Today, it is a venue for theatrical performances and cultural events, adding to the square’s cultural significance.

Surrounded by beautiful architecture, Ballhofplatz is a hub of activity with its numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a favorite spot for locals to enjoy outdoor dining, meet friends, or simply take a break from their daily routines.

The square is often bustling with street performers, creating an entertaining and dynamic ambiance. Visitors can expect to encounter musicians, magicians, and other artists showcasing their talents, adding to the lively and cheerful atmosphere.

Ballhofplatz is well-connected to other parts of Hannover, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city on foot or by public transportation.

17. Aegidienkirche: Visit the remains of this medieval church, now serving as a memorial for peace

Aegidienkirche, also known as St. Aegidius Church, is a significant historical landmark located in Hannover, Germany.

The church’s history dates back to the 14th century, and while its original structure was heavily damaged during World War II bombings, its ruins have been preserved as a poignant reminder of the city’s past.

The Aegidienkirche was a Gothic-style Protestant church known for its impressive architecture and religious importance to the community. Unfortunately, during the bombing raids in 1943, the church suffered extensive damage and was left in ruins.

Rather than rebuilding the church entirely, the decision was made to leave it as a war memorial and a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Today, the ruins of Aegidienkirche stand as a solemn and contemplative space, with its open-air interior often used for memorial services and events promoting peace.

The church’s remains are now surrounded by a serene garden area, offering a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city. The peaceful ambiance and the presence of the church’s ruins serve as a powerful reminder of the destruction caused by war and the importance of working towards a more peaceful future.

18. Maschpark: Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the greenery surrounding the Maschsee

Maschpark , also known as the Maschpark, is a beautiful and serene park located in Hannover, Germany. It is situated adjacent to the Maschsee, a picturesque lake in the city, and serves as a tranquil green space for relaxation and recreation.

The park’s design incorporates a combination of landscaped gardens, open lawns, and tree-lined paths, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to unwind and enjoy nature.

One of the park’s main features is the Maschsee Pavilion, a charming building that overlooks the lake and provides a scenic spot to sit and enjoy the views. The pavilion often hosts cultural events, concerts, and art exhibitions, adding to the park’s cultural significance.

Maschpark is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering opportunities for leisurely walks, jogging, picnicking, and simply basking in the natural surroundings.

Many people visit the park to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, seeking solace in the tranquil ambiance and the greenery.

The park’s location near the city center makes it easily accessible, and it is often a hub of activity during the warmer months when people come to enjoy the outdoors and participate in various recreational activities.

19. Leibniz House (Leibnizhaus): Explore the former residence of philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Leibniz House , also known as Leibnizhaus, is a historically significant building located in Hannover, Germany. It is a museum and memorial dedicated to the life and work of the renowned philosopher, mathematician, and polymath, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

The building itself is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and served as the residence of Leibniz during his time in Hannover in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Today, Leibniz House houses a museum that showcases artifacts, documents, and personal belongings related to Leibniz’s life and intellectual contributions.

Visitors can explore exhibits that delve into his groundbreaking work in various fields, including mathematics, philosophy, physics, and law.

The museum offers insights into Leibniz’s correspondence with other prominent thinkers of his time and highlights his efforts to bridge cultural gaps between different regions and promote intellectual exchange.

The Leibniz House also features a research library, providing scholars and enthusiasts with access to a wealth of information about the philosopher and his era.

20. Hannover History Museum (Historisches Museum Hannover): Learn about the history and development of Hannover

The Hannover History Museum , also known as Historisches Museum Hannover, is a fascinating cultural institution located in Hannover, Germany.

It offers visitors a captivating journey through the history and heritage of the city and the surrounding region of Lower Saxony.

Housed in a historic building in the heart of Hannover, the museum presents a comprehensive and immersive experience that spans various historical periods, from ancient times to the modern era.

The museum’s exhibits showcase a wide range of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations, providing insights into the city’s development, its cultural diversity, and the significant events that have shaped its identity over the centuries.

Visitors can explore various themes, including Hannover’s role as a royal residence, its industrial heritage, and its contributions to science, culture, and technology.

One of the museum’s highlights is the “Niedersachsenhalle,” a grand hall that features a panoramic model of the city of Hannover as it appeared before World War II. This display offers a unique opportunity to see the city’s historical architecture and layout in detail.

Throughout the year, the Hannover History Museum hosts special exhibitions and events, adding to the museum’s dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

21. Maschsee Festival: If you visit during the summer, enjoy this famous lakeside festival

The Maschsee Festival, also known as Maschseefest, is an annual summer festival held in Hannover, Germany, centered around the picturesque Maschsee lake. It is one of the city’s most popular and eagerly anticipated events, drawing locals and visitors alike.

The festival typically takes place over several weeks during the summer months, transforming the shores of Maschsee into a vibrant and lively celebration. It offers a diverse program of entertainment, cultural events, culinary delights, and outdoor activities.

One of the main highlights of the Maschsee Festival is the extensive array of food and drink stalls lining the lakefront promenade. Here, visitors can indulge in a wide variety of culinary treats, including traditional German dishes, international cuisine, and delicious street food.

As the sun sets, the festival’s atmosphere comes alive with live music performances, concerts, and open-air stages featuring a range of musical genres, from local bands to well-known artists.

Throughout the festival, there are various activities for all ages, including children’s entertainment, funfair rides, and water sports on the lake, making it a family-friendly event.

The Maschsee Festival also includes art and cultural exhibitions, craft markets, and special themed events, creating a dynamic and diverse experience for all attendees.

The festival’s location by the lake provides a scenic and picturesque backdrop, making it a delightful place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the vibrant ambiance.

22. HDI Arena: Watch a football match or attend a concert at the stadium

HDI Arena, formerly known as Niedersachsenstadion , is a major sports stadium located in Hannover, Germany. It is the home ground of the professional football club Hannover 96 and has a rich history as a venue for various sporting events and concerts.

The stadium has a seating capacity of over 49,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Germany. It features modern facilities, excellent sightlines, and a vibrant atmosphere during football matches.

Originally built in the 1950s, the HDI Arena has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to meet modern standards and accommodate larger crowds.

In addition to hosting Hannover 96’s home matches in the Bundesliga and other football competitions, the stadium has also been the venue for international matches, including matches during the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

Apart from football, the HDI Arena has also been used for concerts and cultural events, welcoming renowned artists and bands from around the world.

The stadium’s central location in Hannover makes it easily accessible, and its large capacity and versatile facilities make it a sought-after venue for various events, attracting sports fans and music enthusiasts alike.

23. Tiergarten Hannover: Another lovely park with walking paths and a natural reserve

Tiergarten Hannover, also known as Hannover Zoo, is a popular and well-established zoological park located in Hannover, Germany. It is one of the oldest zoos in Germany, with a history dating back to 1865.

The zoo covers a significant area and is home to a diverse collection of animal species from around the world. It is dedicated to providing spacious and naturalistic habitats for its inhabitants, allowing them to live in environments that closely resemble their natural homes.

Visitors to Tiergarten Hannover can expect to encounter a wide range of animals, including majestic big cats, playful primates, colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, and more.

The zoo’s focus on conservation and education makes it an excellent place to learn about wildlife protection and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

The zoo also features themed areas and exhibits, such as the Gorilla Mountain, Zambezi boat trip, and Jungle Palace, offering unique opportunities to explore different parts of the world and their respective animal inhabitants.

Throughout the year, Tiergarten Hannover hosts various events, activities, and feeding sessions, enhancing the overall experience for visitors of all ages.

The zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education has earned it a positive reputation, making it a popular destination for families, animal enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the animal kingdom.

24. Ballhof Theater: Catch a play or performance at this theater

The Ballhof Theater , also known simply as Ballhof, is a renowned theater in Hannover, Germany. It is one of the four theater venues operated by the Staatstheater Hannover (State Theatre Hannover) and is specifically dedicated to hosting drama and experimental theater performances.

The theater is located in Ballhofplatz, a charming square in the heart of Hannover’s Old Town. The building itself has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when it was originally a baroque ballroom and later served as a court theater.

Today, the Ballhof Theater is known for its innovative and diverse repertoire, showcasing a wide range of theatrical productions, from classic plays to contemporary works. It is renowned for its experimental approach to theater, often exploring avant-garde and cutting-edge performances.

The theater’s intimate atmosphere and proximity to the audience create an engaging and immersive experience for theatergoers, allowing them to connect with the actors and the performances on a more personal level.

With its central location and commitment to artistic exploration, the Ballhof Theater plays a vital role in Hannover’s cultural scene, attracting theater enthusiasts and artists alike.

It contributes to the city’s vibrant theatrical landscape and adds to the rich cultural offerings available to residents and visitors.

25. Hannover Congress Centrum (HCC): Check out events, concerts, and conventions happening here

The Hannover Congress Centrum (HCC) is a modern and versatile convention center located in Hannover, Germany. It is a prominent venue for hosting a wide range of events, including conferences, conventions, trade shows, concerts, cultural performances, and more.

The HCC is strategically situated in the heart of Hannover, making it easily accessible for both local and international participants.

Its central location also offers attendees the added benefit of exploring the city’s attractions, hotels, and amenities during their visit.

The convention center boasts a large and flexible event space, featuring modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology to accommodate various types of gatherings and exhibitions.

Inside the HCC, there are numerous conference rooms, exhibition halls, and auditoriums of different sizes, making it suitable for events of various scales and formats.

The center’s professional and experienced staff provide support and assistance in organizing and hosting successful events.

The HCC is well-known for hosting major trade fairs and international conferences, contributing to Hannover’s reputation as a hub for business and industry events.

In addition to its role as a convention center, the HCC occasionally hosts cultural performances, concerts, and shows, enriching the city’s cultural scene.

These activities will give you a taste of Hannover’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Enjoy your time in this charming German city!

Food In Hannover

Hannover, the vibrant capital of Lower Saxony, Germany, is not only known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and green spaces but also for its diverse and delectable food scene.

As a city that blends tradition with modernity, Hannover offers an array of culinary delights that cater to every taste and preference.

From traditional German dishes to international cuisine, exploring the food in Hannover is a delightful journey that will leave your taste buds satisfied and craving for more.

• Embrace the Local Flavors: No visit to Hannover is complete without sampling some of the city’s traditional German dishes. Treat yourself to hearty specialties such as Bratwurst, a savory sausage typically served with sauerkraut or potato salad, and Bregenwurst, a black pudding made with pork and oats. For a taste of Hannover’s maritime heritage, indulge in seafood dishes like Labskaus, a mix of corned beef, potatoes, and onions, often accompanied by a fried egg and pickles. Pair these dishes with a glass of local beer for an authentic Hannoverian experience.
• Culinary Diversity: Hannover is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity. Explore the city’s international offerings and embark on a culinary journey that spans continents. From Italian trattorias serving freshly made pasta to Japanese sushi bars crafting delicate rolls, Hannover’s international restaurants offer a taste of the world right at your fingertips. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Turkish döner kebabs or indulge in Indian curries that pack a flavorful punch.
• Street Food Markets: Hannover’s food culture thrives not only in restaurants but also at vibrant street food markets. Discover the bustling atmosphere and eclectic dishes offered at these open-air markets. Markthalle Hannover, the city’s historic market hall, is a must-visit destination for foodies. Here, you’ll find a plethora of stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and international street food delights. Sample gourmet sausages, mouthwatering pastries, and local cheeses as you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Hannover’s food markets.
• Sweet Temptations: For those with a sweet tooth, Hannover has a treasure trove of desserts and pastries to satisfy your cravings. Try traditional German treats like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or Baumkuchen, a delicious layered cake with a distinctive ring-like appearance. Don’t forget to indulge in a slice of the famous Nusstorte, a rich nut cake that originated in the city of Hannover. Accompany your sweet indulgences with a cup of aromatic coffee at one of the city’s charming cafes.
• Farm-to-Table Freshness: Hannover takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and organic practices. Many restaurants in the city emphasize using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create their dishes. Enjoy farm-to-table freshness and support the local community by dining at restaurants that champion sustainable food practices. From farm-fresh salads to organic meats, Hannover’s farm-to-table movement offers a guilt-free dining experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.

Food in Hannover is a celebration of flavors, cultures, and traditions. From hearty German dishes to international delights, the city’s culinary scene caters to every palate.

Whether you’re exploring traditional markets, savoring global cuisine, or indulging in sweet treats, Hannover offers a gastronomic journey that will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for its diverse and delicious food culture.

So, next time you visit Hannover, be sure to pack an appetite and prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

Top 20 Best Restaurants In Hannover, Germany

• Per Se – Fine Dining
• Nordkurve – German Cuisine
• Gilde Brauhaus – Traditional German Beer Hall
• Margaux – French Cuisine
• Schmitz Restaurant – Modern European
• Hackethal’s Restaurant – German Cuisine
• LUUPS Hannover – Creative Fusion Cuisine
• Vapiano – Italian Cuisine
• Sushikaiser – Japanese Sushi
• Enoiteca Il Calice – Italian Wine Bar & Bistro
• Pepe’s Bodega – Spanish Tapas
• Namaste India – Indian Cuisine
• Restaurant 5 – International Cuisine
• Stadtrestaurant Parthenon – Greek Cuisine
• Cantinetta Piero – Italian Trattoria
• Yak & Yeti – Nepalese Cuisine
• Nasch – Modern German
• Shalimar – Pakistani and Indian Cuisine
• Nordsee – Seafood
• L’Osteria – Italian Pizzeria

These restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional German fare to international flavors. Please verify the current status, ratings, and availability of these restaurants before making a reservation or visiting them.

Transportation In Hannover

Transportation in Hannover is well-developed and efficient, offering residents and visitors a variety of options for getting around the city and its surrounding areas.

The city’s transportation system is known for its reliability, punctuality, and connectivity, making it easy to explore all that Hannover has to offer.

• Public Transportation: Hannover has an extensive and well-integrated public transportation network operated by üstra, the local transport company. The system includes trams, buses, and suburban trains (S-Bahn). Trams are the backbone of the public transport system, providing frequent service to various parts of the city. Buses complement the tram lines and serve areas not directly accessible by tram. The S-Bahn connects Hannover with neighboring towns and suburbs, offering a convenient way to travel regionally.
• Hannover Hauptbahnhof: The central train station, Hannover Hauptbahnhof, is a major transportation hub in the city. It is one of the busiest railway stations in Germany and serves as a crucial intersection for both regional and long-distance train services. From here, travelers can reach major German cities and even international destinations with ease.
• Hannover U-Bahn: Hannover also has an underground metro system, known as the U-Bahn. Although smaller in scale compared to other cities, the U-Bahn serves key areas and offers efficient transportation within the city center.
• Cycling: Hannover is a bicycle-friendly city with an extensive network of cycling paths and lanes. Many residents and visitors choose to explore the city by bike, as it is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and are a convenient option for those seeking door-to-door service. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber are also operational in Hannover, providing further transportation choices.
• Car Rental: Car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive themselves. However, due to the excellent public transport and cycling options, many visitors find it unnecessary to rent a car within the city.
• Hannover Airport: Hannover Airport (Flughafen Hannover) is the main international airport serving the region. It connects Hannover with various domestic and international destinations, making it a vital gateway for travelers.
• Walking: Hannover is a walkable city, especially in the city center. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance, making it enjoyable to explore on foot.

Transportation in Hannover is reliable, well-organized, and offers multiple choices for getting around the city and beyond.

Whether you prefer the convenience of public transportation, the flexibility of cycling, or the comfort of taxis, Hannover’s transportation options cater to various preferences and make exploring the city a breeze.

Hannover, Germany, is a captivating destination that offers a plethora of experiences for travelers of all interests. From its rich historical heritage to its vibrant cultural scene and green spaces, the city has something to delight every visitor.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, a nature lover, or a foodie, Hannover has a wide array of attractions and activities to keep you engaged and entertained.

Exploring the magnificent Herrenhausen Gardens, delving into the city’s past at the Hannover History Museum, and marveling at the Nanas Sculptures are just a few of the many enriching experiences that await you in Hannover.

The city’s lively festivals, such as the Maschsee Festival, and its diverse culinary scene add a flavorful touch to your journey, providing opportunities to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region.

Whether you’re strolling through the charming Old Town, admiring the stunning architecture at the Marktkirche, or taking a relaxing boat ride on the Maschsee, Hannover’s charm and warmth are sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Hannover is a city that cherishes its past while embracing the present, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a balanced blend of history, culture, and modernity.

As you explore the 25 best things to do in Hannover, you’ll uncover a city with a unique spirit and a warm embrace that will make you feel right at home.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, Hannover invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where every step leads to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Embrace the beauty of Hannover, immerse yourself in its vibrant spirit, and let the city’s enchanting allure captivate you for a truly unforgettable travel experience.

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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.

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*

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.

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.

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.

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…

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?

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.

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.

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].

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.

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”.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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Hannover – the most underrated city in Germany

Last Updated on 16/02/2024 by kami

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!

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 .

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.

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.

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…

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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?!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

Travel Resources

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• 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 .
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• 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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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!

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51 Comments

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!

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

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

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 :)

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!

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!

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 :)

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!

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! :)

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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 :)

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 :)

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!

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!

Hitesh Jagadish

Definitely, worth reading the blog. Amazing work !

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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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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About the author: james smith.

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28 comments.

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.

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!

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. :)

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 ;)

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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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Hanover: marketplace for international innovation

As a trade fair destination with the world's largest modern exhibition grounds, Hanover is a world-class city. It's no wonder, then, that the city has become an engine for the global economy, and a byword for ideas and innovation.

It's a safe bet that any new trends in industry and technology would have first been seen in Hanover, or rather at one of the city's huge leading international trade fairs – the likes of which have made the exhibition centre in Lower Saxony one of the most highly regarded in the world. Year after year, the exhibition site of around one square kilometre is the best possible stage for major international trade shows. But Hanover has so much more to offer than that. Take the city's two town halls as an example. The first, conveniently situated opposite the Markthalle indoor market, dates back to the Late Middle Ages and has been carefully restored, while the second is a Neo-Gothic building inaugurated in 1913, recognisable by its sheer grandeur and its impressive dome at a height of almost 100 metres.

New Town Hall

Herrenhausen gardens, maschsee lake, sprengel museum.

Other crowd pleasers that bear witness to Hannover's glory days as a kingdom include the Leineschloss palace and the splendid Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, one of Europe's few Baroque gardens to have been preserved largely in its original state. The palace is also the starting point for the incredible sculpture mile, a route best known for Niki de Saint Phalle's 'Nana' sculptures. Visitors should not miss the Sprengel Museum, one of the foremost galleries for 20th-century art, or the Maschsee Lake, our insider tip for water sports, boat trips and lakeside festivals.

Discover more

Enjoy vegan and eco-sustainable city getaways, baroque cities: travel back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries, wine hikes: 5 regions for connoisseurs, technology museums: fascination with technology, capitals of culture: a grand entrance on the european stage, shhhhh don't tell anyone insider tips for germany, explore the surroundings.

15 Best Things to do in Hannover (Germany)

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: January 27, 2022

Categories Germany

Home / Europe / Germany / 15 Best Things to do in Hannover (Germany)

Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Hannover ( Germany ), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.

New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

Hannover’s New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a grand palace-like structure in Trammplatz, about a 5-minute walk from the Old Town. Built between 1901 – 1913 in the style of the Wilhelmine period, several halls within the building have been converted into museums, which host a variety of exhibits all year long. 

There are four scale models depicting Hannover’s cityscape during the Middle Ages, pre-World War II, 1945, and the present day. From the dome’s viewing platform at 93.5 meters height are some of the best views over the city.

The lift transferring visitors up to the tower of New Town Hall is unique, as it is the only parabolic lift in Europe that climbs at an angle along with the shape of the dome.

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

Situated on Marktplatz and cannot be unmistakable for its elaborate gables, the Old Town Hall is Hannover’s oldest secular building, first taking shape at the start of the 15th century. Nowadays, it is the southernmost example of the Northern German Brick Gothic style.

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

The façade on Schmiedestraße’s side was decorated with coats of arms and portraits of electors, princes, and a depiction of Luderziehen – an old-fashioned game that is like a tug of war but done by linking little fingers instead of a rope.

Lower Saxony State Museum

Hannover’s Lower Saxony State Museum, opposite the New Town Hall, has a diverse collection of paintings, artifacts, fossils, and wildlife from all over the world. 

The museum hosts an unbeatable collection of art from the 11th to the 20th centuries, natural history artifacts, including a life-size model of a dinosaur, and a massive vivarium. Its archaeological department consists of artifacts across almost 500,000 years of history, while its ethnology section boasts a collection of fascinating objects from around the world.

The Renaissance and Baroque galleries are where you can see contemporary and classical art by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, and also a fine collection of 19th-century art by Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Impressionists such as Max Liebermann.

Photo: N.M.Bear / Shutterstock.com

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen

The pride of Hannover is a chain of gardens from the days of the Imperial Electors and Kings of Hanover, of which The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen (Herrenhäuser Gärten in German) is considered the most famous landmark in Hannover.

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen itself comprises four unique gardens: the Great Garden (Großer Garten), the Berggarten, the Georgengarten, and the Welfengarten.

Great Garden is the podium for all kinds of events and festivals, concerts, and theatrical performances. There’s also a beautiful grotto filled with modern artworks by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

First started as a herb and kitchen garden for the palace, Electress Sophia later chose the Berggarten as a space to grow exotic plants. As a result, 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. There are four greenhouses, for tropical plants, cactuses, and the subtropical flora of the Canary Islands, growing 20,000 plants from 3,000 species.

However, the gem of Berggarten 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.

Historisches Museum

Hanover’s historical museum is on “Am Hohen Ufer”, an embankment on the Leine River on the west side of the Altstadt, where Hannover was founded on the road from Bremen to Hildesheim.

The Beginenturm, the last fully preserved city tower, as well as the remnants of the 17th-century ducal armory, has been integrated into the museum. This place will bring you back to Hannover’s past, from the Middle Ages and Welf Duchy through the Principality of Calenburg and the royal House of Hannover.

There you’ll see how this city has evolved from a medieval market town to an urban center over 750 years, and discover how rural life changed in Lower Saxony from the 1600s to the 1900s.

Twice the size of New York’s Central Park, the Eilenriede is a city forest almost in the center of Hannover and is one of the largest connected city forests in Europe, producing timber for 600 years before it opened to the public in the 19th century.

The western entrance is only about ten minutes on foot from the Hauptbahnhof. There’s a handful of cafes in the park, also information posts where you can update your knowledge about deer, hares, bats, and martens that make a habitat in the park.

Explore Kröpcke

The present old town of Hannover 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. 

Nowadays it’s the social and commercial heart of the city, and the meeting point for many is Kröpcke – the common name of the square, the cafe and even the clock – a traditional meet-up location in town, lies in the middle of an eponymous pedestrian zone at the intersection of Georgstraße and Bahnhofstraße.

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. 

Photo: Mikhail Markovskiy / Shutterstock.com

Join the Maschseefest

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

The Maschseefest is a music and gastronomy festival, 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 all over the world, and of course the German currywurst.

Photo: geogif / Shutterstock.com

Aegidienkirche

The magnificent Aegidienkirche was once a source of pride for the city of Hannover, but not until 1943 when a disastrous bomb raid in 1943 during the Second World War heavily damaged the church and left much of it in ruins.

The church was never reconstructed but left as a war memorial. The nave and chancel have been left in their roofless, damaged state as a memorial for victims of wars and violence.

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

Sprengel Museum

Founded in 1979 – a decade after the chocolate manufacturer Bernhard Sprengel donated his modern art collection to the city – the Sprengel Museum is a cultural attraction displaying a real “who’s who” of modern art in Germany.

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 art trends after 1945, featuring works by kinetic sculptor Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, and Capitalist Realist artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke.

Luftfahrtmuseum Hannover-Laatzen

To the south of Hannover, there’s a riveting little museum on the history of aviation, 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 turbojet engine, a Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109, and a section from a Ju 52 that you can walk inside. There are even a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and a MiG-15 from the post-War period.

Along Georgstraße lies the Neoclassical Hanover Opera House. Originally built in 1852, the building was badly damaged in World War II and rebuilt in 1948. The acoustics were improved in 1985, and the stage facilities were renovated between 1996 and 1998.

The whole building is now home to the city’s professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover. Thanks to recent renovations, Staatsoper now offers a first-rate experience for opera fans during its season, which runs from September to June, while other events such as ballet performances are scheduled throughout the year.

Hanover Tiergarten

Just past Hannover’s eastern outskirts is a 112-hectare park that was once a hunting ground for the Electors and Kings of Hannover. 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 fallow deers, red squirrels, and wild boars can roam freely. Living wild in the park are several bat species, owls, hawks, falcons, foxes, badgers, and Egyptian geese. 

Watch football (Hannover 96)

Hannover was one of the cities selected for the World Cup in 2006, and the HDI Arena (Niedersachsenstadion) was given a total face-lift. Now it’s a totally modern sporting arena filled with around 50,000 fans when Hannover 96 plays their home games. 

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

In the past, Hannover 96 has had some difficult years, but as of 2017-2018, they played at the highest level in the Bundesliga. Despite the fact that they have not won the league championship since 1954, full-houses are common and the atmosphere is always electric.

Photo: HMTG – Visit Hannover

Want more recommendations on things to do in Hannover, Germany? Leave a comment below! 

• The 10 Best Things To...

The Best Things to See and Do in Hanover

More often than not, tourists overlook Hanover (Hannover in German), the capital city of Lower Saxony. However, those travelers who do take their time to get to know the city are rarely disappointed. From world-class architecture and lush nature to awesome museums and great shopping—the city has something for everyone. Here is our pick of the most enjoyable sights and activities in the beautiful green city of Hanover .

Herrenhausen gardens.

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen is easily the most famous landmark in Hanover and also enjoys an international repute. This swathe of green comprises four unique gardens: the Great Garden (Großer Garten), the Berggarten, the Georgengarten and the Welfengarten. The symmetric, beautifully manicured Great Garden is the podium for events, festivals, firework competitions, concerts and theatrical performances, and it has a grotto dedicated to the last works of artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The baroque Berggarten, on the other hand, stands witness to 300 years of history. The Wilhelm Busch German Museum for Caricature and Critical Graphic Arts and the Leibniz Temple draw tourists to the Georgengarten. The gorgeous Welfenschloss (housing the University of Hanover) lies in the Welfengarten.

New Town Hall

It doesn’t take a deep understanding of architecture to appreciate the magnificence of Hanover’s New Town Hall. The view of this palace-like building from the ground can be matched only by the splendid views of the city from its 93.5-meter-high (307 feet) observation deck. The lift that whisks visitors up to the tower is unique, as it is the only parabolic lift in Europe that climbs in an angle along the shape of the dome.

Lower Saxony State Museum

The Lower Saxony State Museum lies bang opposite the New Town Hall. Its exterior is as splendid as the collection it houses. The museum boasts an unbeatable collection of art from the 11th to the 20th centuries, natural history artifacts, including a life-size model of a dinosaur, and a massive vivarium. Its archaeological department consists of artifacts across almost 500,000 years, while its Ethnology section houses a delightful collection of fascinating objects from around the world.

Hanover Zoo

Hanover is home to the fifth oldest and one of the most amazing zoos in Germany . In fact, a visit to the Hanover Zoo is no less than an adventure! Visitors can walk a five-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) path to explore the various sections of the zoo: African Savannah, Indian Rainforest, Outback farm, traditional Lower Saxony neighborhood, Gorilla Forest and Canadian Yukon Bay. Each section houses exotic animals and birds in a natural setting and without any visible barrier.

The artificial lake of Maschsee offers endless recreation and relaxation options. This oasis in the middle of the city is perfect for yachting, canoeing, pedal-boating and water sports, while its shores and the Maschsee Park are popular for jogging, strolling or simply lazing. The Maschsee area has an abundance of restaurants, cafés and the popular tourist attraction, Sprengel Museum . If you happen to be in Hanover in summer, you get to take part in a spectacular three-week Lake Festival at the Maschsee that attracts over two million people every year.

Aegidienkirche

The magnificence Aegidienkirche was once a source of pride for the city of Hanover. However, a devastating bomb raid in 1943 during the Second World War heavily damaged the church and left much of it in ruins. The church was never reconstructed but left as a war memorial, reminding locals and tourists that in the middle of an abundance of beauty exists the ugly truth of war.

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This 112-hectare dazzling green forest from the 1600s is home to 120 fallow deer, as well as a large number of rare birds and bats. This area is also a delightful place for strolling and connecting with nature. If you are in Hanover in October, don’t miss the fest at the Tiergarten, which is a lot of fun for the entire family.

Hanover rewards its visitors with some of the best shopping areas in Germany. From the Old Town Flea Market every Saturday and the freshest produce at Market Hall to the high-end Ernst-August-Galerie and the upmarket Galerie Luise and Kröpcke Passage, there is something to appeal to all tastes and budgets. The areas of Linden, Nordstadt, List, and Sudstadt are known for their exclusive boutiques and shops.

A stroll through the Old Town of Hanover is a journey down Hanover’s history. This square preserves the 15th-century Late Gothic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), the Neo-Gothic Market Fountain built in 1881 and the stunning 14th-century Marktkirche. The Old Town also houses a number of quaint galleries, shops, and many restaurants.

Eilenriede Forest

Hanover has preserved its green heart in a way that only a few contemporary cities can. The 640-acre pristine Eilenriede Forest is the largest in-city forest in the whole of Europe and has been a pride of Hanover for over 600 years. The locals love to spend time here—walking, jogging or biking along the romantic walkways shaded by dense trees and punctuated by ponds. The forest has playgrounds and cafés as well.

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Locals love Hanover (spelt 'Hannover' in German) for the low cost of living; good public transport; wealth of museums, theatre, live music and other arts and cultural events; and the city's proximity to green spaces. The spectacularly Baroque Herrenhäuser Gärten, the constructed Lake Maschsee and the Eilenriede, Europe's largest urban forest, are all close at hand. That said, most Germans groan at the first mention of Hanover, whose dialect is regarded as the closest tongue to High German. Perhaps it's a complex socio-linguistic thing – or perhaps they're just jealous of the laid-back lifestyle.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Herrenhäuser Gärten

Proof that Hanover is not all buttoned-down business are the grandiose Baroque Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, about 5km north of the city centre, which…

Sprengel Museum

The Sprengel Museum is held in extremely high esteem, both for the design of the building as well as for the art housed inside. Its huge interior spaces…

Neues Rathaus

An excellent way to get your bearings in Hanover is to visit the Neues Rathaus (built 1901–13) and ascend 98m in the curved elevator (the only one of its…

Grosser Garten

The jewel in the crown of the Herrenhäuser Gärten is grand both in format and history, having been laid out as a Baroque garden in 1714 under the tutelage…

Eilenriede Forest

More than 640 hectares (almost twice the size of NYC's Central Park), Europe's largest city forest, Eilenriede, is also known as Hanover's grüne Lunge …

The oldest botanical garden in Germany is redolent with a mind-boggling assortment of global flora – including glasshouses for orchids, cacti and tropical…

Kestner Gesellschaft

It’s always worth checking listings for the Kestner Gesellschaft. Founded in 1916 to bring innovative artworks from international artists to Hanover, the…

Museum Schloss Herrenhäusen

The Schloss Herrenhäusen, an early-19th-century palace destroyed by bombing in 1943, reopened in 2013 after being spectacularly reconstructed to the…

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Germany Travel Guide

Hannover Germany: 2-day Itinerary and Map

Hannover is a city in Germany located in the state of Lower Saxony on the banks of the Leine River. It is an important center of trade and culture.

The city has many museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and gardens.

How to spend 2 days in Hannover Germany

In this 2-day itinerary in Hannover , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Hannover

Start the day by visiting the Am Markte where you will find famous buildings such as the Marktkirche , a church with its impressive 97-meter high tower, and the Old Town Hall ( Altes Rathaus ) which now also houses a restaurant.

Head to Leineschloss , a 17th-century building on the banks of the river that was once the residence of Duke Georg von Calenberg. Another important building in Hannover is the Niedersächsische Staatstheater ( Opera House ), home to the city’s professional opera company.

Pass by Die Aegidienkirche , one of the 3 churches in the old center which have been left in ruins. 700 meters (0.4 miles) away you will find Masch Park where the Neues Rathaus ( New Town Hall ) building is located, one of the symbols of the city that has a platform for views of the city.

Visit the Landesmuseum Hannover which houses several important collections of antiquities and also the Sprengel Museum which has one of the most important modern art collections in Germany .

End the day with a stroll along the Maschsee , an artificial lake that stretches for 2.4 km (1.49 miles).

Things to see

• Marktkirche
• Altes Rathaus
• Leineschloss
• Niedersächsische Staatstheater
• Die Aegidienkirche
• Neues Rathaus
• Landesmuseum Hannover
• Sprengel Museum

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 in Hannover

On the second day in Hannover visit the Herrenhausen Gardens and the Wilhelm Busch Museum which covers the life of the famous poet and design Wilhelm Busch . The museum also houses a collection of over 700 cartoons of Napoleon .

Another attraction in the city is the Hannover Zoo , which houses animals from 5 continents.

• Herrenhausen Gardens
• Wilhelm Busch Museum
• Hannover Zoo

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Sights in Hannover

1. neues rathaus.

The Neues Rathaus was built between 1901 – 1913. The dome platform accessed by an exclusive lift offers the best views of the city.

Trammplatz 2, 30159

2. Herrenhausen Gardens

Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419

3. Wilhelm Busch Museum

The Wilhelm Busch Museum covers the life of Wilhelm Busch .

Along with the permanent exhibits of cartoons and comics, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Busch’s work.

A special highlight is a collection with more than 700 caricatures of Napoleon . The museum is housed in the Georgenpalais in the Herrenhausen Gardens .

4. Am Markte

There are located several historic buildings such as the Altes Rathaus on Am Markte .

Another important attraction is the Marktkirche with its impressive tower of 97 meters in height. The Kramerstrasse still retains some of the old atmospheres of Hannover .

5. Opera House

The Opera House was built in 1852. It is home to the city’s professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover . The season runs from September to June.

Opernpl. 1, 30159

6. Leineschloss

The Leineschloss was built in the 17th century. It is the former residence of the Hanoverian kings and the current seat of the Landtag of  Lower Saxony .

It is located on the banks of the Leine river.

Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159 

7. Niedersächsiches Landesmuseum

The Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover houses several important collections of antiques. The most popular is the Landesgalerie with its collection of European art from the romantic period to the present day.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, 30169

8. Hannover Zoo

The Hannover Zoo is the fifth oldest in Germany . It was remodeled as a theme park with great success.

It is estimated that half a million people visit the attraction each year.

Adenauerallee 3, 30175 

9. Maschsee

It extends for 2.4 km being the busiest area of sports and leisure in the city.

Where to stay in Hannover

1. sheraton hannover.

The Sheraton Hannover is located 10 minutes from the city center.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, and minibar.

Pelikanpl. 31, 30177

2. Courtyard by Marriott Maschsee Hannover

The Courtyard by   Marriott Hannover is located near the city center along the Maschsee .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and work desk.

Arthur-Menge-Ufer 3, 30169

3. Mercure Hannover

The Mercure Hannover City is located in the city center.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and coffee maker.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 3, 30169

Shopping in Hannover

Hannover has a wide selection of shops from the famous pedestrian zone to shopping centers.

Georgstrasse is the main avenue of the city.

Malls and Department Stores in Hannover

1. galeria kaufhof.

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Ernst-August-Platz 5, 30159

2. Karstadt

Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.

Georgstraße 23, 30159

3. Ernst August Galerie

The Ernst August Galerie is located 700 meters from the Marktkirche .

Brands: Adidas, Bonita, Cecil, Calvin Klein, Fossil, Levi´s, Zara Home.

Ernst-August-Platz 2 Zieladresse Navi für Parkhaus Einfahrt:, Herschelstraße 5, 30159

Plan your Trip

Hannover  has easy train access from various cities in Germany . Famous cities nearby: Bremen , Hannover ,  Berlin , Lübeck , Schwerin .

Bremen – 123 km (76.1 miles)

Hamburg – 151 km (151 miles)

Berlin – 287 km (178 miles)

Lübeck – 213 km (132 miles)

Schwerin – 255 km (158 miles)

Potsdam – 256 km (159 miles)

Braunschweig – 67.6 km (42 miles)

Kassel – 168 km (104 miles)

Leipzig – 264 km (165 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Hannover Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using  Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

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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.

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

The Ultimate Guide to the Eurail Pass Schloss Marienburg: The best guide to visiting Marienburg Castle

Travelling Thirties contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Hanover

1. the red thread tour.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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Hidden Gems: 20 Must-Visit Cities And Towns In Northern Germany

Published: August 25, 2024

by Lucky Lerma

Northern Germany offers a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From charming coastal towns to vibrant cities, this region has something for everyone. Have you ever wondered what makes places like Lübeck, Bremen, and Rostock so special? Lübeck, known for its medieval architecture, will transport you back in time. Bremen, with its rich maritime history, offers a unique blend of old and new. Rostock, a bustling port city, boasts stunning beaches and lively festivals. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a new adventure, Northern Germany's cities and towns promise unforgettable experiences. Ready to uncover these hidden gems? Let's dive in!

Hidden Gems of Northern Germany

Northern Germany is a treasure chest of charming cities and towns waiting to be explored. From historic architecture to vibrant cultural scenes, each place offers something unique. Here are 20 must-visit spots that will make your trip unforgettable.

Coastal Charms

The northern coastline of Germany is dotted with picturesque towns and cities that offer stunning views and rich maritime history.

Lübeck

• Known for its medieval architecture and marzipan, Lübeck is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Holstentor gate and the old town are must-sees.
• This Hanseatic city boasts a beautiful harbor and the Warnemünde beach. The Gothic St. Mary's Church is a highlight.
• Famous for its sailing events, Kiel offers a lively waterfront and the Kiel Canal, one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world.
• Close to the Danish border , Flensburg has a charming old town and a bustling harbor. The Rum Museum is a quirky attraction.

Historic Towns

Northern Germany is rich in history, and these towns offer a glimpse into the past with their well-preserved architecture and fascinating museums.

• Nestled in the Harz Mountains, Goslar is known for its medieval old town and the Rammelsberg Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Another Hanseatic gem, Wismar features stunning brick Gothic architecture. The Market Square and the Church of St. Nicholas are must-visits.

Lüneburg

• Famous for its salt trade history, Lüneburg has a beautiful old town with narrow streets and historic buildings.
• This town is known for its half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-style Celle Castle. The French Garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Cultural Hotspots

These cities are cultural hubs, offering a mix of modern attractions and historical sites.

• Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg is known for its port, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the vibrant Reeperbahn district.
• Home to the famous Bremen Town Musicians statue, this city offers a charming old town and the impressive Bremen Cathedral.
• Known for its trade fairs, Hannover also boasts beautiful gardens like the Herrenhausen Gardens and the historic Old Town.

Braunschweig

• This city combines modernity with history, featuring the Dankwarderode Castle and the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

Nature Escapes

For those who love nature, these towns offer beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

Wernigerode

• Located in the Harz Mountains, Wernigerode is known for its colorful half-timbered houses and the stunning Wernigerode Castle.

Göttingen

• A university town with a youthful vibe, Göttingen offers beautiful parks and the historic Gänseliesel fountain.
• Famous for the fairy-tale Schwerin Castle, this town is surrounded by lakes and offers plenty of outdoor activities.
• Known as the "Grey City by the Sea," Husum offers beautiful coastal landscapes and the Husum Castle.

Off the Beaten Path

These lesser-known towns offer unique experiences and are perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

• A charming town with a rich history, Stade features beautiful half-timbered houses and a picturesque harbor.

Quedlinburg

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quedlinburg boasts over 1,300 half-timbered houses and a stunning medieval old town.

Wolfenbüttel

• Known for its baroque architecture and the Herzog August Library, Wolfenbüttel is a hidden gem worth exploring.
• Located in East Frisia, Emden offers a unique blend of maritime history and modern attractions like the Kunsthalle art museum.

Discovering Northern Germany's Hidden Gems

Northern Germany offers a treasure trove of hidden gems . From the charming streets of Lübeck to the vibrant culture of Hamburg , each city and town has its own unique charm. Rostock and Wismar showcase stunning architecture, while Kiel and Flensburg offer maritime adventures. Goslar and Quedlinburg transport you back in time with their medieval vibes. Bremen and Hannover blend history with modernity seamlessly.

Whether you're exploring the serene landscapes of Lüneburg or the artistic flair of Wolfsburg , Northern Germany promises unforgettable experiences. Don't miss the picturesque beauty of Celle or the coastal allure of Cuxhaven . Each destination tells its own story, waiting for you to uncover. Pack your bags, set your sights on Northern Germany, and let these hidden gems enchant you. Your adventure awaits!

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Discovering Deutschland: The Best Places to Visit in Germany

I f you've ever dreamed of exploring grand castles, basking in rich culture and history, or indulging in some of the world's best beer, Germany is the place to be . With a myriad of breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and quaint towns, it's a place where old-world charm meets modern elegance.

• Germany, Europe's second most visited country, has a unique blend of historical wonders and modern innovation.
• The country is renowned for iconic sites such as Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• From the lively atmosphere of Berlin to the romantic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, Germany offers a varied travel experience.

Beholding the Magnificence of Berlin

Berlin, the country's capital, is a city of rich history and vibrant life. Don't miss the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall's remnants, a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Meanwhile, the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing five world-renowned museums. It's truly a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.

Bavaria: Castles, Beer, and Beautiful Landscapes

Bavaria is Germany's picture-perfect region. Here, you'll find the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a rugged hill, overlooking the serene Hohenschwangau valley. Bavaria is also home to Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. A journey along the Romantic Road is a must-do, showcasing medieval towns and pristine countryside.

The Romantic Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley, with its steep vineyards, ancient castles, and charming towns, is postcard-perfect. A river cruise on the Rhine is the best way to soak in the beauty of this region. Don't forget to sample the local Riesling wine!

Heidelberg: A Blend of Romance and Academia

Heidelberg is a quintessential university town, renowned for its baroque architecture and romantic setting. The Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Old Town and the Neckar River, is a sight to behold. Wander around the Old Town, with its narrow lanes and historic buildings, for a leisurely day.

Maritime Charm of Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's gateway to the world, is a city of canals, bridges, and elaborate buildings. The Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall, and the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district are among the must-see sites in the city.

Germany, with its mesmerizing blend of old and new, is sure to leave you enchanted. As American travel writer Rick Steves says, ""Germany is a beautiful combination of deep history and modern innovation, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient castles, picturesque villages , and bustling cities."" Pack your bags, and let Germany weave its magic on you!

Black Forest: Germany's Enchanted Woodland

For nature enthusiasts, the Black Forest is a paradise. The region offers some of the best hiking trails in Germany, winding through dark fir forests, serene lakes, and charming villages. Don't miss the chance to visit the Triberg Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany, or the quaint town of Baden-Baden, famous for its thermal spas.

Leipzig: City of Music and Art

Leipzig, often known as 'the new Berlin', is a buzzing city with a thriving arts scene. It's famed for its musical heritage - as the city where Johann Sebastian Bach spent a large part of his life and where Felix Mendelssohn established Germany's first musical conservatoire. The city is also home to Spinnerei, a former cotton mill turned art hub, where artists create, exhibit, and sell their works.

Nuremberg: Stepping Back in Time

Nuremberg, a city steeped in history, offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany's past. Visit the Nuremberg Castle, a symbol of the city, and explore the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and gothic churches. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a museum on the site of former Nazi party rallies, provides insight into one of the darkest times in human history.

Frankfurt: The Manhattan of Germany

Frankfurt, known for its impressive skyline, is a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer. The city is the financial heart of Germany, hosting the European Central Bank. Don't miss the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden, or the Städel Museum, one of Germany's preeminent art institutions. And for a taste of traditional Frankfurt, visit the cider taverns in the Sachsenhausen district.

German Cuisine: Beyond Bratwurst and Beer

German cuisine is hearty and diverse, with each region having its specialties. Try bratwurst, a type of German sausage, or pretzels in Bavaria, Sauerbraten (pot roast) in Rhineland, and fresh seafood dishes in the northern regions. Don't forget to taste German beer and wine - with over 1,300 breweries and vineyards along the Mosel and Rhine river, there's plenty to sample!

Kevin Erickson, your experienced travel guide, hopes that this journey through the captivating landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique culture of Germany inspires you to pack your bags and explore the country yourself. Remember, the best travel experiences often come from veering off the beaten path and making your unique journey.

What is the best time to visit Germany?

Germany can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your activities. For sightseeing and city tours, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, while winter is perfect for Christmas markets and skiing.

What are some must-try foods in Germany?

Bratwurst, pretzels, Sauerbraten, and currywurst are must-try dishes. Don't miss the local beers and wines, and try a piece of Black Forest Gateau in its place of origin!

Is Germany expensive to visit?

Germany is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Costs can vary depending on the region and the type of travel experience you prefer.

Do I need to know German to travel in Germany?

While it's always helpful to know a few phrases in the local language, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Germany.

What are some local customs I should be aware of?

Germans value punctuality, so be on time for any appointments. When eating, it's polite to say 'Guten Appetit' before starting. Always use formal addresses ('Sie' in German) unless invited to use the informal 'du'.

• German National Tourist Board
• Rick Steves' Europe
• Official Website of Neuschwanstein Castle

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25 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

From moving landmarks to charming villages, these are 25 of the best places to visit in Germany, according to experts.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

SCStock/Getty Images

Germany is filled with charming small towns, exhilarating cities, enchanting castles, historic landmarks, and famous festivities — notably Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets . With 16 states, from Bavaria to Bremen, there are a lot of different ways to vacation in Deutschland. That might look like bopping around to hilltop villages on a road trip or plopping down in a vibrant metropolis and going on some interesting day trips. Need some inspiration ahead of your first (or next) trip to the land of bratwurst and beer? We asked Liam S. Dunch, the Product Manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent , and Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato , to share their top picks. Scroll on for the best places to visit in Germany.

• Best tourist destination: Neuschwanstein Castle
• Underrated hidden gem: Cologne
• Best for families: Europa-Park
• Best for couples: Baden-Baden
• Best for solo travelers: Heidelberg

Keep reading for more destination ideas for your Germany trip.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle 

One of Germany’s most famous and frequented attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes a whopping 1.4 million visitors each year. Travelers come from all over to gawk at the fairy-tale medieval palace and far-reaching views from atop a dramatic rocky hilltop in the Bavarian Alps. Quinn recommends booking timed-entry reservations to avoid waiting in lengthy lines.

With a striking Gothic cathedral at its center, Cologne is filled with historic attractions and unique museums. The Fragrance Museum delves into the history of perfume-making and the city's role in it which was so influential, its name became a generic trademark. You can also find a vast collection of art at the Museum Ludwig , which is home to works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. For something sweeter, the Chocolate Museum is a thorough exploration of the history of the world's favorite flavor with tasting sessions and guided tours available.

3. Europa-Park

Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG

Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park , a theme park in Rust, Germany with over 100 rides — including 13 thrilling roller coasters — plus a water park, live shows, restaurants, bars, hotels, a camping site, and even a wellness spa. Looking for something unique? The resort area is also home to Eatrenalin , an experience that combines fine dining with theme park technology for a totally immersive meal.

4. Baden-Baden 

Werner Dieterich/Getty Images

European aristocracy (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have decamped to Baden-Baden, a historic spa town on the edge of southwestern Germany's Black Forest, since the 19th century. This Belle Époque resort town retains its glamorous reputation and wellness credentials, continuing to entice well-heeled travelers with thermal baths and high-class spa hotels such as Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa .   

5. Heidelberg

Historic Heidelberg always feels fresh, even with a centuries-old castle watching over it. City life centers around the university, which is the oldest in Germany and was founded in the 14th century, and the large student population keeps the nightlife vibrant. Just one hour away from Frankfurt, this city's baroque charms are well-preserved in the Old Town and along the Old Bridge. Still, Heidelberg Castle is the biggest attraction, housing multiple museums and gardens. In December, you'll also find one of Germany's best Christmas markets in Heidelberg, filling up five city squares with festive stalls.

When it comes to fashion, art, and notoriously hard-to-get-into nightclubs, no city does it like Berlin . Beyond the historic attractions and the museums, modern-day life in the city is an experience in itself. You can spend your days in the city perusing the vintage shops and art galleries before heading for a night out in Kreuzberg or giving it your best shot to win the bouncer's approval at the legendary Berghain .

7. East Side Gallery in Berlin

Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Once a symbol of oppression — and an enduring reminder of Germany’s turbulent past — the concrete barrier that used to divide Berlin now serves a vastly different purpose thanks to the creation of the East Side Gallery. Artists transformed the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery with colorful, thought-provoking graffiti murals.

8. Museum Island in Berlin

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato. Situated in the middle of the Spree River, this architecturally stunning cultural complex houses five magnificent museums: Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum. 

CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images

If there's a winner for the best place and time to be in Germany, Munich during Oktoberfest is it. Each year the city pulls off the beer extravaganza in the Theresienwiese, a giant beer hall with tons of tables and just one of the venues keeping the pints flowing for the millions of attendees. Even when it's not Oktoberfest, Munich delights travelers with an array of attractions and medieval architecture radiating out from the historic square of Marienplatz.

10. Hofbräuhaus in Munich

The most famous of the many beer halls in Munich, Hofbräuhaus takes patrons back in time to an era when tokens were used to pay for steins and shares the tradition of gemütlichkeit (geniality) with visitors from around the world through live music, warm hospitality, and homemade Bavarian food.

11. Black Forest

Named for the deep shadows of this densely-packed forest in Bavaria, Germany's Black Forest is one of the most beautiful and romanticized forests in the world , conjuring the image of a mystical enchanted place straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. There are adventures aplenty in this storied forest where you can hike the schnapps trail , visit the splendid Triberger Waterfall, or enjoy a scenic funicular ride above Baden-Baden with the MerkurBergbahn .

12. Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a quaint village in southern Germany between Strasbourg, France and Stuttgart, is the culinary capital of the Black Forest with seven Michelin-starred restaurants and even more that have earned other culinary awards. “It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on a drive through this scenic region,” says Quinn. 

13. Titisee-Neustadt

  GettyImages / István Kovács 

Nestled within the Black Forest in southwest Germany, Titisee-Neustadt is a getaway on the lakeshore that’s beloved for family fun and access to nature. During the summer, active types love to hit the scenic trails and climb Hochfirst Mountain, while winter means skiing and sledding. Bringing the kiddos? Head to Badeparadies Schwarzwald , an indoor water park with slides, mineral pools, and saunas. 

14. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an endlessly charming village along Germany’s fabled Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria. Its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, churches, medieval walls, and towers look like they were plucked from a storybook.

15. Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg

Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Many people who visit Germany want to gain a deeper understanding of the tragic events of the 20th century. “Not only does a trip to Courtroom 600 means the chance to step inside the room where Nazi leaders were tried for their unspeakable crimes, but visitors can also watch real footage of the Nuremberg trials and learn about the legacy of the verdicts,” explains Dunch.

16. Bach-Museum Leipzig

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Dunch urges lovers of classical music to make the pilgrimage to Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach composed most of his major works and spent the last 27 years of his life. The Bach-Museum Leipzig houses a collection of instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer. 

17. Schloss Proschwitz in Meissen

Daniel Schäfer/picture alliance via Getty Images

Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful 18th-century, neo-baroque castle in the district of Meissen — between Leipzig and Dresden — with elegant interiors and gardens. The estate also plays host to Saxony's oldest private winery, which invites visitors for cellar tours and tastings.

18. Meissen Porcelain Museum

Wolfgang Kaehler/Light Rocket via Getty Images

“The medieval town of Meissen has produced fine figurines and crockery since 1710,” explains Dunch. The Meissen Porcelain Museum tells the story of Meissen porcelain through a collection of more than 2,000 objects — including ornate tables used in the royal courts of Europe in the 18th century, vases, candle holders, and intricate animal figurines. 

19. Linderhof Palace

Juha Huiskonen/Getty Images

And you don't have to go far to see another stately residence. Instead of (or after) fighting the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, Dunch suggests visiting nearby Linderhof Palace . “It’s easy to see why this idyllic fantasy ‘hunting lodge’ was Ludwig II’s favorite getaway.”

Yasonya/Getty Images

Set on the shores of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Lindau attracts travelers with its harborfront charm and scenic views. On the itinerary? Catch sight of Switzerland across the water as you stroll the streets, check out the lighthouse, pause along Seepromenade to snap photos of the 12th-century Mangturm watchtower, and embark on a kayak excursion.  

21. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Animaflora/Getty Images

Tucked between Berlin and Dresden, the UNESCO-listed Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a unique inland delta along the Spree with waterways and woodlands. It’s an idyllic setting for kayaking along the channels and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. 

22. Porsche Experience Center Leipzig

Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images

Sports car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig , a state-of-the-art factory and test circuit. Ready to go full-throttle? After the tour and a brief history lesson, accelerate, brake, and drift on an adrenaline-pumping drive on the circular track.   

23. Zugspitze

Achim Thomae/Getty Images

Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, rises 9,718 feet above sea level and stands out as a top spot for high-altitude fun and year-round recreation. The Wankbahn cable car operates from April to November, bringing visitors to Mount Wank for a homemade breakfast at Sonnenalm and far-reaching panoramas. Hiking is also popular during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

There are plenty of naturally beautiful places to visit in Germany, but few are as stunning as Eibsee. Sitting at the base of the Zugspitze, this pristine lake is filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by alpine peaks that make it a favorite destination for boating and hiking.

25. Therme Erding

Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images

The largest thermal bath complex in Europe, Therme Erding , located just 30 minutes northeast of Munich, draws upwards of 5,000 visitors each day. The giant water slides, wave pool, and lazy river are a hit with kids. Prefer relaxation? There’s also a classic spa and sauna area just for adults. 

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Mapped: New mpox cases reported. What countries have it now?

A new, potentially more deadly strain of the virus is rapidly spreading within Africa and has been discovered in Asia and Europe.

Uganda has reported two new cases of the clade 1b strain of  the mpox virus .

The health ministry has announced that one of the patients is a truck driver and that both are in isolation at a hospital in Entebbe, about an hour south of the capital.

Keep reading

Public health emergency as global mpox cases confirmed, what is mpox and how do you protect yourself, thailand says mpox detected in european who travelled from africa, mpox not the new covid, says who.

As mpox spreads, concerns are rising about the confirmed cases of 1b, a new and potentially deadlier strain.

Where has mpox spread?

Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Uganda have reported cases – a total of 18.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a “public health emergency of international concern” while emphasising that mpox is “ not the new COVID “.

This is the second emergency alert relating to mpox from the global health agency in two years.

Mpox has been identified in Africa since 2022, originally traced to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The current outbreak is mostly triggered by Clade 1, believed to be a more serious variant that can spread through skin-to-skin contact.

In 2023, a new strain of Clade 1 was discovered in DRC – Clade 1b.

A different outbreak of the virus’s earlier Clade 2 variant is also spreading, although at lower levels, with more than 100 countries reporting infections by last month.

Clade 2 is believed to cause milder infections and has a fatality rate of 0.2 percent compared with 3.9 percent for Clade 1.

Here’s where mpox disease has spread from January to August this year:

According to data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), WHO, and the governments of Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda and the Ivory Coast, variants of Mpox have been detected in these countries this year:

Clade 1 and Clade 1a

• Burundi (eight cases, zero deaths)
• Cameroon (35, two)
• Central African Republic (213, zero)
• Republic of Congo (146, one)
• DRC (13,791, 450)
• Rwanda (two, zero)
• Uganda (four, zero)
• Kenya (one, zero)
• Mozambique (one, zero)
• Ivory Coast (28, one)
• Ghana (four, zero)
• Liberia (five, zero)
• Nigeria (24, zero)
• South Africa (22, three)

The DRC is experiencing the biggest outbreak of the disease ever recorded with thousands of people infected as of August 21. The government declared an epidemic in December 2022 .

Nearly all reported Mpox cases – 96 percent – across Africa are in the DRC, where children younger than 15 account for 60 percent of the cases, Africa CDC said.

The new Clade 1b strain has been detected in countries neighbouring the DRC: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, which had not previously reported any cases since the outbreak began in 2022.

In West Africa and Southern Africa, the outbreaks are linked to the Clade 2 variant. Cameroon is reporting both Clades 1 and 2.

So far, 541 deaths have been recorded from mpox, with 535 in the DRC (97 percent). The Africa CDC does not classify deaths according to strain.

• Pakistan (one, zero)
• Philippines (one case, zero deaths)
• Thailand (one, zero)

The Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan reported new mpox cases in August.

In Thailand, authorities confirmed a new case of Clade 1b on Thursday, Asia’s first case of the new strain.

The individual, identified as a 66-year-old European male, reportedly returned from an unnamed African country currently experiencing a “large” outbreak of the Clade 1 variant.

He reportedly does not have serious symptoms and was believed to have transited through a Middle Eastern country en route to Thailand.

In the Philippines, authorities said the milder Clade 2 variant has been confirmed in the most recent case there – a 33-year-old Filipino male with no travel history.

The patient is the country’s 10th confirmed case since 2022 and authorities say mpox has likely been spreading quietly for a while.

Pakistani authorities said its first patient reported this year is a male infected with Clade 2.

However, authorities said last week they are trying to trace the patient, who is believed to have travelled to another province before the test results were released.

•  Sweden (one case, zero deaths)

Sweden reported an mpox case on August 15 which was confirmed to be the more serious Clade 1 variant.

It is “highly likely” that Europe will record more cases of Clade 1 because of frequent air travel between Europe and Africa, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

However, sustained transmission might be low in Europe if cases are quickly diagnosed and if testing, surveillance and contact tracing are used, the agency said. The European Union has ruled out closing its borders to hard-hit countries.

Americas, Middle East, Oceania and Antarctica

No countries in North or South America have reported new Clade 1 cases so far.

However, they should be “alert” to possible Clade 1 and Clade 2 cases, the Pan American Health Organization said on August 9.

The region reported more than 62,000 cases of the Clade 2 virus from 2022 to July 2024, including 141 deaths.

There are no confirmed cases of Clade 1 in Oceania or the Middle East.