Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony, lies on the River Leine and the Mittelland Canal. A city break to Hannover takes you to a city where there are still a few destinations off the beaten track.
For outsiders, the city often has a rather boring image and a city break to Hannover tends to be laughed at – quite wrongly, because the city has a lot to offer.
Hannover is a green city. Numerous parks, gardens and the large recreational area Maschsee invite you to relax. Those who prefer cultural activities will find some very interesting museums in Hannover and can follow in the footsteps of history in the Herrenhäuser Gardens. The city’s stages and theatres offer a wide range of different productions, so everyone will find something to their taste.
Hnanover is also a trade fair city. Every year, many interesting trade fairs and exhibitions take place here, attracting an international audience.
On the move in Hannover
Cycling in Hannover is a wonderful way to explore the city. We got on the hotel's rental bikes and explored Green Hannover.
One of the main attractions in Hanover is the Herrenhäuser Gardens. This sight in Hannover consists of the Great Garden, the Berggarten, the Georgengarten, the Welfengarten and the associated building complexes.
We always ask ourselves the same question when we go on a city trip. Is a city card worth it? We tested the HannoverCard during our time in the city.
It's not always the big sights that leave a lasting impression. Sometimes it is rather a small story that stays in your mind, for example Hannover stories about a theft or cherries.
A great idea to explore Hannover on your own is the Red Thread of Hannover. If you take a stroll through the old town and not only look at the buildings, but also give the street a glance, you will quickly come across a red line.
Not far from Aegidientorplatz stands the Garden Church with its impressive cemetery. At the Garden Cemetery Hannover you will not only find a multitude of classicist gravestones, here you will also learn a story or two that will amaze you.
The Georgenpalast is home to a museum that is a must-see during a visit to Hanover, the "Wilhelm Busch - German Museum of Caricature and Drawing".
A city tour with a lot of street art Hannover-Linden is a district in Hannover. It is a district full of contrasts; wonderful Gründerzeit style homes and run-down apartment blocks are to be found here as well as trendy quarters and dodgy streets.
Accommodation tips in Hannover
In the heart of Hannover, directly at the underground station Aegidientorplatz, is the "me and all Hotel". We spent two nights there and enjoyed the time very much.
On the occasion of a blogger gathering, I got to spend one night in the Crowne Plaza Hannover Schweizerhof and I would love to take the opportunity to bring this hotel to your attention.
Travel information for a city trip to Hannover
Arrival
By plane
Hannover International Airport is located to the north of the city. It is easily reached by S-Bahn from the main railway station.
By train
Hannover’s main railway station is located in the city centre. It is a central hub in the network of rail connections in Germany. Numerous ICE connections that travel to Hannover from all directions stop here.
In addition, Hannover’s main railway station is the starting point and destination of numerous regional trains that provide connections to the region.
The station Hannover-Messe/Laatzen is served by regional trains. However, long-distance trains also stop there during major trade fair events.
By bus
The city’s central bus station is located directly behind the main railway station. Not only do buses leave here for many international destinations, there are also connections to regular services here.
By car
The A 7 motorway from Hamburg to Kassel runs east of Hannover. The A 2 motorway from Berlin to Dortmund crosses the A 7 north of the city.
A ring of motorways runs around the inner city areas.
By bike
The Leine-Heide cycle path runs through the town.
The Green Ring runs around the city. This is signposted by blue markings on lampposts, kerbs, gullies….
By ship
The city has four cargo ports located on the Mittelland Canal. Travellers with their own yacht can anchor in Hannover’s marina on the Mittelland Canal.
The Leine is suitable for water walks and is easily navigable in large parts.
On the way in …
By car
An environmental zone has been set up in Hannover. All vehicles in the pollutant groups 1+2+3 are prohibited from entering.
A well-developed city ring road runs around the city centre.
Local public transport
Hannover’s local public transport system is very well developed. You can reach almost all areas of the city by public transport. In addition to buses, the S-Bahn also runs through the city.
When using the S-Bahn, please note that although it runs outside the city area, it may only be used here with a Deutsche Bahn ticket. Tickets from the GVH tariff area are not valid.
The Stadtbahn runs underground in the centre of Hannover. Outside the city centre it runs above ground. The tramway takes you to the exhibition grounds and connects to the S-Bahn network.
The central transfer point, where all bus lines meet, is at Kröpcke.
Tickets for the light rail must be purchased from a ticket machine. On the bus it is possible to buy the ticket from the driver.
By bike
The city’s cycle paths are quite well developed and cycling is a good way to explore the city.
By boat
There are regular boat services on and across the Maschsee from Easter to the end of October. In addition, there is also the possibility of taking tours on the Leine and the Mittelland Canal with the Hannoversche Personenschifffahrt.