City trip to Hanover
Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony, lies on the River Leine and the Mittelland Canal. A city break to Hanover 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 Hanover tends to be laughed at – quite wrongly, because the city has a lot to offer.
Hanover is a green city. Numerous parks, gardens and the large Maschsee recreational area invite you to relax.
Hannover Adventure Zoo is undeniably one of the most popular destinations for leisure excursions. It is one of the most popular sights in Hanover.
Those who prefer cultural excursions will find some very interesting museums in Hanover. For example, the Lower Saxony State Museum in Hanover. There are 5 collections on display here: the State Gallery, the Archaeology Department, the Natural History Department, the Ethnological Collection and the Coin Cabinet. and is on the trail of history in the Herrenhausen Gardens. The Sprengel Museum in Hanover is one of the most important museums of 20th and 21st century art.
The city has many architecturally remarkable buildings and sights that regularly attract visitors. The New Town Hall is a landmark of the city and a popular photo motif. It looks like a castle with its magnificent decorations and towers. It is even one of the 80 most popular destinations in Germany for foreign tourists.
The city’s stages and theaters offer a wide range of different productions, so everyone will find something to suit their taste.
Hanover is also a trade fair city. Many interesting trade fairs and exhibitions are held here every year, attracting an international audience.
Typical Hanoverian delicacies include hearty dishes such as Calenberger Pfannenschlag or Hannoversches Zungenragout. Equally popular are fine asparagus from the fields around Burgdorf and fine eel from the Steinhuder Meer. The succulent Gerster bread from Hanover’s artisan bakers and the tasty beer from the larger and smaller breweries in the capital of Lower Saxony are a treat for every day.
On the move in Hanover
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.
For me, one of the most impressive buildings and one of the most important sights in the city of Hanover is the New Hanover Town Hall. The arched elevator to the viewing platform is something very special.
A city trip to Hanover offers plenty of variety. Whether out and about in the countryside or in the old town, the sights in Hanover are well worth seeing.
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.
There is a lot to discover during a stay in Hanover. The museums in Hanover are not only worth a visit in bad weather.
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".
Not far from Aegidientorplatz stands the Garden Church with its impressive cemetery. At the Garden Cemetery Hanover you will not only find a multitude of classicist gravestones, here you will also learn a story or two that will amaze you.
Hanover's oldest parish church is also one of the city's most famous landmarks. The tower of the Marktkirche in Hanover rises strikingly in the old town.
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.
Cycling in Hannover is a wonderful way to explore the city. We got on rental bikes and explored Green Hannover.
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.
Hanover and water sports are a perfect match. Whether sailing on the Maschsee, a tour on the SUP, surfing on the Leinewelle or canoeing in Hanover over the Ihme and Leine - the offer is diverse.
Tips
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.
A weekend in Hannover took us to several restaurants, cafés and pubs. We sampled very different offerings and found that eating out in Hannover is a treat.
If you're in Hannover, you should also drink Hanöversch - we definitely think so. So we went to the Brauhaus Ernst August to drink beer from Hannover and have a nice evening.
Accommodation tips in Hanover
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.
- IntercityHotel Hannover
- Central-Hotel Kaiserhof
- me and all hotel Hanover, part of JdV by Hyatt
- B&B Hotel Hannover-City
Excursions to the region
Southwest of Hanover is a mountain range that is ideal for an excursion into the countryside. The Deister is a popular local recreation area for Hanover and very popular with hikers and cyclists.
Travel information for a city trip to Hanover
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
Hanover’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 Hanover from all directions stop here.
In addition, Hanover’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 Hanover
By car
An environmental zone has been set up in Hanover. 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
Hanover’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 Hanover. 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.