Hannover City Guide
Hannover is a modern city but also rich in history and tradition. It’s a green city with beautiful parks, lively nightlife and fabulous shopping. Hannover also boasts many cultural institutions and events, including the Schuetzenfest that takes place every summer.
What to do and see in and around Hannover
Neues Rathaus
The magnificent New Town Hall was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take the diagonal lift up in the dome and enjoy the views of Hannover. Don’t miss the large city models on display in the main hall showing how Hannover has changed through time.
The Kestner Museum
The Kestner Museum is situated next to the New Town Hall. The museum was founded by August Kestner who was a diplomat from Hannover, based in Rome. The museum includes a collection of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art. The museum also has an impressive collection of Art Deco and present day design and art objects.
Hannover Old Town
Much of Hannover was destroyed during World War II, but a small part of the picturesque Old Town survived and some has been rebuilt. Take a stroll amongst the half-timbered houses and visit one of the area's many bars and restaurants.
Market Church
The Market Church is located in the heart of Hannover’s Old Town. Originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1952 without any changes in style, this church is an excellent example of north German neo-gothic style.
Saint Martin’s Cathedral
Saint Martin's Church was badly damaged during World War I, but material from the damaged church was collected and used to reconstruct this beautiful medieval church. Decorations from different periods can be found throughout the church.
Sprengel Museum
The Sprengel Museum is located on the banks of the Maschsee Lake, and exhibits 20th century art, featuring artists including Beckmann, Ernst, Klee and Picasso. Enjoy the magnificent view of the lake from the museum terrace.
Lower Saxony State Museum
This diverse museum includes exhibits on the history of Lower Saxony, an aquarium and a Kindermuseum (where children can learn about prehistoric times). The museum's art gallery displays works spanning several centuries incuding Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Rubens.
The Maschsee
Lake Maschsee is a man-made lake located behind the Old Town Hall. Relax in one of the restaurants along the shore, walk around the lake, or take a boat out onto the water.
Royal Gardens of Herrenhäusen
The Herrenhäusen Gardens were created by Sophia, Princess Palatine of the Rhine who was inspired by the gardens in Versailles. The Great Garden of Herrenhäusen is one of the best preserved baroque gardens in Europe. In the summer you can enjoy concerts and theatrical performances in this beautiful setting.
Bahnhofstrasse and Georgstrasse
The area around Georgstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse offers excellent shopping. Bahnhofstrasse and Georgestrasse close to the “Kröpcke Uhr” offer lots of department stores and high street shops. Head for Georgstrasse opposite the Opera for exclusive boutique shopping.
Hannover Adventure Zoo
Situated in the centre of Hannover is Hannover’s Adventure Zoo. The Zoo covers 49,000 square metres and houses a large variety of animal species. The different parts of the park are designed to replicate the different animals’ natural habitats. The Zoo is open all year round.
Celle
30 minutes from Hannover by train
Celle is a picturesque town with 500 half-timbered houses. The buildings are well preserved and beautifully restored and give the town a romantic feel. As a former residential seat Celle has several impressive buildings, including the Ducal Palace, the Town Church and the Old Town Hall.
Wolfsburg
30 minutes from Hannover by train
Wolfsburg might not be the most picturesque of towns but boasts two fascinating museums. The Phaeno is located next to the train station and opened in 2006. Phaeno is a hands-on museum giving visitors insight in the world of nature and technology. Located opposite is the modern Autostadt, maybe more a theme park than a museum but is a definite highlight for car lovers of all ages.
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