- The Herrenhausen Gardens are among the finest Baroque gardens in Europe.
- Follow the 'Red Thread' (Roter Faden)—a painted red line on the pavement that guides you to 36 sights.
- The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) looks like a castle and has a unique curved elevator to the dome.
- The Eilenriede is a city forest twice the size of Central Park.
- It's a major rail hub, making it easy to reach.
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When to go: Summer
Summer is best for the gardens and the Maschsee Festival (huge lake party). The International Fireworks Competition in Herrenhausen is spectacular.
Winter brings Christmas markets, but the gardens are less impressive.
- Summer: Gardens and festivals.
- Spring: Flowers.
- Winter: Markets.
Getting there: S-Bahn
Hanover Airport (HAJ) is connected by S-Bahn (S5) to the main station (Hauptbahnhof) in 17 minutes.
As a major rail junction, ICE trains connect Hanover to everywhere (Berlin 1.5h, Hamburg 1.5h).
- S-Bahn (S5): Fast airport link.
- Train (ICE): Central hub.
- Car: Easy Autobahn access.
Where to stay: Mitte or List
Stay in Mitte (Center) near the station for convenience and shopping (Kröpcke).
List and Linden are the cooler, residential neighborhoods with Art Nouveau facades, cafes, and boutiques.
- Mitte: Central, shopping.
- Linden: Student, alternative, lively.
- List: Elegant, cafes.
What to see: The Red Thread
Just follow the Red Thread (4.2 km) painted on the ground. It takes you past the Opera, the Market Church, and the Old Town.
Visit the New Town Hall and take the arched elevator (it goes up at an angle!) for views. Spend a half-day in the Herrenhausen Gardens.
- Red Thread: DIY walking tour.
- Herrenhausen: Royal gardens.
- New Town Hall: The view.
- Maschsee: Lake recreation.
Food: Asparagus and Welfenspeise
In spring, Spargel (white asparagus) is an obsession. 'Welfenspeise' is a royal dessert (vanilla pudding with wine sauce).
Lüttje Lage is a local drink: beer and schnapps drunk from two glasses at the same time (it takes practice).
- Spargel: Spring delicacy.
- Welfenspeise: Royal pudding.
- Lüttje Lage: Drinking skill test.
Getting around: Üstra
The public transport (Üstra) is excellent. The light rail (Stadtbahn) covers the city. The stations are often designed by famous architects.
The city is flat and great for cycling.
- Stadtbahn: Efficient light rail.
- Walk: Red Thread covers the center.
- Bike: Green city.
Budget: Moderate
Hanover is reasonably priced, except during major trade fairs (Messe) when hotel prices skyrocket. Check the fair schedule!
Food and drink are standard German prices.
- Hotels: Avoid trade fair dates.
- Food: Moderate.
- Sights: Gardens have entry fee.
1-2 Days in Hanover
Day 1: The Red Thread. Follow the line through the city. Visit the New Town Hall and take the elevator. Relax by the Maschsee lake.
Day 2: Herrenhausen. Spend the morning in the Great Garden and the Grotto (Niki de Saint Phalle). Afternoon in Linden for coffee and shopping.
- Day 1: City highlights.
- Day 2: Gardens and neighborhoods.
- Evening: Linden nightlife.
FAQ
Is it boring?
It has that reputation, but it's unfair. It's a very livable, green city with great neighborhoods like Linden. It's just not 'flashy'.
What is the elevator?
The elevator in the New Town Hall climbs the dome following the curve of the roof. It has a glass floor/ceiling. Unique in Europe.
Is the German really pure?
Yes, linguists say the German spoken in Hanover is the closest to standard 'Hochdeutsch' (High German).