Hanover: A city where garden art, city vibes and starry nights come together | railtour travel blog
Hanover surprises visitors with a Baroque «Golden Gate», open-air music, a forest right in the heart of the city and relaxing evenings by the water. The capital of Lower Saxony proves to be surprisingly versatile – and that is precisely why a trip to Hanover is well worth it. There’s certainly no shortage of superlatives here. This is where the world’s largest shooting festival is held, and with the annual Maschseefest, Germany’s largest lakeside festival too. Hanover is home to the Herrenhausen Gardens, one of Europe’s most significant Baroque ensembles, as well as Germany’s oldest flea market; it is also the epicentre of the trade fair world and home to international music greats – from the Scorpions and Fury in the Slaughterhouse to Igor Levit.
Hanover has a «Golden Gate»
Hanover does indeed have its very own «Golden Gate»: the magnificently decorated Golden Gate in the Herrenhausen Gardens. This famous park is one of Europe’s most significant garden complexes and is at its most beautiful in summer – with flowering beds, water features, Baroque ornamentation and impressive garden art. A place that brings history to life but also invites you to relax. In summer, the Great Garden becomes a stage: illuminations, concerts, theatre and the International Fireworks Competition ensure unforgettable evenings.
Runs through Hanover like a red thread
If you’d like to explore Hanover at your own pace, simply follow the Red Thread. The striking red line on the pavement connects the city’s main attractions and guides visitors effortlessly through the Old Town and city centre. There are plenty of highlights along the way: the magnificent New Town Hall, the historic Marktkirche, the charming half-timbered houses of the Old Town, the ‘Nanas’ on the banks of the Leine, and the opera house. Hidden corners and fascinating stories about the city’s history can also be found along the route. Simply follow the red line, linger at your favourite spots and experience Hanover at your own pace. The accompanying brochure is available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Stars over Hanover
Anyone exploring Hanover will discover a city full of culinary surprises. From creative fine-dining concepts at the city’s four Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy cafés, fashionable bars and restaurants serving traditional cuisine, there’s something for everyone. A real highlight is the Markthalle in the heart of the city – a lively meeting place where regional specialities, international delicacies and that authentic Hanover atmosphere come together. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch, an evening with friends or a special dinner: Hanover combines indulgence, diversity and joie de vivre in its very own way. And when the sun goes down, numerous beer gardens and outdoor terraces invite you to round off the day with good food, a glass of wine and a view of the starry sky.
Kiosks are part of our cultural heritage
Linden neighbourhood, Nordstadt lifestyle, Kioskcity: it is above all the small clubs, pubs and kiosks in the individual neighbourhoods that make the city such a lovely and liveable place – for example, in the trendy Linden district; the organic shops, vegan cafés, green oases, impromptu parties and co-working spaces in the student district of Nordstadt; or the wine bars, restaurants and boutiques around the Lister Meile pedestrian zone in List, where young families and many creative types have made their home. Oststadt is known for its Gründerzeit charm, whilst Südstadt is particularly appealing because it borders directly on Lake Maschsee.
An urban forest larger than Central Park
When the temperatures rise, Hanover shows its relaxed side. The Eilenriede, one of Europe’s largest urban forests, offers pleasant shade and tranquillity. The Maschsee, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, is the perfect spot for summer moments – whether jogging, sailing or enjoying a cool drink by the water. Every year, Germany’s largest lakeside festival, the Maschseefest, is celebrated here. All around the shores of the 78-hectare Maschsee, guests can look forward to a culinary journey around the world – from Mediterranean specialities and South American delicacies to international culinary delights from all corners of the globe. The banks of the River Leine in the old town also invite visitors to enjoy the restaurants there. Here, too, is a special hotspot for surfing enthusiasts: the Leinewelle.
The sea is very close by
And for those who fancy even more water, the Steinhuder Meer in the Hanover region is just a short trip away – offering a real holiday atmosphere and a fresh breeze. The Steinhuder Meer, Lower Saxony’s largest lake, is a popular destination for sailors, surfers, kite-surfers and swimmers. Stretching around the lake is also one of north-west Germany’s most important nature reserves, with extensive moorland, reed beds and wetlands that provide a habitat for numerous rare species of flora and fauna. Those who prefer forests and mountain air to water will find ideal conditions for hiking, cycling and exploring nature in the Deister, one of the region’s most popular local recreation areas.
