Hanover is a modest German city in Lower Saxony, best known for its trade fairs and as a national hub of industry and commerce. Beneath this business façade you’ll discover a city full of medieval buildings, green parks and ethnic neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Combine this with the great pubs and other nightlife venues, and you have a winning combination for business or pleasure.
Only about 15 percent of the city’s original medieval buildings in the old town (Altstadt) survived WWII, but the newer buildings have been wisely filled with trendy shops, cafés and pubs, making the old town district a highlight for visitors to Hanover. Traditional markets fill in the gaps around what few historic squares still exist, giving it a respectable air of nostalgia.
Most of the Hanover’s districts are associated with specific ethnic or social groups. Sudstadt is popular with civil servants, but is also home to the universally popular Maschsee lake and its vast park. Linden is a working-class district, but also one of the most ethnically diverse. Oststadt is Hanover’s trendy neighborhood, where art deco houses and chic cafés are inhabited by the city’s celebrity elite. Though the old town holds most of the sites for visitors, public transportation will get you around to the outskirts should you wish to explore more of this city.
Highlights
Dohrener Masch: this area of swimming lakes is close to the town center, making them very popular during summer for picnics, swimming and cool relaxation.
Eilenriede: the green lung of Hanover is a forest within the city and also one of the largest urban forests in the world, providing residents with some welcome natural relief.
Hanover Zoo: housing their animals in natural environments is the priority of the city’s zoo, which even highlights native animals from Germany.****
Herrenhauser Garten: the only surviving Baroque garden in the world is a true work of art, and arguably the highlight of any trip to Hanover.
Old Town Hall: one of Hanover’s most beautiful gothic medieval buildings dates from the 1400s, is made entirely from brick, and well worth a look.
Sprengel Museum: the fine collection of modern art in this museum features some great pieces by Klee, Picasso, Chagall and many others displayed in an intimate setting.