Hanover Travel Guide

Explore the best museums, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and places to stay in Hanover. Discover where to go next from Hanover and more in this comprehensive guide.


A Comprehensive Guide to Hanover - Explore the Best of Hanover

Hanover is a beautiful city in the north of Germany, attracting visitors all year round. Offering a mix of traditional and modern charm, the city has various cultural attractions, food and drink scene, and outdoor adventures.

This comprehensive guide to Hanover will help you explore the best of the city, including the top cultural attractions, outdoor activities, places to stay, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and transportation options.

Introduction to Hanover

Hanover is a city in Hanover Region, Lower Saxony, Germany, located in Central Europe. The city is well known for its diverse cultural scene, historic landmarks, and green spaces. Hanover is an excellent destination for both first-time and repeat visitors, given its many attractions and activities. It is one of the significant economic centers of northern Germany, offering a range of activities and experiences to its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Hanover

Hanover has several exciting attractions, ranging from historical landmarks to natural parks. Here are some of the must-visit places in Hanover:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten: Featuring a Baroque garden and a botanical garden, the Herrenhäuser Gärten is one of the significant attractions in Hanover.
  • New Town Hall: With its stunning architecture, the New Town Hall is an essential landmark in Hanover.
  • Sprengel Museum: The Sprengel Museum is a modern art museum showcasing works by international artists such as Max Ernst, László Moholy-Nagy, and Pablo Picasso.
  • Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen: These gardens date back to the 17th century, and today feature several fountains, sculptures, and beautiful floral displays.
  • Marienburg Castle: Located just outside of Hanover, Marienburg Castle is a stunning Gothic-style castle that overlooks the Leine Valley.

Natural Attractions of Hanover: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Maschsee Lake: The Maschsee Lake is the city’s largest lake, offering various outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, and cycling.
  • Eilenriede: The 640-hectare park is the city’s central park, featuring various hiking and bike trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds.
  • Tiergarten: Tiergarten is a lush green forest, featuring wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hanover

Hanover has several hiking and bike routes, offering picturesque views across the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Hanover:

  • Leine-Heide Cycle Path: The 410 km trail takes you through various regions and cities such as Hanover, Göttingen, and Celle.
  • Kronsberg Promenade: The route offers a great view of the city from the Kronsberg hill.
  • Eilenriede Walking Tour: This 10 km route guides you through the lush Eilenriede forest in the heart of the city.

Best Things to Do in Hanover: Activities and Tours

Hanover has a range of activities and tours fitting every interest. You can explore the city through various activities such as sightseeing tours, city walks, and bike rides. Here are some of the best things to do in Hanover:

  • City Sightseeing Tour: This tour offers a deep dive into the cultural landmarks of Hanover, such as the Herrenhäuser Gardens and Aegidienkirche.
  • Cycle tour in Maschsee: Enjoy a leisurely ride around the Maschsee, catching several attractions such as the tiergarten and the Herrenhäuser Gärten.
  • Cruise on the Leine: A cruise on the Leine River offers a serene setting to enjoy the scenic beauty of Hanover.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hanover

If you’re planning a week-long itinerary for Hanover, this table guide is just for you:

Day Activities
Day 1 Marienburg castle, Old Town, and Hannover Adventure Zoo
Day 2 Herrenhäuser Gärten, New Town Hall, and Sprengel Museum
Day 3 Maschsee lake, Eilenriede forest and park, and Hanover Zoo
Day 4 Bicycle tour, Tiergarten Hannover, and horse riding in Wedemark
Day 5 Marienburg castle, Old Town, Hannover Adventure Zoo, and Hanover Zoo
Day 6 Hanover Zoo, Leine River Cruise and Maschsee lake Bike Ride
Day 7 Herrenhäuser Gärten, New Town Hall, and Sprengel Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Hanover

Apart from its cultural attractions, Hanover is well-known for its culinary culture that blends traditional and modern cuisine. Here are some of the best must-try dishes and local beverages in Hanover:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mettbrötchen: This is a typical Hanoverian bread roll stuffed with raw minced pork. It is a kind of breakfast sandwich you can find in bakeries throughout the city.
  • Eintopf: A delicious stew that is made of different types of meat, vegetables, and spices and served hot.
  • Braunkohl und Pinkel: This dish is made up of kale, sausage, potatoes, and a variety of meats.

Local Beverages

  • Hannöversch: It is the quintessential Hannover drink, which is a mix of beer and cola sold in chilled bottles.
  • Lüttje Lage: This drink is made up of beer and a sweet schnapps called Korn, served in two separate glasses that you drink as a pair.

Where to Stay in Hanover: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The city offers a range of accommodation options for every budget, making it comfortable for visitors to find the perfect place to stay during their trip to Hanover. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hanover:

  • IntercityHotel Hannover: This hotel is located near Hannover Central station, providing easy access to the city’s major attractions.
  • Grand Hotel Mussmann: Grand Hotel Mussmann offers stylish and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Hanover’s Old Town.
  • City Hotel Hannover: City Hotel Hannover is a budget-friendly option located close to the city center and the central station, providing easy access to the city.

What to Buy in Hanover: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The city offers several exciting souvenir and local products to take back home after your trip. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Hanover:

  • Lüttje Lage Kit: This kit includes the two glasses and the drink to make Lüttje Lage, Hannover’s popular drink.
  • Hannöversch Beer: This beer is a must-try when visiting Hanover, and you can take it back to share with family and friends.
  • Hannover Monopoly Board Game: An interesting souvenir to remember your time in Hannover, this game has all the famous places and landmarks in the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Hanover

Hanoverians are friendly people and warm to visitors. As a tourist, it’s essential to be polite and respectful. Germans don’t generally want small talks but are straightforward and to-the-point in their communication.

Best Time to Visit Hanover

The best time to visit Hanover is from May to September when the weather is moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hanover

Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts in Hanover:

Do:

  • Be punctual for appointments and meetings.
  • Keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded areas.
  • Enjoy the city’s nightlife and go out to explore its bars and music venues.

Don’t:

  • Jaywalk on the street or walk on the bike path.
  • Take pictures without permission, especially in religious sites.
  • Leave a tip at the restaurants; the service charges are included in the bill.

Safety and Health:

Safety and health should be a priority for any traveler. Here are some safety and health tips when visiting Hanover:

Safety in Hanover

  • It’s safe to walk around the city by yourself, but it’s better to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
  • Keep your valuables safe and avoid carrying a large sum of cash and flashy jewelry.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.

Health in Hanover

  • Carry sufficient medication to last your stay.
  • If you need medical assistance, seek help at the nearest hospital or clinic.
  • Drink bottled water instead of tap water to avoid any health-related issues.

Getting to Hanover: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Hanover is easy, with several transportation options that connect the city to major cities in Germany. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Hanover

  • Hannover Airport: The airport is located just 11 km from the city center and provides direct flights to several cities worldwide.

Bus Stations Near Hanover

  • ZOB Hanover: The Central Bus Station (ZOB) in Hanover provides services to many European destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: The Hanover Central Station is widely connected to many cities in Germany and Europe.
  • Car Rental: Many Rent-a-Car companies are located at Hanover airport.

How to Get Around in Hanover

Getting around Hanover is easy, with several options available for tourists. The city has a well-developed public transportation system comprising buses, trams, and trains. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take a taxi to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Hanover: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hanover has several nearby destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Goslar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goslar is a historic town that offers a combination of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty.
  • Harz National Park: Harz National Park is home to stunning natural beauty, lush green forests, and centuries-old towns.
  • The island of Sylt: Beautiful sandy beaches, dunes, and stunning landscapes make Sylt one of Germany’s most popular holiday destinations.

Conclusion

Hanover has a diverse range of attractions, from nature parks to historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for tourists. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need to plan your trip to Hanover. From where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in Hanover, this guide has got you covered. Enjoy your trip to Hanover!

Hanover City Hall (''Neues Rathaus'') Hanover City Hall (''Neues Rathaus'') Central station ''(Hauptbahnhof)'' Central station ''(Hauptbahnhof)'' Low emission zone Low emission zone