Your guide to Hannover / Top Hannover's landmarks
Top Hannover's landmarks
Hannover, the capital and largest city in the state of Lower Saxony, offers so much for visitors to explore and see. No matter what brings you to this German city, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hannover. Historical landmarks and striking architecture come together with natural wonders and impressive museum collections to make Hannover an exciting destination. Stop wondering what to do in Hannover — whether you're just passing through en route to another city or you're in this fun city for a longer time, these landmarks, parks and museums will fill your itinerary with memories to last a lifetime.
Marktplatz (and Marktkirche)
Right in historic Altstadt, or Old Town, you'll find Hannover's marketplace. This lovely area is home to many important city buildings, including Altes Rathaus, the late gothic Old Town Hall from the 15th century and Marktkirche, the Market Church. The latter boasts a tower that stand 97 meters tall. You can sense the splendor of the former royal city in the tower's shadow. Then take a stroll down Kramerstrasse street, where you can enjoy whispers of old Hannover thanks to the many half-timbered houses.
New Town Hall
Those eager for interesting architecture should pay a visit to Neues Rathaus, the New Town Hall. This majestic structure was built in the Wilhelmine period style between 1901 and 1913. The foundation is comprised entirely of 6,026 beech piles, while the domed tower reaches nearly 98 meters into the sky. Take a trip up the elevator, which lifts you at an angle, to enjoy a wonderful city overlook from the viewing platform at the dome.
The Great Garden
Located in Herrenhausen Gardens
Arguably the most famous of Hannover attractions, Herrenhausen Gardens have exemplified grand horticultural style over the past 300 years. The centerpiece is the Great Garden, the most important baroque garden in Europe. Within, you can take a leisurely walk around gorgeous sculptures, illuminated hedges and extravagant beds. Make sure to stop by the Great Fountain, which rises 70 meters. The park is one of few that can claim keeping its baroque structure since its original construction. The gardens also play host to an annual international fireworks competition.
Berggarten
Located in Herrenhausen Gardens
Also found in Herrenhausen Gardens, visitors flock to Berggarten to enjoy its display of botanic diversity. Once a mulberry tree planation, Berggarten now features exotic plants and a world-famous orchid collection. Today, the Berggarten orchid collection still stakes its claim as the most diverse in Europe. You can also visit SEA LIFE Hannover while here. The aquarium sits on the site of the 19th Century Great Palm House, which was destroyed in World War II bombings. SEA LIFE is one of Hannover's top family-friendly attractions, so if you're in town with the kids, be sure to stop in and check out marine species originating from as near as the local Leine river and as distant as the tropical Caribbean.
Erlebnis Zoo
Erlebnis Zoo, or Hannover Adventure Zoo, got its start in 1865. It's now the fifth-oldest zoological park in the country. Recently, the park was redesigned as a theme park, and it draws in more than a million visitors each year. The zoo is home to more than 3,400 animals. Make time for the Winter-Zoo if you are visiting during or near the holiday season. A highlight for families traveling with youngsters includes Mullewapp, a kids' area that boasts rides and a popular petting zoo.
Elienriede
Niemcy, Hohenzollernstraße 28, 30161 Hannover, Germany
Step outside of the Eriebnis Zoo and experience a more peaceful setting with the same beautiful draw of the natural world. Aside from being the home of the Erlebnis Zoo, Hannover's Eilenriede is the place to go when you're seeking out natural beauty. The large recreation area sits on the east side of the city, and comprises a municipal forest that is one of Europe's biggest inner-city forests, stretching over 1,600 acres. Footpaths, playing fields and biking and hiking trails complement the open spaces ideal for sunbathing or just relaxing. You'll quickly see why this park is often called Hannover's "Grüne Lunge", or "Green Lung”.
Maschsee
Escape from the bustle of the city at the Maschsee. This artificial lake has impressed guests since its completion in 1936. Boaters and swimmers flock here, and it's also great location for a walk in nature or a picnic. Other attractions include the Niedersachsen-Stadion, a stadium built on rubble from buildings destroyed in the war, and many sculptures around the lake. If you will be enjoying Hannover in the summer, visit the Maschseefest, a sprawling festival that includes music and fireworks every August.
Sprengel Museum
The Sprengel Museum is home to one of the most impressive collections of modern art in Germany. Visitors can see works by Max Ernst, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Emil Nolde. It also houses the restaurant bell'ARTE, which offers modern cuisine inspired by Italian themes alongside outstanding views of the lake.
Aegidienkirche
Aegidienkirche is one of the most striking landmarks in Hannover. It numbers among the few war-damaged buildings in the city that were never restored, left instead as ruins to serve as war memorials. Aegidienkirche, originally built in 1347, was once one of three churches in Old Town, along with the Marktkirche and the Kreuzkirche. Since its destruction in an Allied air raid in 1943, the church has offered a sobering reminder of war. Newer sculptures stand alongside surviving baroque features to create a moving display.
Lower Saxony State Museum
The Lower Saxony State Museum, also known as Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover, is one of Hannover's points of interest neither art nor history aficionados will want to miss. You will explore the various collections of antiquities, including the State Gallery. The gallery features a collection of European art spanning the Middle Ages through the 20th Century and includes major works by Rubens, Rembrandt, German Old Masters and Impressionists. The museum also boasts ethnological and archeological collections, including over 20,000 artifacts.
From parks to museums to churches, Hannover has it all. Enjoy Hannover Germany's landmarks, grab a bite in a cafe, or go on a leisurely walk in a park or through the city streets. Utilize this list when planning your trip to this historic city to get a taste of its rich culture and natural beauty.