Rediscover the state capital with us
Did you know that Hanover has more to offer than meets the eye?
We'll take you on a journey of discovery and share five surprising facts about our wonderful city.
1. We Like to Meet "Under the Tail"
Why There in Particular?
We could also meet "under the tail" - that would be clearer and more correct. The tail belongs to none other than Ibrahim, probably the most famous horse in our beautiful state capital of Lower Saxony. You can admire the bronze statue directly in front of the main railway station: Ibrahim, the faithful steed of the Hanoverian King Ernst August, immortalised at a trot. His owner, in hussar uniform, sits majestically on him - a king who was known for his deep appreciation of his four-legged companions, sometimes even more than for his attitude towards his fellow human beings. A small but touching anecdote: At Ernst August's funeral, it was Ibrahim who was given the honour of walking directly behind the hearse.
2. We Have a Real Ghost Station
Sounds Like Something out of a Horror Novel, Doesn't It?
But it's true. Anyone taking the escalator at the main station down to light rail line B would hardly guess that there is a hidden railway station right beneath their feet. Back in the 1970s, when the tunnels for the new light rail network were being excavated, the plan included an underground route for Line D. As construction work was underway at the main station anyway, it was decided to build the station for Line D at the same time. However, Line D was never put into operation as originally planned, partly due to financial hurdles. Today, access to this hidden station is only possible as part of special guided tours.
3. The Modern Wallpaper Paste Was Born Here
How Did an Invention From Hanover Revolutionise the World of Wallpaper?
Modern wallpaper paste was invented by Ferdinand Sichel in Hanover. Simply apply paste, put the wallpaper on the wall - and voilà, done! What can be done today with a few simple steps and a little skill was a laborious task at the end of the 19th century: the adhesive made from animal glue had to be boiled fresh each time, discoloured the wallpaper and was also not very water-resistant. This is where Ferdinand Sichel came into play. Born in Hanover, he developed a new adhesive based on plant starch and became the German expert for adhesives at the beginning of the 20th century.
4. Unique Kiosk Density: Our Linden-Nord Leads the Way Throughout Germany
It's Already Late and You Fancy a Snack or a Cool Drink?
No problem with us! In addition to our Maxibar in the Werkhof Hotel, there are around 230 kiosks and drinking establishments that are officially listed with the city of Hanover. It is even estimated that the number is closer to 400. This is because some of them are run as small shops, lottery retailers or parcel shops. An interesting detail: most of these kiosks can be found in Linden Nord. Many workers used to live here and the kiosks offered them the perfect opportunity to quickly buy the essentials after a long day at work or to invest in a well-earned after-work beer. This tradition lives on to this day and makes the neighbourhood special.
5. The Oldest Doctoral Student to Complete a Doctorate at our University
Who do You Think Was the Granddaddy Among the Graduates at the University of Hannover?
At the age of 97 years, eight months and 18 days, Heinz Wenderoth reached a remarkable life milestone: on 29 September 2008, he was awarded a doctorate from the University of Hanover. Wenderoth's motivation to pursue this academic degree was deeply rooted in his past. For decades, his research findings on Trichoplax adhaerens, a barely visible disc animal, had lingered unused in his drawer. Despite the recognition he had already achieved and a successful career as a chief physician before he began his doctorate, Wenderoth's story shows that it is never too late to climb new peaks.
