A City of Unforgettable Highlights
Legend has it that the German author Arno Schmidt once asked, “why would I want to see New York City when I’ve already been to Hannover twice?”How right he was. After all, Eilenriede—a giant urban forest stretching through the city—is almost twice the size of New York’s Central Park.
In fact, green spaces are easy to find throughout Hannover.It’s no surprise that Hannover was the first city in Germany to elect a Green party member to serve as its mayor and CEO.
Hannover—big city vibes right in the middle of nature.Countless parks, gardens, and lakes dot the urban landscape, just begging to be visited.
If you too would like to take a city tour the next time you’re staying with us, we’d be more than happy to give you a local-insider tip or two.Below, we’ve put together a short list of prime attractions you can find in Werkhof Hannover’s immediate vicinity:
The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen
A short fifteen minute walk will take you to the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Perhaps you’ve chosen to stay with us because you are participating in Hannover’s international Fireworks Competition?Every year, the most renowned fireworks artists from all over the world gather in the Great Garden to celebrate this fiery festival. During the day, visitors can enjoy the baroque Great Garden’s fountains in truly breathtaking surroundings. Experience the splendor of the Low German Flower Garden with its picturesque backdrop of royal palaces.
Berggarten
Berggarten Garden is situated just north of the Great Garden. Berggarten is one of Germany’s oldest botanical gardens. It is currently home to more than ten thousand species of plants from a diverse range of climate zones. Marvel at Europe’s largest collection of orchids!
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
Take a quick 15-minute ride aboard the 100 bus and you’ll find Hannover’s New Town Hall. Hannover’s most famous landmark, the New Town Hall is also the city’s most popular setting for locals and visitors alike to take photos. Designed with a “historical” aesthetic in mind, this magnificent building was constructed in the early 20th century and inaugurated by Emperor Wilhelm III himself. Visitors can take the incline elevator to the top of the New Town Hall dome and see the entire Hannover skyline from the viewing platform. Reward yourself with breath-taking panoramic vistas.
Maschsee Lake
A short distance from the New Town Hall visitors will find Maschsee Lake. The one hundred ninety acre man-made lake was originally conceived during the Great Depression as a job-creation measure. The Maschsee ships began navigating the lake almost immediately. To this very day, the lake is a magnet for steamers, sailboats, and water-sports enthusiasts from all around. Since 1986, it’s also been home to the annual Maschsee Lake Festival. From the end of July through the middle of August, Maschsee Lake Festival visitors can enjoy live music on a number of stages, a street fair, and plenty of culinary delights.
The Market Church (Marktkirche)
If you’ve made it to Maschsee Lake, it means the Market Church is just around the corner. And if you are anywhere near Hannover’s Old Town district, then you’re sure to hear Lower Saxony’s largest glockenspiel ringing out. A venue with unmatched acoustics, the church regularly hosts concerts featuring world-famous choral music ensembles. The Market Church joins the Aegidien Church and the Church of the Holy Cross as the three oldest parish churches in the city. There’s always something on at the market square surrounding the church. Just a few of the many events include Hannover’s Civic Brunch, the Christmas Market, and the Old Town Festival.
University
Our hotel is situated in the heart of Hannover’s university quarter. The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover is Lower Saxony’s biggest university. It main building is the Welfenschloss, a castle originally intended to serve as the main residence of the Guelph dynasty. Today its stately halls serve as a place for students to attend lectures. To the castle’s rear is the Welfengarten Garden, an absolutely delightful spot for taking a stroll.
Culture
There is so much to see and experience in Hannover. Running like a golden thread through the city is actually a 2.5-mile-long Red Thread painted on the pavement. Weaving through downtown Hannover, the Red Thread takes you past 36 of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The pocket-size Read Thread brochure describes all of the noteworthy and exciting attractions you’ll find along your journey through Guelph City.Head out from the Ernst August Memorial, past Galerie Luise, and then cross Georgsplatz Square to reach the Aegidien Church and August Kestner Museum. Hannover un-leashed: discover the best of what the city has to offer. Museums, galleries and exhibitions, opera, theater, Vaudeville, and every kind of stage you can imagine—the Trade Fair City’s vibrant cultural scene means there’s never a dull moment.We wish you a pleasant and eventful stay!