10 reasons to visit Hanover
The Hanover Fair the largest industrial exhibition in the world takes place annually in the state capital of Lower Saxony. There are 10 reasons why a visit is always worthwhile.
Red line
It is 4,200 meters long and connects 36 attractions: this red line painted on the ground runs right through the center of Hanover. Visitors can follow it in order to get to know the State capital of Lower Saxony. A brochure and an app explain all you need to know about the stops along the way. It includes sights such as the old town center (pictured) and the Lower Saxony parliament building.
Kröpcke place
The red line also leads to the Kröpcke - a place in the heart of the city and part of an expansive pedestrian area. It is named after a café which has been on this place since 1870. One of its features is the Kröpcke clock, which has become a popular meeting place for folks wanting to shop in the many outlets in the streets surrounding this place.
New Town Hall
Another stop on the red line is the New Town Hall, very much a Hanover landmark. The name seems strange as the building dates back to the era of Wilhelm II over a century ago. But that still makes it newer than the Old Town Hall which dates from 1410. Inside it there are four models depicting the town in different eras and an angled lift which takes visitors to the top of the dome.
Maschsee lake
The New Town Hall is where the Maschsee begins - for many in Hanover the best feature of the city. The artificial lake is one of the most popular excursion destination and recreational area. Sailing, swimming, jogging: that's how the city folk like to spend their free time here. The three week Maschsee Festival draws some two million people to the shores and on to the waters of lake every year.
Herrenhausen Gardens
Another green area in town are the gardens surrounding Herrhausen Palace, the former summer residence of the house of Welf. At the heart of it is the Great Garden. Comprising 50 hectares of lawns, hedges, walkways, and statues arranged in strict geometrical patterns, it was created in 1666 for Sophia of Hanover. The gardens are open to the public all year.
Hanover's Museums
Hanover is home to a number of museums. Probably one of the best known ones is the Sprengel Museum, showing 20th century art covering German expressionism and French modern art. Very noticeable is artist Niki de Saint Phalle, who became known for her Nana sculptures. She donated 400 works of art to the Sprengel Museum.
Nana
In Hanover you don't have to go to a museum to see a Niki de Saint Phalle Nana sculpture. The Three Nanas - known as Sophie, Charlotte and Caroline - were initially contentious but are now popular. A flea market around the Nana sculptures in the old town center has been held every Saturday for more than 45 years. Here you won't find new or mass produced items but loads of jumble, art and kitsch.
Hanover Zoo
In Hanover Zoo there are no cages, the enclosures are designed to recreate the natural environment. More than 2,000 animals live here in seven different themed areas. Among the areas is the African river landscape Zambezi, which is home to lions, rhinoceros and giraffes - or Kibongo, the world of the great apes.
Hanover Schützenfest
Hanover might seem average in many ways, but when it comes to the Schützenfest it stands out! It is the largest marksmen's funfair in the world, with some 10,000 participants joining the march of the marksmen. On this traditional parade, marksmen, bands, dance groups and festive floats move through the center of town to the funfair area, where rides and food vans are already expecting them.
Traditional Lüttje Lage drink
Hanover might not have traditional foods like Bavaria's Haxn pig trotters or Weisswurst sausages, but it does have the Lüttje Lage drink! It is an alcoholic beverage which consists of a mix of beer and Korn grain-schnapps - which is drunk in a very particular way. How it's done is shown on the picture. To this, let's toast to your next visit to Hanover: "Prost!"