Your complete guide to Hanover – from Marienburg Castle to historic markets. Learn how to get there, best time to visit & hidden gems most tourists miss.
Hanover, Germany. Must-See Sights & Best Things to Do
Hanover (German: Hannover) is a city in northern Germany, the capital and largest city of Lower Saxony. It is situated on the River Leine at the junction of the Weser Uplands and the North German Plain. Hanover is often called the “city of exhibitions” due to its massive trade fair complex, which hosts major international events. Interestingly, Hanover doesn’t resemble a typical German city, despite being founded in the 12th century. Most of its original landmarks, historic buildings, and cultural monuments were destroyed during World War II. Only a few medieval structures and atmospheric old streets remain in the Altstadt (Old Town).
The city has a temperate climate, with over 600 mm of annual precipitation distributed evenly throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 8.7 °C (47.7 °F). Summers are warm, and winters are mild with light frosts.
Practical Information
- Population – 532,800 people.
- Area – 204.1 sq. km.
- Language – German.
- Currency – Euro.
- Time zone – Central European Time (UTC +1, UTC +2 in summer).
- Hanover hosts one of Germany’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations in autumn.
- Christmas markets open in late November.
- Souvenirs can be purchased in the Altstadt and at Galeria Kaufhof.
- Near the central train station, you’ll find the Ernst August Gallerie shopping mall and Kaufland supermarket.
History
The first mentions of a settlement date back to the mid-12th century when an ancient castle was built on the left bank of the Leine River. In 1241, Hanover received city rights. By 1350, new walls and 34 towers were constructed on the foundations of old fortifications for protection. In the 13th century, Hanover joined the Hanseatic League.
In the 16th century, Hanover became a center of the Reformation. Catholic clergy left the city, and it remained predominantly Lutheran until the 19th century. In 1626, a plague epidemic killed a third of the population. During the Thirty Years’ War, Duke George of Calenberg made Hanover his residence and built new strong fortifications.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Hanover was occupied by French troops for decades. After the Congress of Vienna, the Electorate of Hanover was elevated to a kingdom within the German Confederation. In 1826, Hanover became the first city in Europe to introduce gas street lighting. In 1866, it was annexed by Prussia. During World War II bombings, 90% of the city was destroyed, with only 40 historic buildings in the Old Town surviving. The city was fully restored by 1961.
How to Get There
Hanover has a major international airport served by many European airlines. The S-Bahn connects the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes (ticket: €3.50).
Thanks to its central location, Hanover has excellent rail connections to many German cities, as well as to the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Austria. High-speed trains run to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, and Cologne.
Hanover is well-connected by highways: the A7 from Hamburg and the A2 from Berlin and Düsseldorf.
Attractions
Top attractions in Hanover:
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a magnificent early 20th-century building and one of Hanover’s key landmarks. Often mistaken for a castle, its dome can be reached via a unique arched elevator.
Herrenhausen Gardens is a stunning 17th-century park complex and one of Hanover’s top attractions. With its elaborate garden art, fountains, sculptures, a palace, and an orangery, it draws around half a million visitors annually.
Despite wartime destruction, traces of medieval Hanover can still be found in the Old Town. Once home to a large historic center with numerous half-timbered houses, only about 50 original buildings remain near Marktkirche, Kramerstraße, and Burgstraße.
Marienburg Castle is a fairytale-like 19th-century palace with royal charm. Still owned by the House of Welf, one of Europe’s oldest noble families, it features lavish 18th-19th century interiors. Named after the last Hanoverian king’s wife, it took its current form in the mid-19th century.
The Hanover Opera House, built in the mid-19th century, is a fine example of late neoclassical architecture.
Marktkirche (Market Church) is one of Hanover’s oldest religious buildings. This striking example of North German brick Gothic dates back to the 14th century. After WWII damage, it was faithfully restored.
Next to Marktkirche stands the Old Town Hall, a brick Gothic structure built in 1410.
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