Hannover

About Hannover

In the city of Hannover there are plenty of permanent attractions in that are worth a look. If you have come to the city for a fair or an exposition, you should take your time to explore the city and its sights.

Fair Hanover

The fair in Hanover is the world's largest industrial trade fair, showcasing a unique blend of inter-related, leading-edge technology. The trend towards global convergence of different technologies is reflected in each of the world leading shows-within-a-show that make up the fair in Hanover. For example the CeBIT Hanover is the most widely known ICT trade fair world-wide, covering the entire spectrum of information technology, telecommunications, software and services. It serves as the leading event for the ICT sector every year. In fact, with 7,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and 700,000 visitors from all over the world, it has long been more than just a trade fair.

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus (The New Town Hall) was ceremonially opened on 20 June 1913, after twelve years building time. It was designed by the architects Eggert and Halmhuber. The doors of the Rathaus are always wide open to all visitors. And a visit can be worthwhile. Four scale models of Hannover are on display showing the city as it was in the Middle Ages, before World War II, the destruction of 1945 and the townscape of today. But there is more to see. For instance the Hodler Hall with it's mural painting "Unanimity" by the Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler. And you can also check out the Mosaic Hall and the Ladies Hall with its noble décor. Visitors can ascend the dome by means of the unique curving lift, for an excellent view of the city and Maschsee.

The Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall) was built over a period of more than 100 years. The earliest part dates from 1410. A well known neo-Gothic architect, Conrad Wilhelm Hase, managed to save the entire building from demolition in 1844. Hase was subsequently commissioned to renovate the remaining wings in their original style of 1500, with its exceptional gothic gables and the ornamental frieze. You can admire portraits of princes and coats-of-arms.

Marktkirche

The largest church in Hannover's "old town" built in the northern German neo-Gothic style. The marketplace was at the very centre of urban expansion in Hannover. Merchants and craftsmen used to live around here. In the 14th century, the Marktkirche ("The Church at the Marketplace") was built here. Just as the tower reached half of its planned height, the construction had to be stopped because of financial problems. Because of those financial problems, a shortened spire was mounted (such a spire became very popular and was imitated widely). Unchanged in style, the Marktkirche was rebuilt in 1952.

Eilenriede is the famous "city forest" of Hannover's. Eilenriede forest covers an area of 650 hectares in the middle of the city, which makes it unique in the whole of Europe. The park is larger than famous parks in Europe such as Hyde Park in London and the Bois de Boulogne. The citizens of Hannover are very proud of the Eilenriede. The forest stretches across the city, almost into the city centre. The name is derived from the alder trees which used to grow on its soil. In German these trees were named: Erlen or Ellern. The earlier "Ellernried" eventually became "Eilenriede". Many leisure activities can be pursued in the Eilenriede: you can go for a walk, ride a bicycle or a horse, hike, jog, or just have a picnic - there is something for everyone. Not to mention the fitness trails, forest educational trails, playgrounds, lawns, forest cafeterias and restaurants, numerous monuments and statues, a minigolf course and a toboggan slope.

Zoo

The zoo is a great destination in itself, with lots of animals and special exhibitions. The Zoo houses 1300 animals. It is a place where animals live almost like in their natural environment and where visitors are able to watch them at close distance. It is a place where animals live almost like in their natural environment and where visitors are able to watch them at close distance. Attractions here are enclosures (not cages) where animals are in a recreation of natural habitats, such as: Gorilla Mountain, take a path on an expedition into Central Africa; Jungle Palace, enter the ruins of a maharaja's palace with waterworks and gargoyles, "crumbling" walls covered in vines reveal elephants, tigers, and leopards; Jambesi, visit the African steppes filled with zebras, antelope, ostriches and walk across the suspension bridge and Meyer's Farm, recreation of a Saxony farm with bakery, storehouse, sheep, pigs, and cows. At the end you'll find a great restaurant filled with typical country dishes.

The Sprengel Museum

The sprengel Museum opened in 1979. The museum owns a comprehensive collection and quite some temporary exhibitions take place. Round about 25 exhibitions take place each year. The museum today builds on the original collection owned by Dr Bernhard Sprengel, who favoured German Expressionism and French Modern Art. The last 20 years have seen the Collection expand to include works from the most important epochs of contemporary art. Moreover, the Department of Photography and Media came into being in 1994. It also offers a comprehensive educational programme and since 1993 houses the Kurt Schwitters Archive. The Sprengel Museum thus provides a lively forum for art and art studies.

Herrenhäuser Garten

Visiting the beautiful Herrenhäuser Gardens is a nice way to spend the afternoon. The Gardens are nicely landscaped, each section in a different style. The baroque garden and park ensemble of Herrenhausen is a remarkable example of the traditional art of landscape gardening. Besides the landscaping you can also admire the fountains and the statues If you're visiting in the summer you'll be able to enjoy one of the many art performances that play throughout the gardens during the season. These performances can be part of the Herrenhäuser Garten Fest. Running all summer long, this festival in the Herrenhäuser gardens combines theater, music and dance programs. Many of the shows are held outdoors on the grounds of the Gardens.