Main sights in Hanover

The New Town Hall in Hanover was built between 1901 and 1913 and serves as the seat of the city administration. The building displays neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque architecture with a characteristic dome reaching a height of 97.73 meters. An inclined elevator leads to the observation platform in the dome, providing a view over the city and the surrounding region. Inside, four models show the development of Hanover through different periods.

Hanover Zoo spans 22 hectares and houses more than 3,000 animals representing 237 species. The enclosures are organized by theme, recreating the natural habitats of the animals including African savannah and rainforest environments. Visitors can observe animals from different continents in settings designed to resemble their original ecosystems.

The Berggarten is a botanical garden covering 50 hectares, established in 1666. The grounds include tropical greenhouses featuring exotic plant species, an extensive cactus collection, a rose garden, and sections dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants. The garden houses numerous rare plant species from various climate zones and serves both scientific research and public education purposes.

The Herrenhausen Gardens form a Baroque garden ensemble from the 17th century in northwest Hanover. The complex consists of the Great Garden with geometric flowerbeds, hedges and sculptures, the Berggarten with botanical collections from different climate zones, as well as greenhouses and historic fountains. The orangery building now serves as an event venue.

Maschsee is an artificial lake in central Hanover, constructed between 1934 and 1936. Measuring 2.4 kilometers in length and up to 530 meters in width, the lake provides numerous recreational opportunities. Walking and cycling paths line the shores, suitable for strolling and jogging. On the water, visitors can sail, row, or rent pedal boats. The northern shore features lawns and dining establishments, while the southern shore offers quieter areas for relaxation.

The Aegidienkirche dates from the 14th century and was built in Gothic style. The church suffered severe damage during the air raids of 1943 and was not rebuilt. Today the ruins serve as a memorial against war and violence. The tower contains bells donated by the Japanese city of Hiroshima, commemorating the victims of World War II.

The Sprengel Museum was founded in 1979 and presents significant collections of modern and contemporary art. The museum displays works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Emil Nolde, and Hanover-born artist Kurt Schwitters. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographic works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Located near the Maschsee lake, the museum features rotating exhibitions alongside a permanent collection that provides an overview of the development of modern art movements.

The Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena is a multifunctional stadium in Hanover that serves as the home ground of football club Hannover 96. The facility opened in 1954 and has undergone several renovations, most recently for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. With a capacity of approximately 49,000 spectators for football matches, the stadium offers modern infrastructure for sporting events. In addition to Bundesliga matches, the arena regularly hosts concerts and other major events. The venue features covered stands and contemporary facilities for visitors.

The Lower Saxony State Museum presents extensive collections spanning art, archaeology, ethnology, and natural sciences. The exhibitions document regional history from prehistoric times through to the contemporary period. Visitors can explore paintings, archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, and natural history specimens. The museum combines scholarly research with public education and hosts rotating special exhibitions on diverse subjects.

The Old Town of Hanover was reconstructed after its destruction in the Second World War and now presents a collection of historic half-timbered houses relocated here from various districts. The market square forms the center, dominated by the late Gothic Market Church and the 15th-century Old Town Hall. Cobblestone lanes connect small squares where restaurants and shops are located. The Leibniz House and the Beginenturm tower count among the preserved medieval structures.

The Hanover Aviation Museum presents the development of aviation through an extensive collection of civilian and military aircraft from different eras. The exhibition includes engines, propulsion systems, and technical equipment that document the progress of air transport. Visitors can examine historic machines at close range and learn about the technical innovations in aviation history.

The GOP Variete Theater Hannover presents a diverse program of cabaret, music and entertainment shows in a contemporary theatre setting. The stage hosts acrobatics, comedy and vocal performances delivered by professional artists. The theatre features modern technical equipment and dining facilities that complement the performance experience.

The Marktkirche stands at the centre of Hanover's market square and was constructed in the 14th century in Gothic style using red brick. The distinctive tower with its four gabled ends defines the city skyline. This three-aisled hall church ranks among the most important Protestant churches in northern Germany and has served as the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover since the Reformation. The interior houses significant artworks, including medieval altars and historic monuments.

The Ernst-August-Galerie is a modern shopping center located directly adjacent to the central railway station. This multi-level building houses numerous fashion boutiques, restaurants, and service providers. The gallery combines retail opportunities with dining establishments and benefits from its central location with excellent transport connections. Visitors will find a selection of national and international retail chains as well as food establishments distributed across several floors.

The Eilenriede City Forest extends over 640 hectares through Hanover and ranks among the largest urban forests in Europe. This wooded area provides numerous hiking paths, cycling tracks, and rest zones for visitors seeking recreation. Several playgrounds are distributed throughout the grounds, and various clearings invite relaxation. The forest connects multiple city districts and serves as a green lung for Hanover's residents.

The Old Town Hall of Hanover has stood on Marktplatz in the historic center since the 15th century. This municipal building was constructed in red brick following the late Gothic architectural style typical of northern Germany. The facade displays characteristic features of brick Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and stepped gables. The building served as the seat of city administration for centuries and now houses several halls used for cultural events and exhibitions.

Deutsche Messe AG is an international exhibition complex that hosts significant trade fairs including CeBIT and the Hanover Fair. This extensive site comprises several modern exhibition halls and ranks among the largest trade fair venues worldwide. The complex organizes annual events covering industries such as technology, manufacturing, logistics, and digital economy, attracting professional visitors and exhibitors from around the globe.

The ZAG Arena is a football stadium with a capacity of 49,000 seats and serves as the home ground of Hannover 96. The stadium was constructed for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and also hosts concerts and international sporting events. The architecture provides good views of the pitch from all seating areas.

Ballhofplatz occupies the heart of the Old Town and forms a historic square defined by buildings dating from the 18th century. The architecture combines Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The Ballhof Theatre uses one of the old structures as its performance venue and regularly presents theatrical productions. The square serves as a meeting point and event space for civic activities.

The Leine-Center is a large shopping complex in Hanover housing more than 130 shops, restaurants and service providers across multiple floors. The facility features underground parking and offers direct access to public transportation. Visitors will find a wide range of retail stores, dining options and various services all under one roof.

The Park der Sinne is a public garden in Laatzen that allows visitors to explore their five senses through specially designed stations. The grounds include areas for touching different materials and textures, listening points with sound installations, scent gardens with aromatic plants, and visual elements. Families with children use the interactive sections for educational play, while pathways through the site lead to quieter zones with seating areas. The park combines nature experience with sensory education.

The Nanas are three monumental female figures created by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, standing along the Leine River near the opera house since 1974. These colorful sculptures with voluminous forms were part of a series the artist dedicated to female strength. The three figures made of polyester and fiberglass are named Sophie, Charlotte, and Caroline and initially sparked controversy before becoming landmarks of the city. Today, the Nanas represent modern Hanover and attract visitors from around the world.

Oststadt is a residential district located east of the city center of Hanover, recognized for its architecture from the 1920s and 1930s. The neighborhood displays numerous examples of reform architecture and New Building movement from this period. The streets are lined with multi-story residential buildings featuring characteristic facades and details. Various traditional cafés and small shops are located along the main streets. The district borders directly on the Eilenriede, an extensive urban forest that offers opportunities for walking and recreation.

The Historical Museum Hanover documents the city's development from its earliest settlement through medieval times, the personal union with Great Britain, industrialization, and into the modern era. The collections include archaeological finds, medieval artifacts, objects from the royal period, and materials documenting industrial and social changes. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent displays, exploring specific aspects of local and regional history. Located in the Old Town, the museum provides detailed insight into how Hanover evolved through different historical periods.

Hannover Tiergarten was founded in 1865 and ranks among Germany's oldest zoos. Spanning 22 hectares in the city center, this zoo houses more than 3,000 animals representing 237 different species. Visitors can observe animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, birds, and reptiles. The spacious enclosures and natural habitats provide appropriate living conditions for the animals. The Tiergarten is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation.

The Göttingen Sieben Monument commemorates seven professors from Göttingen University who protested in 1837 against the abolition of the constitution of the Kingdom of Hanover. This sculpture stands as a symbol of academic freedom and political resistance. The group of legal scholars and philologists was dismissed from their positions and partly exiled following their public protest. The monument documents an important moment in German constitutional history and the role of the university as a place of critical thought.

The Kröpcke Clock was installed in 1885 on Kröpcke Square in the historic center. This public timepiece has served as a central meeting point for residents and visitors since its installation. Kröpcke Square forms an important junction in the heart of the city, and the clock has established itself as a fixed landmark across generations.

The Staatsoper Hannover was constructed in the 19th century and serves as a venue for opera, ballet, and symphonic concerts. The building features neoclassical architectural elements and hosts a varied program of musical and performing arts. The theater includes an auditorium with multiple tiers and accommodates a large audience. The Staatsoper ranks among the leading cultural institutions in the city and attracts visitors from across the region.