Our review will tell you what every curious tourist is obliged to see in Hanover. When compiling our rating, we took into account the reviews and recommendations of experienced guides. It will be interesting for you to learn about the main attractions of Hanover, even if you have not yet planned a trip to this popular German city.
What to see in Hanover first of all
Hanover is an old city with many architectural monuments and cultural values. Your trip here will be unforgettable if you visit sites such as:
1. The New Town Hall
The new Town Hall stands on the shore of an artificial lake in the midst of a green park in Hanover
Anyone who has bought tours to Hanover should plan a visit to the New Town Hall. The age of this landmark, built in the Baroque style on the shore of a beautiful artificial reservoir, is only a hundred years old. There is an observation deck on the dome of the structure, to which an unusual corner elevator lifts. The building itself is richly decorated with many bas-reliefs depicting scenes from life. If you do not know what to visit in Hanover is interesting for both the whole family and alone, come here.
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2. The Old Town Hall
The brick building of the Old Town Hall on the Hanover Market Square by Christian A. Schröder
A classic architectural masterpiece created in the style of northern German Gothic. The brick complex is divided into three buildings. Today, international meetings are organized here, and city celebrations are held. There is a small restaurant on site, which serves dishes of the national cuisine of the country.
3. The Watch Is Stronger
Krepke Clock is a favorite meeting place for Hanoverians ChristianSchd
The true symbol of the German city is actually a rich green pedestal with a clockwork mechanism. According to local residents, if the newlyweds’ wedding cortege stands next to the Castle for only a couple of minutes, then the lovers will live happily married for many years and will never part. No matter how long you come to the city, such famous and interesting places of Hanover should not be overlooked.
4. The tourist route “Red thread”
The symbol of the “Red Thread” on the Hanover sidewalk by Axel Hindemith
Do you want to see all the sights of Hanover without asking for help from experienced guides? Then take a walk along the unique tourist route “Red Line”, which consists of red lines and arrows painted on the sidewalks. The signs will lead you to the main historically significant, architectural and educational sites of the city. We recommend that you purchase a travel guide in advance, which indicates all the stops on the route.
5. Headquarters of NORD LB Bank
View from the tower of the New Hanover Town Hall to the headquarters of the bank NORD LB ChristianSchd
The courtyard of the Nord-LB office building on the Aegiedientorplatz square in Hanover ChristianSchd
A gigantic modern building with an area of 40,000 sq.m. The building has an original futuristic look and somewhat resembles a collapsed Rubik’s Cube: transparent corridors in the form of pipes unite individual blocks. The complex was built for the offices of a large bank, not assuming that it would become so famous even outside the city. Today, the object is included in all the lists of “main sights of Germany”.
Official website: https://www.nordlb.com
See the beautiful places of Hanover in this wonderful video!
6. Opera House
The magnificent building of the Hanover Opera and Ballet in the style of late classicism
Where should art fans go in Hanover? To the local opera, the building of which was able to survive even during the Second World War. The main auditorium has been significantly renovated. Thanks to the reconstruction, the sound has improved many times. Classical performances and strong arias are given on stage. Outside, near the theater, fans of the subculture gather, which, however, do not cause any concern to the police, tourists, or townspeople. You may also be interested in watching their performances.
7. The Sprengel Museum
Sculpture “The Other Twister” by Alice Aycock in front of the Dr. Olaf Hoffmann Sprengel Museum
Listing the best sights of Hanover, we must not forget about this museum complex from 1972. Guests can get acquainted with the works of art by such outstanding masters as F. Leger, K. Schwitters, K. S. Fal.
Official website: https://www.sprengel-museum.com
8. Lower Saxony Land Museum
Facade of the Lower Saxony State Museum in the center of Hanover Christian A. Schröder
The main theme of the exhibition images is Lower Saxony. The museum, which houses paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and many other most famous artists, was opened in the middle of the 19th century. The date of creation of the most ancient paintings is the 11th century. In addition, the collections of the complex include antique coins, ancient awards and medals of various times.
Official website: https://www.landesmuseum-hannover.de
9. August Kestner Museum
August Kestner Museum on Tramplatz Square in Hanover ChristianSchd
The opening date is the end of the 19th century. The building in which the museum is located recalls the modern buildings of the city, despite its respectful age. The architectural style is neoclassical. The exhibition is based on ancient Egyptian coins and small plastic from the private collection of A. Kestner. In addition, visitors can explore numerous examples of medieval objects of decorative and applied art.
10. Wilhelm Busch Museum
Wilhelm Busch Museum in the St. George’s Palace building in the heart of Hanover Losch
The art center houses the best graphics, comics, satirical manuscripts, mini-pictures and cartoons from around the world. The museum was created by poet, artist and cartoonist W. Bush. If you do not know what to see in Hanover in 1 day will be interesting for a person of any age, come here and you will not be disappointed.
Official website: https://www.karikatur-museum.de
11. Latzen Aviation Museum-Hanover
MiG-21 with Luftfahrt-museum Axel Hindemith sign
Aircraft display at the Luftfahrt Aviation Museum Latzen-Hanover Heino Rhoden
There are 4 hangars with more than 5 dozen reconstructed helicopters and airplanes of different eras on the vast museum territory, measuring over 5 thousand square meters. In addition, in the aviation center you can see experimental aircraft, navigation devices, ejectors, and many other specialized devices.
Official website: https://www.luftfahrtmuseum-hannover.de
12. Market Church
St. George and Jacob’s Market Church on Hanover’s Old Town Square
Few sights of Hanover, photos with the name and description of which you can now see in this review, have as rich a history as this main religious monument of the city. The first work on the construction of the temple was started back in the 14th century. The current complex of the Market Church includes the first building, which has retained its appearance almost unchanged, and a later extension – both objects are made of brick in the style of North German Gothic.
13. The Church of St. Aegidius
The ruins of the Church of St. Aegidius in Hanover Hajotthu
The temple began to be built also in the 14th century in honor of St. Aegidia. The first building has not survived to our times, and was destroyed during air strikes in the Second World War. Only ruins remain of the building, but they are of great historical interest, being a “living” memorial of a terrible era.
14. Leibniz House
The Oscar Winter Fountain at the Leibniz house (in the center) on Holmarkt Street in the German city of Hanover
The restored house of the famous philosopher and mathematician, in which he lived for 18 years, partially belongs to the local Leibniz University. The original building was destroyed during the Second World War. The exhibition samples tell about the life and research of the famous German thinker.
15. Railway station
Equestrian statue of King Ernst August in front of the entrance to the Hanover Heidas Railway Station
If you already know what to see near Hanover, head outside the city through this significant and large railway junction. It is visited by over 250,000 guests every day, and a large number of shops and cafes located inside the station are a good place for shopping. On the station square stands a statue of the “father of the state” and one of the most beloved rulers of the federal land – Ernst August the First.
Hanover Attractions: what else to visit in Hanover?
We have told you about the most popular excursions in Hanover. In addition to them, they also deserve your attention:
16. AVD Arena
AVD Arena is a football stadium in Hanover Tim Rademacher
The main city arena and one of the largest stadiums in Europe. The date of creation is the middle of the 20th century. Since then, many national and international football championships have been held here. Initially, the complex was intended for home training and performances of the local Hanover 96 club. In addition to sporting events, concerts of world stars are organized here: among those who performed at the AVD Arena are Madonna, M. Jackson, Rolling Stones, etc. If you are looking for good hotels in Hanover, you can find them near this stadium.
17. The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen
Panorama of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in the historical part of Hanover
One of the best examples of what to see in Hanover in winter and summer will be equally interesting. The park complex in the original Baroque style was designed in the 17th century based on the Parisian Versailles Garden. There are numerous palm trees, cacti and orchids on the territory, the most rare specimens of shrubs, trees and plants. As well as a large number of valuable examples of landscape design. Within walking distance there are: a palace museum and a memorial with the burial of George the First.
18. Lake Mash
Lake Mash is a popular place for numerous water sports Pedelecs
An artificial pond, built in the 20th century. The masters of the Weimar Republic worked on the lake project. However, construction work was only started during Hitler’s time. The Nazis wanted to strengthen the health of the nation, and therefore actively engaged in the creation and development of such facilities. Therefore, the history of Lake Mash is inextricably linked with the sad events in the state. The guides in Hanover certainly recommend visiting such sights of the city.
19. Hanover Zoo
Elephants at the Hanover Zoo
Polar bears at the Hanover Zoo
The facility was built in 1865 by order of a private enterprise, but in the era of the Second World War the company almost went bankrupt, and the zoo had to stop working. A few years later, local residents and the authorities raised funds for the next opening of the animal park. The owner of the attraction in the middle of the 20th century was the company Ruhe. Her owner sold the animals and showed them to potential buyers. Two decades later, the zoo became the property of the city, and desolation awaited it again. The end of the 20th century was the most wonderful time for the menagerie: according to the original design, it was reconstructed, turning into a European-style zoo world. It took over 110 million euros to bring the grandiose idea to life. Every year, the facility, which now has over 3.5 thousand inhabitants, is visited by about 2 million people.
Official website: https://www.zoo-hannover.de
20. Serengeti Park
The African section of the “Animal World” in the safari park Wiki-Hypo
A beautiful park located in the vicinity of the city and named after the legendary nature reserve in Africa. The vast area is divided into several zones. Each site has its own theme: entertainment, animals, monkeys, water. The animals walk “freely” and are in open enclosures. You will be able to take incredible photos and ride a jeep next to rhinos, antelopes, cheetahs, lions and other formidable inhabitants of the Serengeti, many of which are exotics.
Official website: https://www.serengeti-park.de
21. Fireworks Festival
Fireworks in the royal gardens of Herrenhausen Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
Every year, a fireworks festival is held on the Herrenhausen Gardens Square, which attracts guests from different parts of Germany and from all over the world. The participants demonstrate their “fiery” talents. Please note: the holiday is really enjoying international success, so you should purchase entrance tickets in advance.
We have told you about the main attractions of Hanover briefly, and we hope that our rating will help you create your own excellent sightseeing route. Read also about the sights of Dortmund and be inspired to travel further in Germany.