Things to Do in Hanovre

About Hanovre

At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, Hannover harmoniously blends its medieval roots with its status as one of Germany's leading technology hubs. This elegant Lower Saxon capital, which rose from the ashes of World War II, has reinvented itself into a green metropolis where baroque royal gardens coexist with cutting-edge architecture, and centuries-old timber-framed buildings share streets with bold contemporary designs.

Travel Tips

• Purchase the "Hannover Card" from any tourist information center or transport station, as it offers free public transportation and discounts to major attractions like the Herrenhausen Gardens and the New Town Hall observation deck.

• Time your visit around the massive CeBIT or Hannover Messe trade fairs if possible, but book accommodations months in advance as hotels fill up quickly and prices surge during these events.

• Take advantage of the "Red Thread" (Roter Faden) - a 4.2km red line painted on the sidewalk that guides you through 36 major landmarks in the city center, making self-guided tours easy and efficient.

• Visit the Markthalle (central market hall) during lunch hours (11:00-15:00) to sample local specialties like Calenberger Pfannenschlag (meat stew) and fresh pretzels among locals in this historic building.

When to Visit

Hannover is best visited from May through September (15-25°C) when the famous Herrenhäuser Gardens are in full bloom and outdoor attractions like the Maschsee lake are most enjoyable, though July-August can bring occasional heavy rainfall and temperatures reaching 30°C with moderate humidity that some find uncomfortable. Spring (April-May) offers the advantage of fewer tourists and pleasant 12-18°C weather, perfect for exploring the reconstructed Old Town and Neues Rathaus without summer crowds, while autumn (September-October) provides crisp 10-15°C temperatures ideal for the Oktoberfest celebrations at Schützenfest, Europe's largest marksmen's festival held annually in late June/early July with over 1 million visitors. Winter (November-March) sees gray, damp conditions with temperatures hovering around 0-5°C and limited daylight (sunset by 4 PM in December), making it less appealing unless you're attending the atmospheric Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in late November through December, when the city center transforms despite the cold. Budget travelers should note that accommodation prices spike during major trade fairs at the Hannover Messe convention center (particularly CeBIT in spring and industrial fairs in April), when hotel rates can triple and availability becomes scarce across the entire city.