Things to Do in Hanovre in April

April Weather in Hanovre

23°C (73°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Spring blooms transform city parks and gardens - Herrenhäuser Garten reaches peak tulip season with 40,000+ flowers in full display
Perfect walking weather at 15-18°C (59-64°F) during peak daylight hours from 9am-6pm, ideal for exploring the Old Town's 2.5 km (1.6 mile) red thread walking trail
Easter markets run through mid-April with local crafts, regional specialties, and spring festivities - significantly less crowded than December Christmas markets
Shoulder season pricing means 25-30% lower accommodation costs compared to summer peak, with many hotels offering spring packages including breakfast and city transport passes

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon, making outfit planning challenging
Easter holiday period (March 30-April 1, 2025) creates brief crowds and higher prices during long weekend, then drops off sharply after April 7th
Some outdoor beer gardens and seasonal attractions don't fully open until May 1st - missing the full summer outdoor dining experience that Hanover is known for

Best Activities in April

Herrenhäuser Gardens Spring Tours

April is peak season for the baroque gardens' famous spring display - over 40,000 tulips, daffodils, and crocuses create spectacular color patterns across the 130-hectare (321-acre) estate. Cool 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures make the 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, and photography is ideal with soft spring light and minimal summer haze.

Booking Tip: Book garden tours 7-10 days ahead through official visitor center or licensed tour operators. Spring garden tours typically cost €25-40 and include access to restricted areas during peak bloom period. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Hanover Historical Walking Tours

Cool April weather is perfect for exploring the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) red thread trail through the reconstructed Old Town. Spring's mild temperatures and lower humidity make the 3-4 hour comprehensive tours comfortable, while Easter period brings special historical reenactments and spring market integration into tour routes.

Booking Tip: Historical walking tours cost €15-25 and don't require advance booking except during Easter weekend. Licensed guides offer English tours daily at 10am and 2pm. Private group tours (€180-250 for up to 12 people) can be customized for spring themes. See current options in booking section below.

Maschsee Lake Cycling and Recreation

The 6 km (3.7 mile) lake perimeter cycling path is ideal in April's 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures before summer crowds arrive. Spring brings migrating waterfowl and early sailing season. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths suit all fitness levels, with bike rental stations every 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles).

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost €12-18 per day from multiple operators around the lake. E-bikes (€22-28/day) available for longer excursions to nearby Eilenriede Forest. No advance booking needed except for guided cycling tours (€35-45). Current rental and tour options available in booking section below.

Lower Saxony Day Trips

April's mild weather and longer daylight (sunrise 6:30am, sunset 7:45pm) create perfect conditions for day trips to nearby Celle (45 minutes), Hildesheim (30 minutes), or Goslar (90 minutes). Spring weather allows comfortable exploration of medieval town centers and castle grounds without summer heat or winter closures.

Booking Tip: Regional day trip tours typically cost €65-85 including transport and guided tours. Book 5-7 days ahead for guaranteed English-language guides. Train day passes (€24-32) offer flexible self-guided options. Group tours (8+ people) often include lunch and run 8-10 hours. See current day trip options in booking section below.

Hanover Food and Beer Hall Experiences

April weather drives locals indoors to traditional beer halls and restaurants, creating authentic atmosphere before outdoor beer garden season. Spring menus feature seasonal asparagus (Spargel season begins in April) and regional specialties. Cool evenings make hearty German cuisine more appealing than in summer heat.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €45-65 and include 4-5 traditional venues plus tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Private brewery tours (€35-50 per person) require minimum 6 people. Many experiences include cooking classes focusing on spring ingredients. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

Eilenriede Forest Nature Walks

Europe's largest urban forest (640 hectares/1,581 acres) comes alive in April with spring wildflowers and returning wildlife. Cool 12-16°C (54-61°F) morning temperatures are perfect for the marked 15 km (9.3 miles) of walking trails. Early spring means clear sight lines through bare trees and active bird migration.

Booking Tip: Self-guided nature walks are free with trail maps available at visitor centers. Guided nature tours cost €20-30 and run weekends only in April. Photography workshops focusing on spring wildlife cost €55-75 including equipment loan. See current nature tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid March through Mid April

Hanover Easter Market

Traditional spring market in the Old Town featuring regional crafts, Easter decorations, and seasonal foods including asparagus specialties and spring beers. Local artisans demonstrate egg painting and traditional woodworking techniques.

Mid to Late April

Spring Festival at Herrenhausen

Annual celebration of the gardens' spring bloom featuring classical concerts in the orangery, guided botanical walks, and historical reenactments in period costume. Special evening illumination of the tulip displays runs weekends only.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - spring rain creates puddles on cobblestone streets and garden paths can be muddy

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 8°C (46°F) at sunrise to 23°C (73°F) afternoon, requiring 3-layer flexibility

Compact umbrella - spring showers are brief (15-20 minutes) but frequent, occurring 8 days per month on average

Light rain jacket with hood - better than heavy coat for April's variable conditions and easy to carry when not needed

Comfortable walking boots - plan for 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily walking on mixed surfaces from cobblestones to forest trails

Sun hat and sunglasses - UV index reaches 5 during peak afternoon hours 12pm-3pm with limited tree cover in gardens

Power bank and waterproof phone case - spring weather can drain batteries faster and light rain is common

Cash in small bills - many traditional markets and local food vendors don't accept cards, especially during Easter events

Lightweight backpack - essential for carrying layers as weather changes throughout the day and for day trip excursions

SPF 30+ sunscreen - spring sun is deceptively strong, especially with reflection off Maschsee lake surface during cycling

Insider Knowledge

Visit Herrenhausen Gardens between 9-11am for best light and smallest crowds - tour groups arrive after 11:30am and afternoon light is harsh for photography

Easter Monday (April 1, 2025) brings special museum openings and extended garden hours, but book accommodation by February as locals take long weekends

Traditional asparagus (Spargel) season begins in April - restaurants create special menus and prices drop 40% compared to imported asparagus served earlier

Use the GVH transport day pass (€5.50) instead of individual tickets - it covers all city transport plus connections to Herrenhausen and Maschsee, saving €8-12 daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - 8°C (46°F) sunrise temperatures feel much colder than afternoon highs, especially near the lake

Booking accommodation during Easter weekend (March 29-April 1) without realizing it's Germany's biggest travel weekend with 200% price increases

Expecting full outdoor beer garden season - most don't open until May 1st, missing the authentic outdoor German dining experience April visitors anticipate