Big-City Vibes & Nature

Hanover—The Green City

Two cyclists in the forest. — Eilenriede

With its urban forests, parks, and recreational areas, Hanover is one of Germany’s greenest major cities. Lake Maschsee and Lake Steinhuder Meer lend the city a maritime flair—including swimming, sailing, and surfing.

Hanover offers both a big-city vibe and nature—right in the heart of the city and all around it. With 11.36 percent green space, the capital of Lower Saxony is one of the greenest cities in Germany! Around 45,000 trees beautify Hanover’s streets. Each year, the Department of Environment and Urban Greenery plants 500 to 750 new street trees.

Hanover's green lung

The Eilenriede

One of Europe's most important city forests in the heart of Hanover has a lot to offer.

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Located in the heart of the city, the Eilenriede stretches across some 640 hectares as the city’s “green lung,” making it more than twice the size of Hyde Park in London, for example. Beyond the city forest, there are many other opportunities for walking or observing nature.

Tourist highlight

The Herrenhäuser Gardens

Famous baroque gardens with magnificent water features and historic gardens.

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The “green ensemble”—comprising Georgengarten, Welfengarten, Herrenhäuser Allee, Berggarten, and the world-famous Großer Garten—is truly impressive. Added to this are lovingly maintained green spaces such as the Operndreieck in the heart of the city. Visitors to the Hannover Congress Center appreciate the city park. Over 20,000 community gardens, the southern Leine floodplain, and smaller urban forests provide additional green space.

Cherry trees in the Hiroshima memorial grove

Experience nature

Gardens, parks and zoo

Here you'll find a summary of the highlights of Hannover's gardens, parks, and zoo, all at a glance. Discover them now!

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Maritime charm and water sports—Hanover excels in these areas as well. Centrally located, Lake Maschsee is considered a paradise for rowers, walkers, sailors, cyclists, and joggers. Unique nature experiences also await just outside the city in the surrounding vacation region: The Steinhuder Meer, for example, is a popular local recreation destination. Whether it’s a family outing with a boat ride, boating, swimming, biking, or exploring nature in the dunes or moors—almost everyone can enjoy their favorite activities here.

Excursion destinations

Nature & Landscape

Discover the Steinhuder Meer, the Deister, or the many parks and lakes.

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The Deister, with its extensive network of trails for hikers and cyclists as well as its attractions (e.g., the Klosterstollen Barsinghausen visitor mine, the Nordmann Tower, and the Anna Tower), is also a popular destination for local recreation and vacations.

Cycling between city and nature

Hanover's most beautiful cycle tours

Routes, tours and tips on cycling in the Hanover cultural region.

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The best way to explore green Hannover is by bike: The state capital has 530 kilometers of bike paths, 170 kilometers of which run through green spaces. There are also numerous bike paths throughout the region just waiting to be discovered.