The forest in the middle of the city

Eilenriede

640 hectares of city forest form Hannover's green lung in the middle of the city.

Hanover is known for its vast urban forest. Located in the eastern part of the city, the Eilenriede spans 640 hectares of forest and is one of the largest and oldest contiguous urban forests in Europe. The Eilenriede is divided into a northern section, not far from the zoo in the neighborhood of the same name, and a southern section, which belongs primarily to the Kleefeld neighborhood. The area, which is almost twice the size of Central Park, establishes Hanover as a green metropolis.

After the commercial forest evolved into a local recreation area in the 19th century, the Eilenriede has been owned by the city for more than 600 years and attracts visitors not only with its rich flora and fauna but also with numerous sports and recreational activities. The extensive network of trails in the Eilenriede allows for leisurely walks through the greenery—hundreds of benches, ponds, sunbathing areas, dog parks, forest restaurants, and adventure playgrounds attract not only Hanover residents but are also a popular attraction for tourists. The fitness trail, with its 15 exercise stations, and the well-maintained paths—which are regularly used for inline skating, biking, and jogging—provide opportunities for physical activity.

You can immerse yourself even deeper in nature through various audio walks or the Forest Station, which offers unique insights into Hannover’s forest life—the Eilenriede is home to deer, foxes, hares, martens, and bats, among other animals. The Forest Station is located at Kleestraße 81. In addition to many interactive and hands-on stations, there is also a tree nature trail, a 32-meter-high forest observation tower, and a garden featuring poisonous and medicinal plants. A total of 62 tree species can be discovered throughout the grounds