Eilenriede

Hanover's city forest

Hanover is known for its large 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 Hannover Adventure Zoo in the district of the same name, and a southern section, which belongs primarily to the Kleefeld district.

The area is almost twice the size of Central Park and helps define Hanover as a green city.

Recreation and Exercise in the Eilenriede

After the commercial forest evolved into a local recreational area in the 19th century, the Eilenriede has been owned by the city for more than 600 years. In addition to a rich variety of flora and fauna, it offers numerous sports and recreational opportunities.

The extensive network of trails makes for relaxing walks in nature. Hundreds of benches, ponds, sunbathing areas, dog parks, forest restaurants, and adventure playgrounds make the Eilenriede an attractive destination for both Hannover residents and tourists.

The fitness trail, with its 15 exercise stations, and the well-maintained paths offer opportunities for physical activity. Here, you can inline skate, ride a bike, and jog.

Forest Station and Audio Walks

Various audio walks and the forest station offer unique insights into forest life in Hanover. The Eilenriede is home to roe deer, foxes, hares, martens, and bats, among other animals.

The Forest Station is located at Kleestraße 81. In addition to numerous interactive and hands-on stations, there is 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 found throughout the grounds.