Forests

Hannover is one of the most forested major cities in Germany. About 13 percent of the city’s area—equivalent to roughly 2,650 hectares—is covered by forest. The most significant forested areas within the city limits include the Eilenriede, the Tiergarten, the Seelhorster Wald, and the Mecklenheider Forst.

The dominant tree species are primarily the English oak and the European beech. Approximately 1,564 hectares of forest land are managed, nurtured, and maintained by the Department of Forests, Landscapes, and Nature Conservation of the State Capital of Hannover. The focus is not on economic yield, but on the preservation and development of diverse, near-natural recreational areas.

A place to relax right in the heart of the city

The city’s forests offer a place for relaxation, exercise, and connecting with nature—right on your doorstep. Whether it’s cozy spots with benches and grassy areas for sunbathing, sledding hills and playgrounds, or well-maintained trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the forest has something to suit a wide range of interests.

Because large forested areas are located close to the city center, these forests also play an important role in the urban climate. They improve air quality, help stabilize temperatures, and contribute to regulating humidity. However, these diverse functions can only be sustained over the long term by a healthy and stable forest.

Sustainable and Responsible Forestry

In addition to its protective and recreational functions, the forest also provides wood, a renewable resource—sustainable and environmentally friendly. The mission of the Forestry, Landscapes, and Nature Conservation Division is to safeguard and further develop the forest’s various functions over the long term.
This is based on the principles of sustainable, certified forestry, which integrates ecological, social, and economic considerations.

Collaboration and Participation

A key component of preserving urban forests is close collaboration with other organizations, associations, and the local community. This includes sharing information and experiences, joint publications, and events such as the Tiergartenfest—which attracts thousands of visitors each year—as well as tree-planting initiatives involving the public.

These activities help spark an interest in the forest, impart knowledge, and raise awareness about the responsible stewardship of this important natural environment.

Safety in the Forest: Emergency Stops

To ensure rapid assistance in emergencies, the state capital of Hannover has established a total of 29 so-called “Forest Rescue Points” in the city’s forests since spring 2019. These points allow people involved in accidents to clearly identify their location and request targeted assistance.

A map showing the emergency aid stations is available online at www.hannover-gis.de and in a PDF file linked there. Alternatively, you can use the free “Hilfe im Wald” app.

Forest condition reports as a basis for conservation

In late 2021, the state capital of Hannover released its first Forest Condition Report for the city’s forests. Since then, the report has been updated annually to systematically document the development of the urban forest and ensure comparability. The findings provide an important basis for forest management, adaptation to climate change, and long-term conservation measures.