Excursion destination

Waterways, rivers and ports

A 35-kilometer network of artificial waterways runs through Hannover, in addition to the Leine and Ihme rivers.

Mittelland Canal — The Mittellandkanal forms the southern boundary of the district.

The waterway network consists of the Mittellandkanal, the Linden Branch Canal, the Misburg Branch Canal, and the Leine Connecting Canal. These man-made waterways are supplemented by the Leine and Ihme rivers, which are also (partially) navigable.

Hannover Container Terminal – North Port — Hannover Container Terminal – Nordhafen

The "Hannover Municipal Ports" consist of four locations where cargo motor vessels are handled: The Nordhafen and Brinker Hafen are located directly on the Mittellandkanal, the Lindener Hafen is located on the Linden Branch Canal, and the Misburger Hafen is located on the Misburg Branch Canal. Together, they make Hannover a major North German port city for inland waterway transport. Incidentally, Hannover has been a member of the Hanseatic League again since 2019. Hannover was already a member of the Hanseatic League from the 13th century until around 1620.

There are also four marinas along the canals. These include the Hannover Marina (in the List district), the Misburg Marina, the Ahlem Marina, and the Limmer Marina.

While the canals are mainly used by cargo motorboats and yachts, the Leine and Ihme rivers are bustling with canoeists, rowers, and paddlers. On the Leine, there is a boathouse used by a rowing club and a sports dock with a canoe club and a water ski club. On the Ihme, there is the DRC dock. However, it is now also possible to canoe on the canals, as there are landing stages on the Mittellandkanal and the Leine Connecting Canal.

The banks of the Mittelland Canal are perfect for hiking or biking, and at the Hannover Marina, you can stay in Scandinavian-style lodges and dine on a historic steamboat. On the banks of the Leine in the Old Town, a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants beckons. But you can also cycle and walk along the banks of the Leine and Ihme. In Döhren, there is an island in the Leine, and at the point where the Leine and Ihme converge, there is even a beach club.

But the Fösse, the historic Ernst-August Canal, the artificial waterway known as the "Schneller Graben," and several streams also shape the cityscape.

View of the lock - two ships passing through.

Place of interest

Anderten lock

The lock was the largest inland lock in Europe when it opened.

read