The red thread

The Rote Faden Hannover is an accessible tourist wayfinding system that guides visitors on a self-guided walking tour through the city center. Since 1970, the red line painted on the ground has connected a total of 36 points of interest along a 4.2-kilometer route. The route can be explored at your own pace, with no set starting time.

The walking tour begins at the Tourist Information office across from the main train station. From there, the “Rote Faden” route winds through the city center, passing well-known attractions such as the Opera House, St. Aegidius Church, the New City Hall, and the Hohe Ufer. Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Nanas,” the Historical Museum, the Leineschloss, the Marktkirche, and the Markthalle are also located along the route.

The route then winds through downtown, past Kröpcke, and back to the main train station. There, the tour ends at the so-called “Schwanz”—the horse’s tail on the equestrian statue of Ernst August I. This well-known meeting spot in front of the main train station serves as the starting and ending point for many people’s visits to Hannover.

You decide for yourself how long to spend at each stop. The accompanying brochure for the "Roter Faden" provides additional guidance. It includes pictures, information, historical background, as well as interesting and amusing facts about the 36 sights along the route.

The well-known Freedom Trail in Boston served as the model for the "Roter Faden." The concept allows visitors to explore a city's main attractions on their own by following a clearly marked line.

In addition to the main route, there is an extra tour that takes about 45 minutes. It begins and ends at the New City Hall and takes you on a detour to the Maschsee.

Red thread barrier-free

The Rote Faden is fully accessible. For more information about the route and the individual stops, please see the accompanying brochure.

The accompanying brochure is available for 3.50 euros.