Stay Active This Fall in the Hannover Vacation Region (Oct. 17, 2014)

Enjoy the vibrant colors of the trees, listen to the rustling of the leaves, and breathe in the scent of moss and earth: There are countless places in the Hanover vacation region where you can now discover the magic of nature.

Located about 25 kilometers southwest of the state capital, Hanover, the Deister is the perfect place for long hikes or bike rides. On Germany’s northernmost low mountain range, visitors can expect a variety of experiences amid the rustling of leaves and enchanted trails—and gain entirely new perspectives on the vacation region when gazing out from the “Annaturm” or taking a hearty break at the “Nordmannsturm.”.

Wedemark, located northeast of Hanover, also inspires a desire for active exploration, horseback riding, and hiking. Nature lovers will find everything their hearts desire in this idyllic landscape with its vast moors and forests, expansive fields, and small lakes. Those who want to learn more about the landscape they’re exploring can visit the Wedemark-Resse Moor Information Center (MOORiZ) or the “Bewegte Steine” geotrail on Brelinger Berg, which takes visitors on a journey through the Ice Age and the history of the landscape at eleven stations.

And this vacation region even has its own “sea”: Northwest of Hanover, the Steinhuder Meer—covering about 30 square kilometers—offers numerous opportunities for activities on and around the water. A loop trail takes cyclists and hikers around the largest lake in northwestern Germany and through its picturesque surroundings of moors, wet meadows, and dunes.
If you’ve always wanted to howl with wolves or see bears, lynx, bison, and wild horses up close, take a detour to the bison enclosure in Springe. And after enjoying the fresh air, take a break at one of the many cozy inns or rustic forest restaurants in the vacation region—or unwind at a thermal spa or sauna.

Adventure Zoo, Children's Tour, and the Herrenhausen Gardens

In Lower Saxony’s capital, too, the colorful autumn landscape invites visitors to take walks among rustling leaves and vibrantly colored trees in many places: Whether in Europe’s largest urban forest, the Eilenriede; in the Herrenhausen Gardens with their Georgengarten, modeled after English gardens; or in the Tiergarten—Hanover shows itself from its most colorful side. You can also enjoy the autumn sun and the very special atmosphere of the season with a visit to the Hannover Adventure Zoo and its seven themed worlds, a stroll through the Old Town, or a walk along the Maschsee. To get an overview of the diversity of Germany’s greenest (and currently most colorful) major city, a tour on the Hannover double-decker open-top bus is highly recommended. The 100-minute tour provides plenty of interesting and informative facts in eleven languages about the city’s neighborhoods, its history, and its residents. Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off system, passengers can get on and off at all seven stops.

Children can explore Lower Saxony’s state capital on the “Hannover is Cool” city tour, which takes place every Thursday during the fall break (Oct. 30 and Nov. 6). Accompanied by a tour guide who has plenty of exciting stories about Hanover up his sleeve, the group walks through the picturesque Old Town all the way to the New City Hall. Thrills are guaranteed during a ride in the modern arched elevator, where the children can look down into the elevator shaft through the transparent floor of the cabin. Once at the top, a beautiful view of the sparkling Hanover vacation region awaits the young explorers.

To ensure a varied and comfortable stay in the Hannover vacation region, Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG) has put together exciting experience packages—including hotel accommodations.

For an overview and more information about your stay in Hanover, please visit www.hannover.de/erlebnispakete, www.hannover.de/urlaubsregion, and www.visit-hannover.com.

We have made images and text available for editorial use at www.hannover.de/presse_hmtg.