Green city | quality of life

© HMTG

With its urban forests, parks, and recreational areas, Hanover is one of Germany's greenest major cities. Lake Maschsee and Lake Steinhuder Meer lend the city a maritime flair—complete with swimming, sailing, and surfing.

In no other major German city are residents happier with the green spaces than in Hanover! According to a representative Forsa survey conducted by the Federal Association of Gardening and Landscaping, 91 percent of respondents in Hanover are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the green spaces. This puts the capital of Lower Saxony well above the average of 82 percent—and ahead of Stuttgart (84 percent), Berlin (80 percent), and Frankfurt am Main (77 percent).

Work-life balance

Experience nature while enjoying all the benefits of a big city: This is a given in the Hannover region—and ensures a high quality of life. “Hannover has everything that makes a vibrant metropolis: a diverse cultural scene, countless event highlights, a lively neighborhood culture, and great nightlife and shopping options. At the same time, Hannover is particularly green, a city where everything is within easy reach—and a very livable place. Thanks to an excellent public transit system, the 21 municipalities in the Hannover region are well-connected—and recreational and leisure opportunities are all close at hand,” explains Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG).

The Vacation Destination: Green Oases, Lakes, and the Sea

© HMTG / Martin Kirchner

With 11.36 percent green space, the capital of Lower Saxony is one of the greenest cities in Germany! Around 45,000 trees beautify the streets of Hanover. Each year, the Department of Environment and Urban Greenery plants 500 to 750 new street trees. Hanover’s greenery is at its most lush in the Eilenriede: The city’s “green lung,” spanning 642 hectares, is nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park. This green splendor is also a major reason why 89 percent of Hanover residents enjoy or very much enjoy living in their city, according to a representative survey conducted by the city administration.

© HMTG

But the unspoiled city forest isn’t the only nearby biotope and recreational area. The Maschsee, for example, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, joggers, skaters, and walkers. The neighboring Ricklinger Ponds offer swimming fun in the summer and pleasant walks in every season. And the famous Herrenhausen Gardens, which were awarded the European Garden Prize in 2015, are hard to beat in terms of diversity and attractions—and are equally popular with tourists from all over the world and Hanoverians alike. Added to these are lovingly maintained green spaces such as the Operndreieck in the heart of downtown or the Stadtpark, the site of Germany’s first Federal Garden Show and a unique postwar garden monument. Over 20,000 community gardens, the southern Leine floodplain, and smaller urban forests and parks provide additional green space. The approximately 20 swimming lakes in the vacation region are also natural paradises.

© HMTG

The best way to explore green Hannover is by bike: The state capital has 530 kilometers of bike paths, 170 kilometers of which run through green spaces. In 2010, Hannover was even voted the most bike-friendly city among Lower Saxony’s cities with over 50,000 residents! The entire Hannover region offers a network of 1,000 kilometers of bike paths, 15 specially designated regional routes, and a regional loop. Particularly popular is the “Green Ring,” which spans a total of 160 kilometers, encircles the state capital of Hannover, and passes through nine other cities and municipalities in the region.

© HMTG

Unique nature experiences also await just outside the state capital in this vacation region! The Steinhuder Meer, at 32 square kilometers the largest inland lake in northwestern Germany, is a popular local recreation destination: Whether it’s a family outing with a ferry ride to Wilhelmstein Island, boating, swimming, biking, or exploring nature in the dunes and moors—everyone can enjoy their favorite activities here. The Deister mountain range, located about 25 kilometers southwest of Hanover, with its extensive network of trails for hikers and cyclists as well as its attractions (e.g., the Klosterstollen Barsinghausen visitor mine, the Nordmann Tower, and the Anna Tower), is also a popular local recreation and vacation area. Every year, the hiking season is officially kicked off at Deister Day. Horse lovers will find their paradise in the Burgdorf region and in Wedemark—whether on their own horse, a rental horse, or enjoying a social ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Liveable diversity

© Karl Johaentges

The wide range of recreational activities also contributes to the residents’ satisfaction. In this city on the Leine, cultural and sporting events of the highest caliber, a magnificent array of museums, excellent shopping opportunities in one of Germany’s largest pedestrian zones, and the picturesque Old Town provide plenty of variety. In addition, major attractions such as the world-famous Herrenhausen Gardens, the unique Hannover Adventure Zoo, and legendary large-scale events like the Maschseefest or the world’s largest shooting festival captivate locals and tourists alike. Characteristic of this trade fair and business hub—in addition to its short travel distances and excellently developed public transit system—is the high yet affordable quality of housing.

For more information, visit www.hannover.de/presse_hmtg. Photos for editorial use are available at www.hannover.de/fotodownload.

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