Royal Family History and Outdoor Adventures in the Hannover Vacation Region (October 8, 2014)

Sail across the Steinhuder Meer by boat, or ride on horseback at a leisurely trot as heathlands, moors, and colorful autumn forests pass by. Hike in the Deister toward the summit amid the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves—or experience the thrill of heights at a high ropes course. Work on your handicap at one of the many golf courses and feel a little royal while touring Marienburg Castle near Pattensen: With its diverse landscapes, wide range of recreational activities, and the small towns and villages surrounding the state capital, the Hannover region offers endless possibilities for a vacation that’s sometimes exciting and sometimes relaxing.

Visitors to Marienburg Castle can walk in the footsteps of royalty. This fairytale-like, magnificent structure south of Hanover was once built by King George V as a gift for his wife and is one of Germany’s most significant neo-Gothic architectural monuments. It remains in the family’s possession to this day. The current highlight is the exhibition “The Path to the Crown—The Kingdom of Hanover and Its Rulers.” Due to high public interest, it has just been extended through the end of 2015—and traces the history of the House of Welf from the Brunswick-Lüneburg Electorate through the English kings to the Austrian exile of the last King of Hanover. The main attractions are the regalia of the kingdom—the royal crown with scepter and the bridal crown—which are being displayed together in public for the first time.

For complete information about the program at Marienburg Castle, visit: www.hannover.de/marienburgprogramm.

Mountains and the Sea

In addition to the charming Calenberger Land, over which Marienburg Castle towers, the Hanover region offers other beautiful destinations for day trips. Visitors on short getaways can reach them from the state capital in about half an hour, even by public transportation: For example, the Steinhuder Meer, northwest of Hanover, is perfect for boat rides, walks, or bike tours. To the southwest, the forested Deister rises as Germany’s northernmost low mountain range. Well-marked hiking trails and a network of bike routes lead up to an elevation of 405 meters. At the peaks of the Deister, observation towers offer sweeping views—on one side as far as the Wesergebirge Mountains and on the other to the skyscrapers of the state capital, Hanover.

The website www.hannover.de/urlaubsregion offers additional ideas for planning a trip to the Hannover vacation region. It provides an overview of the diverse recreational activities, day-trip destinations, and event highlights in the communities surrounding Hannover. In addition, you can easily book hotel rooms, guesthouse accommodations, and inn rooms on the vacation region’s website for a short getaway in the Hannover region. Experience packages that include overnight stays—such as the “Best Friends Weekend” at Steinhuder Meer or the “Discover Marienburg” package—round out the offerings.

We have provided additional images and text for editorial use at www.hannover.de/presse_hmtg.