Sights

Herrenhausen and the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen are among the most significant and best-preserved Baroque gardens in Europe—a remarkable example of European garden art.
In addition to the impressive garden architecture, visitors are captivated by the magnificent sculptures, which are illuminated on special occasions, the colorful formal flower beds, an open-air theater, and the grand fountain with its 70-meter-high water column.
The Großer Garten, consisting of several individual gardens, is a popular destination for tourists. The former summer residence of the Guelphs was reopened in 2013 as Herrenhausen Palace.
The palace, which has already hosted heads of state such as Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, David Cameron, and François Hollande, offers its visitors modern event technology, exquisite cuisine, and experienced event services. The palace thus offers a truly regal experience within its time-honored walls. The conference center combines tradition and history with modern, inviting, and prestigious meeting rooms. With a wide and diverse selection of spaces ranging up to 518 square meters, it provides a custom-tailored setting for conferences, conventions, or evening events. 

Hanover adventure zoo

A trip around the world: At Hannover Adventure Zoo, there are seven lovingly designed themed areas featuring over 2,000 animals to discover, which delight a huge number of visitors every year. 

The Hannover Adventure Zoo also offers 11 unique, themed venues for a wide variety of events, accommodating groups ranging from 10 to 1,500 guests. 
From a romantic barbecue on the Zambezi, a wedding reception in Meyer’s Banquet Barn, a Christmas party in the Yukon Market Hall, a gala evening in the State Hall, to a conference at the Zambezi Lodge—anything is possible, and every location has its own unique charm! The “icing on the cake” is the diverse selection of buffets featuring regional specialties from Germany, Africa, Canada, or India. But what truly makes the event location “special” is the supporting program, featuring a boat ride through the savanna, lasso artists, fakirs, or temple dancers—and, of course, the “animal stars” in each themed world.

Marienburg Castle

Impressive and majestic, Marienburg Castle rises on the southwestern slope of the Marienberg, about 20 km south of Hanover. Built between 1858 and 1867, the castle is one of Germany’s most significant neo-Gothic monuments. As a romantic vision of a Gothic castle, it was a birthday gift from King George V (1819–1878) to his wife, Queen Marie (1818–1907).

The authentically preserved interior of Marienburg Castle is striking for the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship. Particularly noteworthy is the Queen’s Library, with its colorful ribbed vault, pointed-arch windows, and exquisitely carved oak bookcases with metal fittings.

From May through September, venues such as the Knights’ Hall, the King’s Salon, and the library are available for rent for exclusive events. The Schloss Restaurant, housed in the former stables and coach houses, is also available for events.

The old town

The Old Town Hall is an architectural highlight of Hanover’s Old Town—along with the Marktkirche, it is considered the southernmost known example of North German Brick Gothic architecture. The Leineschloss, now the state parliament building of the Lower Saxony state government, dates back to the 12th century and is located right next to the Hannover Historical Museum. Surrounding cafés, restaurants, and small shops in half-timbered houses make the Old Town, with its Ballhofplatz, a relaxing retreat.

The new town hall

Visitors to Hannover are usually surprised to learn that the magnificent building they are standing in front of is actually the “New” City Hall. Its size and grand architectural style make it seem far more historic, like a relic from more majestic times, when Hannover was still a kingdom.
The New City Hall is the seat of the mayor and the city administration. This is where the political bodies hold their meetings, and where receptions for the city’s official guests and art exhibitions take place.

The dome of the New City Hall reaches a height of 97.73 meters (320 ft.). The curved elevator in the dome of the City Hall is unique in the world. It ascends the 43 meters to the gallery at the top of the dome at a 17-degree angle. From here, you have a magnificent view of the entire city; on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Harz Mountains.
Inside the New City Hall, city models illustrate the development of Hannover in four phases: 1689, 1939, after the destruction in 1945, and today 

Lake Masch 

A maritime paradise right in the heart of the city!
Lake Maschsee is a recreational area in the heart of the city, offering activities both on the water and along its shores: for sailors, canoeists, and pedal boaters, as well as for joggers, skaters, and walkers. The many benches and dining options invite you to linger. The famous Sprengel Museum Hannover is also located right on the lake’s shore.

The Maschsee Festival

With over 2 million visitors, the Maschseefest is one of the biggest events in Northern Germany! A place to celebrate, stroll, and feast: For three weeks, this maritime summer festival offers concert highlights, open-air dance evenings, performances by artists, and plenty of culinary delights. Here, you can party to your heart’s content or relax on cozy terraces overlooking the lake and simply enjoy the summer evening—the Maschseefest gives you that incomparable feeling of being right in the middle of a vacation!