Royal – The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in Hannover

Royal – The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in Hannover

The Great Garden is one of Europe’s most significant Baroque gardens and attracts tourists from all over the world. A major attraction here is the reconstructed palace, which houses the new Museum Schloss Herrenhausen—an institution of the state capital of Hannover, funded by the state of Lower Saxony. Events such as the International Fireworks Competition and the “Little Festival in the Great Garden” are true crowd-pullers.

They are considered Hanover’s most famous attraction: for over 300 years, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen have epitomized a stately way of life in a lush green setting. Their centerpiece, the Great Garden, is one of Europe’s most significant Baroque gardens and captivates tourists from all over the world. Just as the court society once did, visitors today stroll among richly decorated parterre sections, magnificent sculptures, and artfully trimmed, illuminated hedges. Water features splash in hidden corners; the Great Fountain impresses with its 72-meter-high water column. Created by Electress Sophie as the “Grand Jardin de la Leine,” the Great Garden is one of the few parks of its time whose basic structure has been preserved.

Awarded: Best Park in Europe 2015

In 2015, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen were awarded the European Garden Prize. In the “Historic Gardens” category, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen became the first German park to receive this award. The prize has been awarded since 2010 by the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN). It is the largest garden network in Europe and represents over 170 members in twelve countries.

Baroque Meets Modern

© Mahramzadeh

Like a fairy-tale kaleidoscope of mirrors, colored glass, and pebbles, Niki de Saint Phalle’s grotto captivates visitors. The famous artist left her final token of affection for the people of Hanover here. The reconstructed Herrenhausen Palace, situated on its original site in the courtyard of the Great Garden, houses not only a modern conference complex for academic events but also the new Museum Schloss Herrenhausen—an institution of the State Capital of Hanover, supported by the State of Lower Saxony. The museum features changing exhibitions related to Herrenhausen and Hanover. Across the way is the Berggarten, created in the mid-17th century. This botanical show garden delights visitors year-round with its exotic blooms. Also part of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen is the Georgengarten, a popular local recreation destination designed in the style of English landscape architecture. 

Unique cultural enjoyment

The KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen is a diverse summer festival featuring theater, concerts, and art installations. From May through September, fantastical displays in the sky, set to perfectly synchronized music, enchant visitors to the International Fireworks Competition, where the best pyrotechnicians compete to outdo one another. Designed in the style of an amphitheater, the Garden Theater offers a beautiful setting for outdoor plays and musicals. For over 25 years, the “Kleine Fest im Großen Garten” has presented more than 100 acrobats, mimes, and musicians on many summer evenings in the sprawling, baroque setting. During the cooler months, the gallery and orangery become sought-after venues for classical concerts and the winter variety show.

Press photos for download:

For press use: image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Coptograph

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Nik Barlo Jr

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Martin Kirchner

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Martin Kirchner

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Rosi Radecke

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Martin Kirchner

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Christian Wyrwa

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Rosi Radecke

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Coptograph

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Nik Barlo Jr.

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Hassan Mahramzadeh

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Mahramzadeh

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Hassan Mahramzadeh

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Martin Kirchner

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: Hassan Mahramzadeh

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG / Isabell Adolf

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG

Download for editorial use: Image in print-ready resolution (300 dpi)
Copyright: HMTG