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Hanover

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Hanover
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Hanover Travel Guide

  • About Hanover
Now one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, Hanover (Hannover in German) literally had to rise phoenix-like from its own ashes following WWII, but has since become a fascinating blend of ancient and modern.Much of this former Hanseatic League city on the bank of the River Leine fell victim to Allied bombers during the 1940s, but several medieval highlights in the Old Town survived. Holzmarkt and Kramerstrasse, with their distinctive half-timbered buildings, and the 15th-century Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), are must-sees, as is the Marktkirche (Market Church). Helpfully, for visitors, the city’s pavements are daubed with a Red Thread, a trail stretching for 4.2km (2.5 miles) that joins up over 30 prime sights and attractions.Like many big German cities, Hanover (Hannover in German) combines the past with a modern face, but it remains an attractive place. It boasts elegant parkland, a large zoo and it has a range of museums and galleries.Whilst exploring, you’ll be unable to miss the city’s quirkier side, revealed in its abundant and innovative street art, from multi-coloured abstract shapes to wacky sculptures. Many fountains and even some bus stops are also creative in their artistry.The city’s calendar is packed with festivals, such as Schützenfest Hannover, the world’s largest marksmen’s festival. Hanover also hosts the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest after Munich, with 160 rides, two large beer tents, and around a million revellers every year.With its good rail connections, and central location in the heart of northern Germany, Hanover makes a handy base from which to explore the region. What’s more, it has all the facilities, shopping and entertainment (including more than 40 theatres) demanded by modern travellers.
  • Hanover History
Hanover has its roots in the 13th century as a small fishing village perched on the banks of the River Leine. But prosperity came with increasing river trade, much of which was channelled into ecclesiastical building projects and the defensive city gates.Led by its dynasty of dukes, the city was quick to embrace industrialisation, making the most of its location close to the Harz Mountains to establish itself as a hub for the iron and silver trades. But Hanover might have remained a well-heeled backwater were it not for George, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.Capitalising on a succession of European wars, he expanded the borders of his lands and became the first prince elector of Hanover by 1708. Another quirk of dynastic fate brought him an even bigger prize – kingship of the United Kingdom, with George ascending to the throne aged 54 in 1714. Hanover drew upon the wealth of the larger realm, establishing itself as a hub for trade.But the union of Britain and Hanover was not to last and when Queen Victoria took the throne of Britain in 1837, succession laws meant Hanover passed to William IV’s brother, Ernest Augustus.Small, and lacking the security that only a nation state could provide, Hanover’s existence as an independent entity came just over 20 years later when it was absorbed into Prussia. Trade, however, remained buoyant and by the dawn of the 20th century, it was a mercantile force to be reckoned with.But dark times were ahead, with the city suffering heavy losses during WWI and becoming an early convert to Nazism as a result. More than 4,700 Jews were deported from Hanover during the WWII, while much of it was flattened by Allied bombing raids.Things changed once again with the advent of the swinging 60s, which saw Hanover finally put its Nazi past behind it and return to its mercantile roots.Today’s Hanover is no stranger to the nuances of buying and selling, and the hardy souls who first set up shop in the 13th century would be proud of what their successors have achieved.
  • Did you know?
Hanover is the burial place of Britain’s King George I. Hanover has Europe’s largest urban forest with Eilenriede park. The name Hanover comes from Hohe Ufer, meaning ‘high bank’.
  • Weather in Hanover
Summer is the most popular time to visit Hanover, particularly as this is when the city hosts numerous festivals. By July, however, things can get uncomfortably hot.Outside of this month, temperatures are typically around 23°C (73°F). It is worth bearing in mind too, that summer showers are frequent.Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. If you want to beat the festival crowds of summer, visit the city in spring or autumn.

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