Hanover Travel Guide
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 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.
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’.
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.
Getting around Hanover
Üstra Hannoverische Verkehrsbetriebe AG
Telephone: +49 511 16 680
Website: www.uestra.de
Runs Hanover’s excellent transport system, which consists of buses and stadtbahnen (trams) that travel underground in the city centre and on special designated tracks in the suburbs. Urban transport is integrated with regional services, including:
Deutsche Bahn
Telephone: 018 06 699 6633 in Germany only.
Website :
www.bahn.de
Which operates eight regular suburban train (S-Bahn) lines, as well as
RegioBus Hannover
Telephone: +49 511 368 880
Website :
www.regiobus.de
The umbrella organisation
GrossraumVerkehr Hannover (GVH)
Telephone: +49 511 16 680
Website :
www.gvh.de oversees the entire system. Single tickets are valid for two hours on all transport and prices are based on zones covered; there are three zones in total. Day, group, concession and multi-tickets are also available.
Tickets are available for purchase using pre-paid cards (GeldKarte from banks or PayKarte from Deutsche Telekom) from automated dispensers at bus and tram stops – tickets bought this way are slightly cheaper and will eventually replace tickets purchased with cash.
The Hannover Card, available from tourist information and other outlets, allows free travel on GVH buses, S-Bahn trains and trams in the Hanover (
hanover-airport) ticket zone and discounts at tourist attractions. One-, twoand three-day cards are available.
Taxis are beige Mercedes and tourists can safely hail these on the street or call for one in advance. Radio taxi companies include
Flughafen-Taxi Hannover
Telephone: +49 177 248 7311 ,
+49 511 850 068 35
Website: www.taxi-hannover-airport.de
Taxengemeinschaft Langenhagen
Telephone: +49 511 730 101
Website: www.taxi-730101.de
After dusk, tram and bus drivers will often order taxis for single women passengers, on request. These meet you at the relevant bus stop. Drivers normally stick to the efficiently regulated meter system. A tip of 10% is expected.
Driving conditions in Hanover are among the best in
Germany. Wide, five-to-six-lane-streets around the city centre make driving easy and prevent congestion. The heart of the city centre is reserved for pedestrians. Given the excellent public transport system, in most cases it is advisable for drivers to park and ride.
In the city centre, 24- hour parking is available at Friesenstrasse/Lister Tor, Hbf/Raschplatz, Rundestrasse/Hbf, Leonhardtstrasse (Schweizer Hof), Schmiedestrasse, and Opernplatz (Opern/Kröpcke), Osterstrasse, Köbelinger Markt, Klagesmarkt, Mehlstrasse, Windmühlenstrasse, Galerie Luise, Andreaestrasse and Marstall.
You can hire bikes from
Fahrradstation
Telephone: +49 511 353 9640 at the main railway station. Hanover is reasonably bicycle friendly, with a number of designated cycle routes.
Rent a car in Hannover and discover all of the delights of the scenic capital of Lower Saxony at your own pace. Boasting many examples of amazing architecture, the city is a wonderful place for exploring on foot or by car. Be sure to check out highlights such as the half-timber covered buildings of the old town and the impressive 15th century Old Town Hall. Also well worth a visit is the New Town Hall, a stunning 20th century building of lavish, historical style.
Head along to the Marktkirche, the Church at the marketplace, for another slice of the city’s history and to admire its North German neo-Gothic style. Another absolute must-see is the splendid Herrenhausen Palace and Museum and its famous gardens. Ready for an adventure? Book a cheap car rental in Hannover and get to know a thriving city packed with attractions.
In order to hire a car, drivers must be at least 21 years old, depending on company policy. All drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit.
Our simple booking system makes it easy to reserve online before you go, offering flexible short- and long-term rental, all at great prices with no hidden charges, so when you arrive all that’s left is to discover the best of this exciting city.
In partnership with Get Your Guide
Book popular activities in Hanover
Things to see in Hanover
Attractions
- Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
Dating in parts from the early 15th century, Hanover’s gothic Old Town Hall is a fine example of the ornate red brickwork long associated with Lower Saxony, and one of the highlights of the old marketplace. Built over a lengthy period, with additions made in various architectural styles, it was saved from demolition in the mid 19th century by public demand, and renovated to its 16th century condition. Further renovations were carried out in 1998. It is nowadays used as a restaurant and events venue, offering historic surroundings for either a light snack or a full meal.
Address: Karmarschstrasse 42, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 300 8040
Opening times: Mon-Sat 09:00-22:00.
Website: www.altes-rathaus-hannover.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
The historic city centre is one of Hanover’s biggest attractions. Although largely destroyed during the Second World War, its picturesque half-timbered buildings have been restored to create a relaxed and pleasant ambience, offering cafés and restaurants along with shopping.
Address: Ständehausstraße 11, City centre, Hannover.
Opening times: Daily 24 hours.
Website: www.visit-hannover.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Located in the Herrenhäusen Gardens, the aquarium offers a perfect alternative to the royal gardens when it is raining and an interesting aside at other times. A tropical underwater world, it includes life from the shores of the Caribbean to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon, with 30 tanks including piranhas and sharks. The highlight is a deep-water tank with an 8m-long (26ft) glass tunnel running through it.
Address: Herrenhäuser Strasse 4A, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 7311 4611 5329
Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:30.
Website: www2.visitsealife.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Opened in 1979, the Sprengel Museum combines the endowment of Dr Bernhard Sprengel with the 20th-century art collections of the state of Lower Saxony and the city of Hanover. Offering a comprehensive educational programme, the museum now rates as one of the most important centres of modern art in Germany.
Address: Kurt-Schwitters-Platz, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 1684 3875
Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-18:00.
Website: www.sprengel-museum.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum (Lower Saxony State Museum)
This museum is housed in a neo-Renaissance building opposite the Maschpark. It contains a selection of paintings and sculptures spanning nine centuries, as well as interesting archaeological, ethnological and natural history exhibits. The stars of the archaeological collection are the bodies of prehistoric homo sapiens found in the local peat bogs.
Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 980 7686
Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00.
Website: www.landesmuseum-hannover.niedersachsen.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Close to the city centre, Hannover’s Zoo is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.
Address: Hohenzollernstraße 28, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 936 770
Opening times: Daily 09:00-18:30.
Website: www.zoo-hannover.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Maschsee The 68-hectare (168-acre)
Maschsee Lake was dug out between 1934 and 1936, providing the city with an artificial but enviable aquatic playground. The Maschsee fleet includes a solar-powered catamaran with a capacity of up to 55 people. The lake is surrounded by parkland and has a number of restaurants, beer gardens, a casino and a beach on its shores.
Address: Arthur-Menge-Ufer 3, Hanover.
Opening times: Daily 24 hours.
Website: www.visit-hannover.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
The Marktkirche – the church at the market place – is the main Lutheran church in the city but was built in the 14th century. As an example of North German neo-Gothic architectural style, it features impressive interiors which were destroyed during WWII and restored in the 1950s.
Address: Hanns-Lilje-Platz 2, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 364 370
Opening times: Daily 10:00-16:00.
Website: www.marktkirche-hannover.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Sprawling over 112 hectares, the Tiergarten was established in the 17th century for hunting fallow deer. Today, this is among a large number of wild animals that reside in the forest, including numerous birds, bats and red deer.
Address: Tiergartenstraße 117, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 526 653
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 07:00-dusk, Fri 12:00-dusk.
Website: www.hannover.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Based on an 18th-century endowment by Herman Kestner, the Kestner Museum houses a collection of Egyptian, Roman, Cypriot, Etruscan, Italian, Greek and German arts and crafts exhibits covering 6,000 years. The highlight of the Egyptian section is the head of Pharaoh Akhenaton, which is more than 3,000 years old.
Address: Trammplatz 3, Hanover.
Telephone:
+49 511 1684 2730
Opening times: Tues-Sun 11:00-18:00.
Website: www.museum-august-kestner.de
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
- Hannover Tourismus Service
Address: Ernst-August-Platz 8, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 1234 5111
Opening times: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:30.
Website: www.hannover.de
Tourist passes
The Hannover Card offers visitors discounts for most major attractions, theatre tickets and public guided tours of the city, as well as free transport on GVH buses and trams in the Hanover ticket zone, and on the airport S-bahn line. The card is valid from the moment it is stamped.
The ticket is available in one, two or three day options, from the tourist office, at many local hotels, or online via the website. Group cards are also available. Additional tourist information counters are available at Hanover Airport in Arrivals, and in the New Town Hall on Trammplatz.
Things to do in Hanover
- Caress your beard whilst looking at some modern art
The Sprengel Museum
Telephone: +49 511 1684 3875
Website: www.sprengel-museum.com
Is a maze of sparkling white walls and will sate the hunger of any voracious lover of modern art. With a mix of private and state-owned collections, the hotel has pictures by the likes of
Picasso and
Paul Klee alongside local artist
Kurt Schwitters.
- Catch a show at the Opera House
Hanover’s Opera House
Telephone: +49 511 999 900
Website: www.staatstheater-hannover.de
Was built in 1852, and despite being substantially damaged in the
Second World War its still standing strong, and hosts productions of local and international opera and ballet. The season runs from September to June. Find the deer at
Eilenriede At 640 hectares (1,600 acres).
Eilenriede is one of Europe’s most expansive urban parks. Known as the ‘green lung’ of Hanover, it’s set on the east side of the city and it offers all sorts of attractions, including
The Zoo
Telephone: +49 511 280 740
Website: www.zoo-hannover.de
Trails and even a mini golf course for those who need a putting fix. Find the fun at Lake Maschsee, known as the “blue eye” of Hanover, is an artificial lake in the heart of the city. It’s popular spot for boating and swimming in the summer, and for three weeks in July and August becomes the home for the Maschseefest a festival of music, food, lights and general Germanic revelry.
- Track down a little nature
Steinhuder
Meer nature park (
Website:
www.steinhuder-meer.com )
lies 30km (19 miles) northwest of Hanover and attracts watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Day-trippers can visit the 18th-century fort, Festung Wilhelmstein, located on an artificial island. Activities offered include sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, golfing and horse riding.
Hanover tours and excursions
Hanover tours
Hannover Tourismus Service runs a two hour 30 minute city bus tour of the main sights every Saturday at 1330 (daily at 1330 from 1 April to 28 October). The tour departs from Ernst August Platz 8 (outside tourist information office). There is also a wide range of other tours available, including tours of the town hall and Hanover’s cemeteries, as well as special tours during annual events, such as the Marksmen’s Fair and the
International Firework Festival
Telephone: +49 511 1234 5111
Website: www.hannover.de
The Red Thread is a 4km (3 mile) self-guided walking route that takes visitors past 36 major sights in the city centre, directed by a red line on the pavement. Small guides to the attractions along the Red Thread are available from the main tourist office. Hannover Tourismus Service, Ernst August Platz 8, also provides themed walking tours of the city, such as the two-hour literature walk. These walks take place on selected dates and must be booked in advance. Departure points vary according to the theme of the walk.
Telephone: +49 511 1234 5111
Website: www.hannover.de
Hanover excursions
Hameln The legendary setting of the Pied Piper story is around 50km (31 miles) south west of Hanover. Situated on the river Weser, its main attractions are clustered around the historic town centre. Here, visitors flock to see the carved images of the Piper running with the rats and children – a tradition that has been maintained since 1964.
Telephone: +49 515 195 7823
Website: www.hameln.de
Trains run frequently from Hanover to Bremen. The journey is about 1 hour 20 mins. Explore the city’s cobbled streets and meandering alleys where the whiff of coffee, chocolate or beer seems to permeate every street corner. Wander down to the waterfront for a pleasure boat ride, visit the 15th century quarter filled with arts and crafts shops and pop into into numerous museums.
Telephone: +49 421 308 0010
Website: www.bremen-tourism.deShopping in Hanover
Hanover has everything from wonderful markets to elegant boutiques to satisfy most shoppers.
Hannover’s Georgstrasse and the adjacent Bahnhofstrasse are among the most popular shopping streets in Germany. Niki de Saint Phalle Promenade, Galerie Luise and Kröpcke Passage offer fashion, jewellery, silverware, porcelain and restaurants. In the area around the Opera House and the central square (Kröpcke) are a wonderful assortment of elegant, exclusive shops and large department stores. You can find more exclusive boutiques and little shops in the Old Town (Altstadt) around the Market Church, as well as art galleries, antique dealers and specialist shops. Shopping arcades outside the city centre are Leine Shopping Centre and City Centre Langenhagen. Hanover is home to Hugendubel, Bahnhofstrasse 14, which is a large bookshop. Shoppers looking for fancy designer clothes should head for
Ullis Ullikat
Telephone: +49 511 300 8038
Schmiedestrasse 6, a hip boutique stocking luxury brands and unique handmade pieces. Visitors looking for a local speciality might find it in Brauhaus Ernst August, Schmiederstrasse 13, where boozy shoppers can pick up a couple of two-litre kegs of home brewed beer and get breakfast until 3 p.m.
The Market Hall in the Old Town, open daily 08:00-19:00, might look uninspiring from the outside but visitors will quickly forget their surroundings when confronted by the vast array of fresh produce and international delicacies for sale inside. One of the biggest and oldest flea markets in Europe is held on the banks of the River Leine, every Saturday 0800-1800.
The pedestrianised section of Georgstrasse between Kröpcke and Steintor is where you’ll find large department stores and trendy boutiques. The Ernst-August-Galerie is a huge shopping mall with 130 stores, located next to the Central Station.
Larger stores and supermarkets are open Monday to Friday 09:00-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00. Smaller shops only stay open until 18:30 during the week and until 14:00 on Saturday.
Everything from leather goods to beer and German sausages, jewellery and clothes can be picked up in Hanover.
Seasonal sales are at the end of January and July. Visitors can reclaim a portion of the 19% VAT on goods (7% on food and books) worth over 25 Euro, if returning to a non-EU country.
Shops displaying the ‘Tax Free’ sign issue a ‘tax-free cheque’ that, when stamped by customs, is redeemable at one of the tax-free reimbursement offices. One of these is located in the Main Terminal in the arrival area next to lost and found. The German branch of
Global Blue (
Website:
www.globalblue.com ) can provide further information.
Restaurants in Hanover
There is a wide range of restaurants to choose from in Hanover. The restaurants below have been classed into three different pricing categories:
Expensive (over €30)
Moderate (€20 to €30)
Cheap (up to €20)
The prices quoted are for an average three-course meal for one person, including tax, but not drinks or tip. Tipping is expected (generally 10-12%).
Expensive
Cuisine: German
In the delightful surroundings of the Old Town Hall, this restaurant offers everything from a very affordable breakfast to a lunch buffet and full dinners based on good-quality German-style cooking.
Address: Karmarschstrasse 42, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 300 8040
Website: www.altes-rathaus-hannover.de
Cuisine: German
Elegant locale with a vaulted brick ceiling & a cobblestone garden, offering global fusion dishes. Offering the best in Asian/international fusion cooking, in unusual, almost industrial, surroundings.
Address: Dragonerstrasse 30, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 622 636
Website: www.basil.de
Cuisine: German
Classic German restaurant and bar in the oldest part of Hanover, close to the historic marketplace, and offering an extensive menu of regional and German national specialities, with the accent on game.
Address: Kramerstrasse 24, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 323 919
Website: www.broyhanhaus.de
Moderate
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Popular restaurant for Syrian and Lebanese food. The food is exceptionally prepared and the service is excellent too. It serves everything from hearty kebabs to a good selection of vegetarian specialities.
Address: Konigstrasse 3, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 898 4994
Website: www.aldar.de
Cuisine: Seafood
Experience French-Mediterranean style food featuring fish and seafood, in this gourmet restaurant on the southern shore of the Maschsee.
Address: Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 81, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 831 214
Website: www.inselbeachclub.de
Cuisine: Korean
Korean and other southeast Asian food is the focus at Restaurant Chois in Hanover city centre. Although relatively small, it offers an extensive menu, with fixed price lunch choices.
Address: Schubertstraße 1, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 313 132
Website: www.restaurant-chois.de
Cheap
Cuisine: German
As its name suggests, ‘The Egg’ specialises in various types of egg-based dishes, but also offers a range of other options, including the ubiquitous German sausages and turkey steaks. Cheap and cheerful German fare.
Address: Linden, Selmastraße 9, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 455 254
Website: www.das-ei-hannover.de
Cuisine: Indian
Highly ranked among Hanover’s less expensive eateries, this restaurant on the south side of the city offers high quality Indian (mainly Punjabi) dishes at a very affordable price. A good range of vegetarian dishes is available.
Address: Hildesheimerstraße 85, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 9548 3483
Website: www.kohinoor-dhaba.de
Cuisine: Vietnamese
If you’re on a budget this is a great place to enjoy authentic Vietnamese fare. Located in the Linden district on the west side of the city centre, its main courses are priced at around the €5 mark.
Address: Limmerstraße 26, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 9863 8834
Website: www.streetkitchen-viet-cuisine.deHanover Nightlife
Compared with Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, Hanover’s nightlife is relatively subdued, with much of it geared to visiting businessmen (fine for those with a love of hotel bars). The city centre often feels very quiet at night – for the real action, head for the Old Town. The minimum drinking age in bars and clubs in 18 years. Many venues stay open until around 0500.
- Prinz Hannover magazine features up-to-date nightlife venues and is also available online ( Website: www.prinz.de )
- The Niedersächsischen Staatstheater Hannover ( Website: www.staatstheater-hannover.de ) oversees opera, ballet and major theatre in the city
Although there are numerous other organisations and venues. The city has a thriving cultural scene that extends beyond the traditional season, with festivals and open-air concerts taking place in the Herrenhäusen Gardens during the summer months. Advance tickets for major cultural events are available from the tourist information office
Telephone:
+49 511 1234 5111
Website:
www.hannover.de Other ticket agencies may also supply tickets to cultural events.
Bars in Hanover
The Brauhaus Ernst August is one of Germany’s most successful brewery-restaurants and one of Hanover’s liveliest haunts, brewing its own tasty unfiltered beer and offering hearty German food. It is open 365 days a year, and nearly 24 hours a day. At the weekend, DJs are often brought in to spice things up.
Address: Schmiedestrasse 13, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 365 950
Website: www.brauhaus.net
Its name translates to English as ‘The Lumber Room’, and this rustic-style bar close to Lister Platz is a ‘real’ German pub, popular with local residents and visitors alike. It’s a great place to hang out with a few beers and company.
Address: Jakobistraße 2, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 628 128
Also housing a large restaurant, the ‘Four Seasons’ also features one of the town’s most attractive beer gardens, which is extremely popular during Spring and Summer. The venue is a short distance south of the city centre.
Address: Waldhausenstraße 1, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 841 212
Website: www.restaurant-vierjahreszeiten.de
Clubs in Hanover
One of the city’s most popular clubs is Osho Discothek. It opens Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before public holidays, from 2200-0600, and it’s close to the main railway station in the city centre.
Address: Raschplatz 7, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 642 2785
Website: www.osho-disco.de
For funk and soul, head to Palo Palo, at the weekend, for a venue crammed to the rafters with a fun-loving crowd. Tables can be reserved in advance, and the club opens at 2300 on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Raschplatz 8A, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 7902 0210
Website: www.palopalo.de
In the small hours, the beautiful people flock to Zaza, which serves cocktails until breakfast time, against a musical background of house and pop tunes. Opens Wed-Sat, and before public holidays, from 2200.
Address: Hamburger Allee 4A, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 5111 314 473
Website: www.zazahannover.de
Live music in Hanover
Hanover’s prime jazz venue celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016 and is beloved for showcasing the best German and international exponents of the genre. It’s situated in the Linden district to the west of central Hanover.
Address: Linden, Am Lindener Berge 38, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 454 455
Website: www.jazz-club.de
- Kuppelsaal-HCC Hannover Congress Centrum
The beautiful Kuppelsaal, at the Hanover Congress Centre, is a major concert venue for primarily classical, but also popular music.
Address: Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 81 130
Website: www.hcc.de
This large indoor arena to the south of the city centre regularly hosts major concerts featuring both German and international artists, along with sports and other events.
Address: Ferdinand-Wilhelm-Fricke-Weg 8, Hanover.
Telephone: +49 511 353 9530
Website: www.swisslife-hall.deHanover Food And Drink
Food In Hanover
Especially varieties such as Estar, Boskoop, and Jonagold. Recipes using fruit, such as Rote Grütze, and Apfelkuchen.
Such as Pinkel (Lower Saxony’s national sausage), Bregenwurst, Hannoversche Fleischwurst, Braunschweiger Mettwurst, Bierwurst, Weisswurst and Knappwurst. Two specialities from the Hanover region are the;
A dish with a variety of different meats, A Schlachteplatte, Schlachtplatte, Schlachtschüssel (Southern German), or Metzgete (Swiss and southwestern part of Baden-Württemberg in Germany) is a hearty German dish that primarily consists of boiled pork belly (Kesselfleisch) and freshly cooked Blutwurst and Leberwurst sausages
- Calenberger Pfannenschlag (also known as Rinderwurst)
An internationally known sausage speciality is the Braunschweiger. Westfälische Rinderwurst is a type of German sausage known as a Grützwurst and is made from beef, beef dripping, vegetables, pearl barley or groats and butter.
picked when they are perfectly ripe and individually quick frozen to ensure consistent quality, freshness and texture. They come frozen to stay fresh until you’re ready to eat them. They’re free from fat and cholesterol.
Typically, Black Forest gateau consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries. It is decorated with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings.
made of a simple mixture of water, flour and salt, were an ideal food to consume during Lent, when all types of meat, dairy and eggs were prohibited. The first pretzels were baked as a soft, squishy bread, like the soft pretzels of today.
Drink In Hanover
Authentic HannoverHannover’s cult drink is a cocktail of Lüttje-Lage draught ale and chnapps consumed from two glasses – simultaneously and using only one hand!
The Hannover “National drink”: you have to thank the Hanover-born Cord Broyhan for his invention. He was the first ever to brew a beer that was not dark but light/pale in color and therefore it was called “
whitebeer“, and its advantage was that it kept – hence the people in Hannover said that it was “storable” – and German word for “Storage” is “Lager” !! As this beer had a lot less alcohol than usual so it became customary to drink it alongside a Schnapps/Liquor. This combination of beer and Schnaps is called a “
Lüttje Lage” in Hanover. To this day the people of Hanover cling onto this century old tradition.
You need two special glasses for it: yone filled with
Lüttje Lagen-Beer and one with mildy destilled Schnapps / Wheat liquor (32%). Whenever the people of Hanover have something to celebrate, when Friends meet up, the “Lüttje Lage” is never far away. As it is a small drink and therefore very affordable. This is the drink of choice when you buy in rounds amongst friends There always is fun and conviviality and the people of Hanover take real pride in it. And its the ultimate drinking game! He who spills a drop has to buy in the next round !! And it tastes really good – not of Beer or alcohol, but sweet with notes of Malt, slightly toasted and of caramell without any bitterness.