Hanover Facts

At first glance, Hanover (Hannover in German) seems easy to grasp. However, there are quite a few corners worth a second look: the old buildings from the time when Hanover was reigned by a king, the idyllic green areas where you can relax and enjoy nature and the culturally diverse districts which are interesting to explore.

The City

In Hanover, people meet "under the tail" of Ernst-August statue's horse in front of the Main Station. Another meeting point is the Kröpcke-clock, a few minutes straight ahead. There you are in the middle of Hanover's shopping district, with the usual range of department stores. Opposite, there is more to see on Georgstrasse, above all the Opera House. Further on you...

...It remains one of Germany's hubs of industry, transportation, and commerce, and its annual industrial trade fair is still the largest such fair in the world, attracting producers and buyers from around the globe.

Even with a big-money investment in its inner city, Hannover is hardly a city of grace and beauty. Although it has certain idyllic sections, including one of the finest baroque gardens in the world; a 2.5km (1 1/2-mile) man-made lake, the Maschsee; and the encircling Eilenriede Forest, Hannover is a mere shadow of its former self. The royal court checked out in the early 19th century, heading for greener fields and greater power in London.