World City Guide

Mini Guide of Hanover

City Overview

Hanover may have been a bit of late starter, with the city not founded until the 12th century and not coming to prominence until the 17th, but it has more than made up for lost time – today it is one of Germany’s richest cities. The story starts back in the days of the Hanseatic League, when this north German city used its proximity to the Baltic Sea to emerge as a serious economic player. The golden age came in the 17th century, when a complex interweaving of marriages and political machinations in England, to avoid a Scottish Catholic monarch taking the throne, resulted in Hanover’s royalty holding sway of Britain. Hanoverian George I became the British king, despite the fact that he could not speak English and chose to spend much of his time holed up back in his native city.

By the 20th century, the British royal connection had been long since cut and British bombers returned in World War II, to mete out a severe beating – over 80% of the city centre was flattened. Today, a painstaking reconstruction programme – somewhat ironically instigated by the occupying Allied forces in the post-war years – has brought back a sense of grandeur, although there are few of the fine architectural set pieces that grace many other German cities. What Hanover does have, however, are first rate shopping opportunities, excellent examples of Hanseatic red-brick churches, a brace of interesting museums, a sprinkling of atmospheric beer halls and a string of relaxing civic parks – the highlight of which is the Herrenhuser Grten, a fittingly grandiose and expansive legacy of its days as a royal city.

The city is well geared toward tourists and visiting businessmen alike, with an array of hotels, an integrated public transport system and the ‘Red Thread’ – a four-kilometre (three-mile) red line that traces the way to most of Hanover’s main attractions, with an informative handbook on sale to fill in the blanks. The city’s economy is dominated by the Messegelnde to the southeast, Germany’s largest, and one of Europe’s most high-tech, show and exhibition grounds, which hauls in millions of visitors every year, who attend the various business and leisure events. This vast area was also home to Expo 2000, the first World Expo ever to be held on German soil. Compared to Lisbon 1998, the Expo was an unmitigated disaster, with visitor numbers a fraction of those anticipated and a welter of negative publicity. But a few years further on, it appears that the local authorities may have been shrewd by attracting the massive state funding that went with the project. Hanover’s main railway station has been rejuvenated, the city was put firmly on the map and the Expo site has become a permanent asset, as well as another potential conference venue. The Expo site, like the rest of Hanover, is at its best in the summer months, when the city can see as much as seven hours of sunshine per day, with an average temperature of 21C. Nevertheless, this drops to as little as one hour of sunshine in the depths of winter and a chilly average temperature of only 3C – perfect weather for seeking refuge in the beer halls and cosy restaurants.

Getting There By Air

Hannover-Langenhagen Airport (HAJ)
Tel: (0511) 977 1223 or 24. Fax: (0511) 977 1898.
E-mail: info@hannover-airport.de
Website: www.hannover-airport.de

The airport is located 11km (seven miles) northwest of the city, at Langenhagen. It handles up to eight million passengers per year, travelling on over 300 international and 160 national flights each week.

Major airlines: Lufthansa (tel: (01803) 803 803) is the major German airline. Hanover is also served by Air France, British Airways, Hapag-Lloyd, KLM, LTU, SAS and Turkish Airlines.

Approximate flight times to Hanover: From London is 1 hour 30 minutes; from New York is 8 hours 10 minutes; from Los Angeles is 11 hours 50 minutes; from Toronto is 8 hours 30 minutes and from Sydney is 23 hours 55 minutes.

Airport facilities: Currency exchange is available at Kreissparkasse Hannover bank and at banking machines in Terminal A and C. Other facilities include travel agencies, tour operators, a post office, hairdresser, general and duty-free shops, bars and restaurants. Representatives of car hire companies Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National Car Rental and Sixt/Budget are located in the P1 car park.

Business facilities: The airport conference centre (tel: (0511) 977 2509; fax: (0511) 977 2709) provides fully equipped conference rooms. A VIP lounge (tel: (0511) 977 1926) is also available, daily 0530-2130.

Arrival/departure tax: Included in the price of the ticket.

Transport to the city: Local bus 471 and express bus 60 (see Public Transport) travel to Hanover’s main station Monday to Friday 0525-2305 and Saturday and Sunday 0605-2305 (journey time – 30-40 minutes). A new suburban rail link (S5), built for Expo2000, connects the airport and the main station (journey time – 12 minutes). The service (see Public Transport) runs every 15 minutes during trade fairs and every 30 minutes at other times. A taxi to the city centre costs 20-25 (journey time – 20 minutes).

Getting There By Water

Getting There By Road

Germany has an excellent network of Autobahnen (motorways, prefixed ‘A’) and Bundesstrassen (major roads, prefixed by ‘B’). Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) or 100kph (62mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. There are no speed limits on Autobahnen, although individually marked speed limits appear on a large percentage of motorway miles. A maximum of 130 kph (81mph) is recommended. Seatbelts must be worn at all times and children under 12 years can only travel in the front seat with a child restraint. The legal maximum alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

The minimum age for driving is 18. Foreign drivers require a valid drivers licence and proof of insurance – a Green Card is strongly recommended. A country identification sticker must be displayed on the vehicle.

General information on travelling by car in Germany can be obtained from the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil Club – ADAC (tel: (0180) 510 1112; fax: (0180) 530 2928; website: www.adac.de), which also provides a breakdown service throughout the country.

Emergency breakdown services:
ADAC (0180) 222 2222
ACE (0180) 234 3536

Routes to the city: The A7 (Hamburg–Kassel) skirts Hanover to the east. The A2 (Berlin–Dusseldorf) passes the city to the north. These motorways are linked by the A37 (east) and the A352 (west).

Approximate driving times to Hanover: From Hamburg – 1 hour 30 minutes; Dusseldorf – 3 hours; and Berlin – 3 hours 15 minutes.

Coach services: Deutsche Touring GmbH (tel: (0511) 329 419; fax: (0511) 368 1357; e-mail: service@deutsche-touring.com; website: www.deutsche-touring.com) provides services between Hanover and international destinations including Cannes, Paris, Strasbourg, London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Bologna, Cracow, Prague, Moscow, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Barcelona and Madrid. The main coach/bus station, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, is located directly behind the Hauptbahnhof, Ernst-August-Platz (tel: (0511) 16680; fax: (0511) 1668 2666).

Getting There By Rail

The national service provider, Deutsche Bahn – DB (tel: (01805) 996 633, for national rail enquiries and reservations; website: www.bahn.de) is responsible for the modern, extensive and highly efficient rail network. Services include high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE) trains between major cities in Germany, InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) trains, which serve cities in Germany and Europe respectively, and InterRegio trains, which link different regions of the country.

The main station, Hannover Hauptbahnhof, Ernst-August-Platz (tel: (0511) 772 121), is an important junction on the ICE train network and was given a major facelift for Expo 2000. Facilities include a plethora of shops, numerous eating and drinking outlets, a bank, travel agent (tel: (0511) 286 5464; fax: (0511) 286 3429), car hire from Avis, Europcar and Budget, and two trade fair information counters (tel: (0511) 324 948).

Rail services: ICE services run to Hanover from Berlin (journey time – 1 hour 50 minutes) and Hamburg (journey time – 1 hour 10 minutes) and also to Bremen, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Mainz, Stuttgart and Munich. There is also non-stop service to Paris (journey time – 7 hours). The CityNightLine between Hamburg and Zurich stops at Hanover (journey time – 6 hours 50 minutes). During international trade shows, selected ICE trains, IR trains and regional trains stop at the new Hannover Messe/Laatzen station, at the Messegelnde (trade grounds), in the southwest of the city.

Transport to the city: The Hauptbahnhof is situated at the heart of the city, with connections to numerous Stadtbahn (trams) and bus services. Taxis also are readily available.

Getting Around

Public Transport
The city’s exemplary transport system is run by the stra Hannoverische Verkehrsbetriebe AG, Passerelle 6 (tel: (0511) 16680 or 1668 2238, customer information; website: www.uestra.de), and consists of buses and Stadtbahnen – trams that travel underground in the city centre and on special designated tracks in the suburbs. Services run 0500-2430. Night buses run hourly 0000-0400 and Stadtbahnen every half hour 0100-0500, both Friday to Sunday from Krpcke (the central square).

Urban transport is integrated with regional services, including Deutsche Bahn (tel: (01805) 996 633; website: www.bahn.de), which operates five suburban train (S-Bahn) lines, as well as RegioBus Hannover, Georgstrasse 54 (tel: (0511) 368 880; fax: (0511) 368 8899; e-mail: info@regiobus.de; website: www.regiobus.de).

The umbrella organisation, Grossraum-Verkehr Hannover (GVH), Amswaldstrasse 19 (tel: (0511) 1668 2020; e-mail: gvh@hannover-region.de; website: www.gvh.de) oversees the entire system.

Single tickets are valid for up to one day on all transport and cost 1 for a Kurzstrecken (a short journey of up to three stops), 1.70 for one zone and 2.30 for two zones or 2.80 for three zones. 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 Tix dispensers at bus and tram stops – tickets bought in this way are slightly cheaper and will eventually replace tickets purchased with cash from the driver or from other ticket outlets.

The GVH Tages Einzel Ticket (whole-day card) costs 3.10 for unlimited daily travel within one zone. The Hannover Card, available from tourist information and other outlets, allows free travel on GVH buses and trams in the Hanover ticket zone and discounts at tourist attractions (see Sightseeing).

Taxis
Taxis are beige Mercedes and tourists can safely hail these on the street or call for one in advance. Radio taxi companies include Flughafen-Taxen GmbH (tel: (0511) 724 9230) and Funk-Taxi-Ruf Hannover GmbH (tel: (0511) 2143 8484). After dusk, tram and bus drivers will often order taxis for single women passengers, on request. These meet the passenger at the relevant bus stop. A flat rate of 2 is charged on entering the taxi, plus a further 1 per kilometre. Drivers normally stick to the efficiently regulated meter system. A tip of 10% is expected.

Limousines
Interline Hannover, Hainhaus 11D, Langenhagen (tel: (0511) 972 630; fax: (0511) 973 5956; e-mail: hannover@interline-limo.com; website: www.interline-limo.com) offers limousine, chauffeur and sightseeing services. The minimum charge for limousine hire is 180 for three hours.

Driving in the City
Thanks to Expo 2000, Hanover’ roads have been improved and driving conditions in the city are now among the best in Germany. Wide, five-lane-streets in the city centre make driving very easy and prevent congestion.

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, Raschplatz, Rundestrasse/Hauptbahnhof, Leonhardstrasse (Schweizer Hof), Schmiedestrasse, Opernplatz and Friedrichswall. Parking fees range from 2 to 5 per hour, depending on the area.

Up-to-date information on driving conditions and transport in the Hanover region is available from Move GmbH (tel: (0511) 700 800; website: www.move-info.de).

Car Hire
In addition to the outlets at the airport and the main station, cars can be hired from Avis, Hauptbahnhof, Ersnt-August Platz 1 (tel: (0511) 322 610; website: www.avis.de), Hertz, Schulenburger Landstrasse 150 (tel: (0511) 635 092; website: www.hertz.de), and Sixt/Budget, Karl-Wiechert-Allee 74 (tel: (0511) 547 4141; website: www.sixt.com). Europcar, Osterstrasse 55 (tel: (0511) 302 710; website: www.europcar.de), charges 80 per day for a standard small car, plus 20 for insurance. Drivers must be a minimum of 19 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least one year, although some companies hire out very small cars (such as the Smart Car) to 18-year-olds, for approximately 50 (plus insurance). Payment is in cash or by credit card, on presentation of a valid licence (an International Driving Permit is preferred).

Bicycle Hire
Bicycles can be hired from Werkstatt Treff Vahreheide, Lilienthalstrasse 12 (tel: (0511) 633 293; fax: (0511) 371 879), for 6 per day or 25 per week. The workshop also carries out bike repairs.

Business

Business Profile
With Germany in the middle of a serious and sustained economic downturn, which has brought with it high levels of unemployment and various social problems, Hanover has had its fair share of economic problems of late. Expo 2000 remains a double-edged legacy, with some debts still to be paid, although a permanent site for leisure and a ready-made conference venue was created as a result of this project. Despite the optimistic forecast of 40 million guests, only 18 million visitors came to see the presented ideas and solutions for the future of mankind and the planet. Although Expo 2000 created employment – especially in the construction and service industries – it produced an overall deficit of one billion Euro for the state of Lower Saxony and Germany. The Messegelnde (trade grounds), where the Expo site is located, are perhaps symbolic of the city’s economic situation – ‘Messe’ remains in place to provide an assured and competitive venue for all sorts of business events, although the budgets and scale of some of these events are being limited by the current economic woes.

Unemployment in Hanover stood at 11.1% in August 2002, above the national average of 8.3%, with over four million Germans registered as unemployed in September 2002. Hanover, however, still produces a quarter of GNP for Lower Saxony. The city’s traditional manufacturing strengths lie in vehicle and machinery construction – around 30,000 people are employed in motor and related industries, of which nearly half work for Volkswagen AG.

In the past few years, small and medium-sized businesses have recorded some growth in transport, logistics, tourism, communications and event management. Future success is hoped for in areas of new technology, electronic and chemical development and applied research. A number of national and international businesses have a presence in Hanover, including Continental AG (rubber processing), Bahlsen (food products) and KPMG (accountancy).

The city enjoys a key position at the intersection of national road and rail routes, with an international airport and four major ports, which have contributed to its role as a major international trade fair and exhibition venue. The large grounds of the Messegelnde and the Hannover Congress Centrum are located southwest of the city centre, which is also where many businesses are located. Hanover’s Messegelnde is the largest and most modern exhibition space in the world and hosts an annual programme of around 50 events, usually attracting 28,000 exhibitors and 2.8 million visitors. Events are planned and run by Deutsche Messe AG (tel: (0511) 890; fax: (0511) 893 2626; e-mail: info@messe.de; website: www.messe.de), which has an annual turnover of 250 million. The most important events are CeBIT (tel: (0511) 893 1258; fax: (0511) 893 1658; website: www.cebit.de), the world’s leading IT and Telecommunications fair, which attracted 8106 exhibitors from 60 countries and 830,000 visitors over seven days in 2001, and Industry Trade Fair Hannover Messe (website: www.hannovermesse.de).

Business Etiquette
The working day begins between 0800 and 0900 and ends at 1700. Many offices shut at 1400 on Friday. Punctuality for both business and social events is extremely important in Germany. The stereotypical north German is hardworking, thorough and fastidious and although such clichés should not be applied too generally, impressive efficiency and firm business sense can be expected from Hanoverian businesspeople. Straight talking is also appreciated.

Both men and women are expected to wear suits – men should also wear a tie. Business contacts must be addressed by their surname and by the formal ‘Sie’ for ‘you’. Academic and other titles should be used wherever applicable. Visitors to Germany should also note that in some cases, instead of applauding, German businessmen and women may rap their knuckles on the table, although this practice is less common in the north.

Business meetings are usually very formal and kept as brief as possible, while socialising mainly takes place over business lunches, especially on Friday, as many offices close at around 1300. After work drinks are a more casual affair between colleagues and therefore seldom include clients.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
The Red Thread (see Tours of the City), a four-kilometre (three-mile) denotative walking route, is the most obvious way for new arrivals to sightsee the city. More independent minded visitors might wish to begin their own explorations from the Haupbanhof, under the equestrian statue – the city’s favourite meeting place. From this busy plaza, a number of routes radiate out, although the most obvious is the Bahnhofstrasse, which leads up to another hub at Krpcke, the central square at the heart of the city, linked to Opernplatz and Georgsplatz by Georgstrasse, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare.

To the west lies the Old Town, with interesting small shops, pubs and restaurants. The best examples of medieval housing and street layout can be found on Kramerstrasse and Burgstrasse. Buildings made of red bricks, a characteristic style of northern Germany, include the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross) and the Marktkirche (Market Church), both dating from the 14th century. South of the Old Town, the Rathaus (Town Hall) overlooks the Maschsee lake. The Baroque Herrenhusen Gardens are a few kilometres to the west, while the Eilenriede – a unique forest within the city – is situated beyond the main station to the east. The huge Messegelnde and the Expo 2000 site lie to the southeast of the city.

Hanover’s streets may not have the grandeur of those in Berlin or Munich but one thing that brings them to life is the multiple examples of street art. The urban streetscape is enlivened by brightly coloured sculptures, known as ‘nanas’ – once mocked and now almost a symbol of Hannover – and a series of extravagant bus stops, created by international designers.

Tourist Information
Hannover Tourismus Centrum
Ernst-August-Platz 2
Tel: (0511) 1684 9700/1/2 or 9720, for ticket reservation only. Fax: (0511) 1684 9707.
E-mail: tourismus-service@hannover-stadt.de
Website: www.hannover.de

Opening hours: Daily 0800-2200 (June-Oct); Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0930-1500 (Nov-May).

Passes
The Hannover Card offers visitors discounts for sightseeing attractions –including the Prengel Museum, Zoo and Herrenhuser Grten – theatre tickets and for public guided tours of the city, as well as free transport on GVH buses and trams in the Hanover ticket zone, as well on the airport S-bahn line. The card is valid from the moment it is stamped. The ticket is available in one (8) or three-day (12) cards, from the Hannover Tourismus Centrum. Group cards are also available.

Key Attractions

Herrenhuser Grten
Although little remains of the original palace buildings, the Herrenhusen Gardens are one of the city’s most popular attractions, particularly during the summer months, when there are festivals, Baroque fireworks and theatre performances. The symmetrical Baroque landscape of the Great Garden (Grosser Garten) was laid out by Duke Johann Friedrich of Calenberg, at the end of the 17th century, and includes the oldest hedge theatre in Europe, an enormous fountain – 70m (230ft) at full pressure – and ornamental flower beds. In contrast, the Berggarten – the former palace utility or herbal garden – features a botanical collection of more than 12,000 different plants. To complete the picture, in the 19th century, a romantic ‘English’ Garden (Georgengarten) was created around Herrenhuser Allee, in honour of George IV.

The Wilhelm-Busch-Museum/German Museum for Caricature & Critical Drawing is housed in Wallmoden Palace in the Georgengarten. The museum features a collection of work by German satirical artist Wilhem Busch and exhibitions by contemporary cartoonists.

Herrenhuser Strasse 4
Tel: (0511) 1684 7576.
Transport: Light-rail 4 or 5 Herrenhuser Grten.
Opening hours: Daily 0800-2000 (May-Aug); daily 0800-1630 (Nov-Jan); daily until dusk (Sep, Oct, Feb-Apr), Grosser Garten and Berggarten; Daily 24 hours, Georgengarten.
Admission: 2.50; 3 including summer illuminations.

Wilhelm-Busch-Museum/German Museum for Caricature & Critical Drawing
Wallmoden Palace, Gerogengarten
Tel: (0511) 714 076. Fax: (0511) 701 1222).
Website: www.wilhelm-busch-museum.de
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1100-1800 (summer); Tues-Sat 1100-1600, Sun 1100-1800 (winter).
Admission: 4.50 (concessions available).

Sprengel-Museum
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. Exciting exhibitions of contemporary art, photography and new media complement a permanent collection of modern classics, including works by Picasso, Klee and Schwitters.

Kurt-Schwitters-Platz
Tel: (0511) 1684 3875. Fax: (0511) 1684 5093.
Website: www.sprengel-museum.de
Transport: Bus 250.
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 1000-1800, Tues 1000-2000.
Admission: 3.50 (concessions available).

Rathaus (Town Hall)
An object of derision when it opened in 1913, the monumental architecture and copper-coated dome of Hanover’s ‘new’ Town Hall have since made it the city’s main landmark. Visitors can ascend the dome by means of the unique curving lift, for an excellent bird’s-eye view of the city and Maschsee. Below the dome, the huge vaulted central hall houses four models of the city, representing Hanseatic Hanover in 1689, 1939 pre-war Hanover, 1945 after the devastating bombing raids and finally the present day city – the latter model is constantly updated to reflect the rapidly changing face of modern Hanover. Council chambers are only open to visitors on an official guided tour.

Trammplatz 2
Tel: (0511) 1684 2292.
Transport: U-Bahn Aegidientorplatz or Waterloo-Platz.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730, Sat and Sun 1000-1700.
Admission: 2; 3 (including ascent of the dome); guided tours available through Hanover Tourismus Service (see Tourist Information).

Niederschsisches 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.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 5
Tel: (0511) 98075. Fax: (0511) 980 7640.
E-mail: nlmhl@compuserve.com
Website: www.nlmh.de
Transport: U-Bahn Aegidientorplatz.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1900.
Admission: 3.

Eilenriede
Eilenriede park is virtually a city forest and Hanover’s ‘green lungs’. It covers an area of 650 hectares (1943 acres), larger than Central Park in New York. The park comprises woodland and meadows, crisscrossed by a network of paths and fitness trails and dotted with numerous monuments, a minigolf course, a toboggan slope, restaurants, cafs and beer gardens. The northern part of Eilenriede encompasses a bird sanctuary and the popular Hannover Zoo, which houses 1300 animals.

The zoo is much better than many of its ilk, with visitors able to take the new ‘Zambezi Boat Ride’ through an African landscape and get some idea of how the animals would look in their natural environment. This also allows the animals to be free from small cages and given a (relatively) natural environment. There are plans for a new ‘Yukon Bay’ section, a massive project that would give the seal, sea lions, penguins and polar bears far more space than they currently have in the more traditional enclosure.

Between Kleefeld and the List, through Kirchrode to Waldheim
Transport: Any number of bus and U-bahn lines, depending on point of entry to the park

Hannover Zoo
Adenauer Allee 3
Tel: (0511) 280 740 (zoo). Fax: (0511) 2807 4122.
E-mail: info@zoo-hannover.de
Website: www.zoo-hannover.de
Transport: U-Bahn Zoo.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900 (Mar-Oct); daily 0900-1600 (Nov-Feb).
Admission: 14.50.

Maschsee
The 68-hectare (168-acre) Maschsee Lake was dug out between 1934 and 1936, providing the city with an enviable aquatic playground. Pleasure seekers can enjoy boat trips for 6 or illuminated evening cruises (including dinner), available from April to October from Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer. A recent addition to the Maschsee fleet is a solar-powered catamaran. The lake is surrounded by parkland and has a number of restaurants, beer gardens and a casino on its shores. During summer, Maschsee provides the perfect setting for a popular cultural and entertainment festival (see the Cultural Events section in Culture).

Rudolf von Bennigsen Ufer
Tel: (0511) 700 950. Fax: (0511) 700 0582 (boat trips with stra Reisen GmbH).
E-mail: info@uestra-reisen.de
Website: www.uestra-reisen.de
Transport: U-Bahn Schlgerstrasse, Geibelstrasse, Altenbekener Damm or Dhrener Turm; bus 132, 250 or 267.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

Street Art
Hanover’s bountiful street art is a highlight of visiting the city. Much of the innovative public art dates back to the 1970s, with a plethora of weird and wonderful creations, from multi-coloured shapes through to surreal sculptures, such as a stag with a figure of a man sitting atop its antlers. Perhaps the most famous work are the three buxom ‘Nanas’ placed on the banks of the Leine river. These characters were creations of French artist Niki de St Phalle, who died in 2002. Many of the city’s bizarre fountains are also works of art in themselves, as are a number of Hanover’s bus stops.

Throughout the city

Further Distractions

Aegidienkirche (St Giles Church)
This Gothic church, with its Baroque tower, suffered heavy bomb damage in 1943 and has remained in its ruined state as a memorial to victims of war the world over. It is a moving and atmospheric spot, with Virginia creeper and ivy running riot over the walls. Under the tower lies a ‘peace’ bell, donated to Hanover by the city of Hiroshima. The buttress of the choir supports the Seven-Man-Stone, commemorating the death of seven men at the hands of the Duke of Brunswick’s troops in 1490. Every week, the church bells chime out the tune of Wind of Change, by Hanoverian rock band The Scorpions, to reflect more recent political upheavals.

Aegidienkirchhof
Transport: U-Bahn Aegidientorplatz.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

Kestner-Museum
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 six thousand years. The highlight of the Egyptian section is the head of Pharaoh Akhenaton, which is more than three thousand years old.

Trammplatz 3
Tel: (0511) 1684 2120. Fax: (0511) 1684 6530.
Transport: U-Bahn Markhalle.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1100-1800, Wed 1110-2100.
Admission: 3.

Regendwaldhaus (The Rain Forest House)
Located in the Herrenhusen Gardens, the Rain Forest House contains an entire exotic natural world indoors – a perfect alternative to the royal gardens when it is raining and an interesting aside at other times. The futuristic building was designed by the English architect who created the Princess of Wales Conservatory in London’s Kew Gardens. Rock faces, waterfalls and an ascending spiral path help create the impression of a real rainforest, which can be overlooked from a ten metre high platform. Visitors are given boarding passes for their ‘flights’ to Brazil in an innovative attempt to control overcrowding. English audio guides are available.

Herrenhuser Strasse 4
Tel: (0511) 126 0420. Fax: (0511) 1260 4222.
E-mail: info@regenwaldhaus.de
Website: www.regenwaldhaus.de
Transport: Light-rail 4 or 5 Herrenhuser Grten.
Opening Mon-Thurs and Sun 1000-1900, Fri-Sat 1000-2200.
Admission: 9.

Tours of the City

Walking Tours
The Red Thread is a four kilometre (three-mile) self-guided walking route that takes visitors past 32 sights in the city centre, directed by a red line on the pavement. The line is supposed to be repainted annually, however, it often looks very faded and can be difficult to follow at times, particularly when it hits one of the city’s many construction sites. Small guides to the attractions along the Red Thread are available from the main tourist office (see Tourist Information) for 3. Hannover Tourismus Service, Ernst August Platz 2 (tel: (0511) 1684 9700), also provides themed walking tours of the city, such as the two-hour literature walk. These walks take place on selected dates and cost 5each (concessions available). They must be booked in advance. Departure points vary according to the theme of the walk.

Bus Tours
Hannover Tourismus Service, Ernst August Platz 2 (tel: (0511) 1684 9700), runs a two-and-a-half-hour city bus tour of the main sights for 15 per person, every Saturday at 1330 (daily at 1330 from 17 March to 30 September). The tour departs from Ernst August Platz 2. 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.

Boat Tours
Hanover’s four ports are on the Mittellandkanal and are called Lindener Hafen, Nordhafen, Brinker Hafen and Misburger Hafen. These are all mainly for industrial use and are overseen by Stdtische Hfen, Davenstedter Strasse 128 (tel: (0511) 1684 2695). Boat trips on the Mittelandkanal are operated by Eva-Gloria Gerhardt Fahrgastschiffahrt, Neiβenstrasse 9 (tel: (0511) 388 8797; website: www.leineschloss-hannover.de). There are a number of tours available, including a three-hour round trip of the Mittelandkandal, departing from the Wasserschutzpolizei (water police) on Vahrenwalder Strasse, for 10. Boat tours of the city are also available on the Machsee (see Key Attractions).

Other Tours
A horse-drawn double-decker omnibus, operated by Omnibusbetriebe Block (tel: (05027) 8349) trundles around the Old Town, 1100-1600 every day except Monday, from May to September. The half-hour tour starts from the corner of Kamarschstrasse and Osterstrasse on the hour and costs 5 (concessions are available).

Balloon tours are available from bab-Ballonwerbung, Oldekopstrasse 68 (tel: (0511) 905 5040; fax: (0511) 905 5053; website: www.bab-ballonwerbung.de). Trips start from Waterlooplatz and Eilriedenstadion at 6000 and 1800 daily and cost 180 per person for approximately an hour and a half.

Excursions

For a Half Day

Steinhuder Meer: Steinhuder Lake (website: www.steinhuder-meer.de), lies 30km (19 miles) northwest of Hanover, attracts watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Day trippers can visit the 18th-century fort, Festung Wilhelmstein, located on an artificial island, via motorboat from either Mardorf or Steinhude. By car, the Steinhuder can be reached on the B441, or alternatively, by train from the Hauptbahnhof – the Niedersachsenticket costs 20 and is valid from 0900 to 1500 the next day, allowing travel on all transport modes of the GVH within Hanover as well as the German Railway with Niedersachsen.

Tourist Office Steinhude, Meerstrasse 2 (tel: (05033) 95010; fax: (05033) 950120; e-mail: info@naturpark-steinhuder-meer.de; website: www.naturpark-steinhuder-meer.de) provides further information.

Goslar: Easily accessible by train, 70km (44 miles) south from Hanover and boasting an enviable location on the edge of the Harz mountains, this 16th-century former mining town features picture-perfect half-timbered houses and winding streets. Highlights include the Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace), Kaiserbleek 6 (tel: (05321) 704 358 or 75780) and the art collection in the Mnchehaus (Monk’s House), Mnchehaus 3 (tel: (05321) 29570 or 4948). Kaiserpfalz is open daily 1000-1700 (1000-1600 during winter) and entrance costs 4. The Mnchehaus is open Tuesday-Saturday 1000-1700, Sunday 1000-1300 and entrance costs 2.50. Further information on Goslar can be found online (website: www.goslar.de and www.goslarinfo.de).

The Castle of Celle: Overlooking the picturesque old town of Celle, 35km (22 miles) north of Hanover, is its prominent Castle of Celle (tel: (05141) 12373). During the 18th century, the last duke, Georg Wilhelm, who enjoyed the arts, gave the castle the appearance that has been preserved until today. The walls were decorated in a Venetian style, the generous gardens were laid and the castle’s theatre was built. All of these features can still be admired by visitors today. Opening hours are daily 1000-1600 and admission is 2.50. The castle can be reached by car on the B3 or by train from the Hauptbahnhof. The Niedersachsenticket costs 20 and is valid from 0900 to 1500 the next day, allowing travel on all transport modes of the GVH within Hanover as well as the German Railway within Niedersachsen.

For a Whole Day

Hamburg: Less than a two-hour drive from Hanover, 135km (84 miles) north on the A7, Hamburg is one of Germany’s major urban centres, famous for its marine heritage, its progressive character and its trendy media industry. Sightseeing highlights include the harbour area, the infamous Reeperbahn and the Kunsthalle – a major collection of international art through the ages. ICE trains run to Hamburg from Hanover's Hauptbahnhof, taking just over an hour. The Niedersachsenticket costs 20 and is valid from 0900 to 1500 the next day, allowing travel on all transport modes of the GVH within Hanover as well as the German Railway within Niedersachsen and Hamburg, although the city is not within Niedersachsen – it is a city state, one of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany in itself.

Hamburg Tourismus GmbH (tel: (040) 300 1500; e-mail: info@hamburg-tourismus.de; website: www.hamburg-tourism.de) is open daily 0700-2300 in the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) and provides further information.

Harz: The Harz Mountains, approximately 70km (44 miles) southeast of Hanover, offer an area of rugged, mist-shrouded upland, much of which remains remarkably unspoiled. Bad Harzburg, 95km (59 miles) southeast of Goslar, is the gateway to the Harz National Park (website: www.nationalpark-harz.de). The regional tourist office is located in Goslar, Marktstrasse 45 (tel: (05321) 34040; fax: (05321) 340 466; e-mail: harz.verkehrsverband@t-online.de; website: www.harzinfo.de) and provides further information. The area is accessible by train from Hanover (journey time – 1 hour 30 minutes).

Sport

Football is increasingly popular in Hanover, now that the local side is back in the Bundesliga (German first division) after a 13-year wait. Hannover96 (tel: (0511) 282 096; website: www.hannover96.de) won the second division trophy in season 2001-2002 and are keen to solidify their position in the top flight. The team plays at Niedersachsenstadion, Clausewitzstrasse 2.

Ice hockey is another favourite in the city and the Hannover Scorpions (website: www.hannover-scorpions.de), a successful ice hockey side, who perform in the DEL, the national ice hockey league. The scorpions battle it out at the Eislaufhalle, Am Freizeitpark Mellendorf (tel: (05130) 95940).

The latest sporting trends in Hanover are inline-skating, trail-biking, street soccer, beach volleyball and free climbing, which are all carried out at any possible outdoor venue.

Tickets to sporting events are available from Kartenshop, Georgensytrasse 46 (tel: (0180) 500 3737; fax: (0511) 321 322; e-mail: kartenshop@hannover.de; website: www.kartenshop.hannover.de).

Fitness centres: For health and body conscious visitors, fitness centres are plentiful and easily available in the city. Central ones include Materia Fitness, Friesenstrasse 14 (tel: (0511) 344 788), featuring Far Eastern trends such as Tae Bo classes, the women-only LA Fit, Weddigenufer 2 (tel: (0511) 17772), and Mondial, Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse 27 (tel: (0511) 15727), which is small but trendy.

Golf: Golfpark Steinhuder Meer, Vor der Mhle 10A, Neustadt (tel: (05036) 2778), is open to all, however, visiting players must have a valid DGV (Deutsche Golf Verband) pass (tel: (611) 990 200; e-mail: info@dgv.gof.de, for information). Daily rates are 25-30 (weekdays/weekends) on the Mardorfer 18-hole course and 10.50-20 on the Orchard nine-hole course. Tuition for 30 minutes (25) or one hour (40) is also available.

Roller-blading: Behind the Maschsee bathing beach, Rudolf-von Bennigsen-Ufer 81, lies the Inline-Biergarten, which combines the traditional attractions of a beer garden with a skate park and inline-skating school.

Swimming: If the Maschsee looks unappealing, indoor swimming and sauna facilities are available at the Misburger Bad, Ludwig-Jahn Strasse 1 (tel: (0511) 1683 2279), Nord-Ost Bad, Podbielskistrasse 301 (tel: (0511) 1684 8300), Stadionbad, Arthur-Menge-Ufer 5A (tel: (0511) 1684 5411), Stckener Bad, Hogrefestrasse 45 (tel: (0511) 1684 9335), and Vahrenwalder Bad, Vahrenwalder Strasse 100 (tel: (0511) 1684 4629). Open-air swimming can be enjoyed at Kleefelder Bad, Haubergstrasse 17 (tel: (0511) 559 618).

Tennis: The Sportpark am Maschsee, Ferdinand-Wilhelm-Fricke Weg 3 (tel: (0511) 131 9999), boast nine tennis courts as well as other sport facilities.

Shopping

Larger stores and supermarkets are open Monday to Friday 0900-2000 and Saturday 0900-1600. Smaller shops only stay open until 1830 during the week and until 1400 on Saturday.

The main shopping area in Hanover is the pedestrian zone between Krpcke and Aegidientorplatz. The Bahnhofstrasse, leading from the central station into the heart of the city, is a shopping street on two levels – one can also walk along the subterranean Passerelle in the basement, built in the 1970s, which runs from the station to Krpcke (central square) and the grand shopping arcades, Luisenstrasse and Krpcke Passage. More exclusive boutiques and little shops can be found in the Old Town. Shopping arcades outside the city centre are Leine Shopping Centre and City Centre Langenhagen.

Hanover is home to Schmorl & von Seefeld, Banhofstrasse 14, which claims to be Europe’s largest bookshop. Shoppers looking for top end designer clothes should head for Michael Schulz, Osterstrasse 47, a hip boutique stocking the likes of Thierry Mugler and Christian Lacroix.

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.

The Market Hall in the Old Town, open daily 0800-1900, 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.

Seasonal sales are at the end of January and July. Visitors can reclaim a portion of the 11% VAT on goods worth over 30, 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 Terminal B at the airport and in the Reisebank in the main railway station. The German branch of Global Refund (tel: (211) 6168 0117.18; e-mail: taxfree@de.globalrefund.com; website: www.globalrefund.com) can provide further information.

Culture

The philosopher, inventor and polymath par excellence, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716), was librarian to the Court from 1676 until his death. A replica of his house is located on Holzmarkt. Other key cultural figures connected with Hanover include painter and poet Kurt Schwitters, writers August and Friedrich Schlegel and composer George Friedrich Handel. The Niederschsische Staatstheater Hannover (website: www.staatstheater-hannover.de) oversees opera, ballet and major theatre in the city, although there are numerous other organisations and venues, including the Knstlerhaus, Sophienstrasse 2 (tel: (0511) 9999 1111), which houses art exhibition space, a cinema, a theatre and a restaurant. The city has a thriving cultural scene that extends beyond the traditional season, with festivals and open-air concerts taking place in the Herrenhusen Gardens during the summer months.

Advance tickets for major cultural events are available from the tourist information office (tel: (0511) 1684 9720). Tickets to cultural events are also available from Kartenshop, Georgensytrasse 46 (tel: (0180) 500 3737); fax: (0511) 321 322; e-mail: kartenshop@hannover.de; website: www.kartenshop.hannover.de).

Listings of all cultural events, venues and contact numbers are available in the Hannoversche Allgemeine newspaper, especially in its theatre supplement, Spielzeit, which is also available online (website: www.haz.de).

Music: The beautiful Kuppelsaal, at the Hanover Congress Centre, Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3 (tel: (0511) 81130), is the main concert venue for both classical and popular music. Opera is performed in one of Europe’s grandest settings, the Opernhaus, Opernplatz 1 (tel: (0511) 9999 1111; fax: (0511) 9999 2484; website: www.oper-hannover.de), designed by Georg Ludwig Laves. The entrance to the Opera House is watched over by the figures of Sophocles, Goldoni, Shakespeare, Lessing, Schiller, Goethe, Mozart, Beethoven, Weber, Caldern, Molire and Terence.

Theatre: After years of procrastination and financial difficulties, the Niederschsische Staatstheater Hannover (see above) was finally re-housed in 1992 in the new Schauspielhaus, Prinzenstrasse 9 (tel: (0511) 999 900; website: www.schauspielhaus-hannover.de). The complex includes a theatre museum (tel: (0511) 1684 6746) and the Cumberlandsche Galerie stage, which is a showcase for young authors and new plays from Germany and abroad. Smaller scale performances are held in the Ballhof, Ballhofstrasse 5, and Ballhof 2, Knochenhauerstrasse 28 (tel: (0511) 9999 1111; fax: (0511) 9999 2484, for both Ballhof venues). The building, which dates from 1649, was originally used as a ball court and later as a political forum, by the likes of Rosa Luxembourg. Other theatrical venues in the city include Theater am Aegi, Aegidientorplatz 2 (tel: (0511) 989 330), which offers a mixed programme of drama, ballet, musicals, concerts and late-night cabaret, Landesbhne, Bultstrasse 7 (tel: (0511) 282 8280), and the Neues Theater, Georgstrasse 54 (tel: (0511) 363 001).

Dance: Once a year, the Tanz- und Theaterbro, Roscherstrasse 12 (tel: (0511) 343 919), organises an international festival of dance theatre. International ballet companies perform at the Opernhaus, Opernplatz 1 (tel: (0511) 9999 1111; fax: (0511) 9999 2484; website: www.oper-hannover.de).

Film: There are two CinemaxX multiplexes – at Nikolaistrasse 8, and at Raschplatz 6 (tel: (01805) 2463 6299, reservations; website: www.cinemaxx.de). Independent, international and arthouse films are shown at Hochhaus-Lichtspiele, Goseriede 9 (tel: (0511) 14454), and in the Kommunales Kino, in the Knstlerhaus, Sophienstrasse 2 (tel: (0511) 1684 4732).

Hanover might not be the favourite location for movies but it has produced some interesting celluloid creations, including the work of young director, Hans-Christian Schmid, whose film, 23 (1998), is based on a true story and is set in Hanover during the 1980s. It follows the life of a conspiracy theory obsessed student, Karl Koch.

Cultural events: The city has an impressive calendar of special events. The Hanover Schtzenfest (Marksmen’s Festival) annually attracts two million visitors who come to enjoy fairground rides, stalls, beer gardens and traditional ceremonies. The Grand Parade of the Marksmen, with 12,000 participants, is the highlight of this July festival. Throughout July, the Royal Gardens host the Herrenhusen Festwochen (festival weeks). The programme includes concerts, operatic recitals, drama, children’s theatre and special events. On selected evenings, a privileged few also get to experience music, theatre, cabaret and a firework and fountain display at a Kleine Fest im Grossen Garten (Little Festival in the Great Garden). The annual International Firework Competition takes place at Herrenhusen, across several evenings in the summer, combining the displays of competing nations with the home talent of the Knigliche Grten Lichterfest (Royal Gardens Light Show). Finally, the Maschseefest (Masch Lake Festival), in July and August, offers a varied programme of popular entertainment including music, street theatre, clowns and aquatic activities.

Literary Notes
Friedrich Schlegel (1772-1829) and August Wilhelm Schlegel (1767-1845), were both key figures in the development of German Romanticism and both born in Hanover. August’s translations of Shakespeare are among the most influential German works of the time. Less highbrow but probably more appealing are the comic poems of Joachim Ringelnatz, alias Hans Btticher (1883-1914), who worked in Hanover until World War I. In the 20th century, the most significant figure was the Dadaist, Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948), who moved to Hanover in 1919. Many of his original poems are archived in the Stadtbibliothek (city library) and his paintings are on show in the Sprengel Museum (see Key Attractions).

Martina Flamme-Jaspers’ Expo 2000 Hannover: Architecture (2000) is a detailed insight into the innovative designs of the various national pavilions, some of which have now either been removed to their native lands or demolished.

Nightlife

Compared to Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, Hanover’s nightlife is relatively uninspiring, 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, with more life around the Old Town.

The dress code in Hanover’s clubs is smart-casual – a tie is not necessary, although many places will not allow trainers or jeans. Admission to clubs and discos is usually around 8-10. The minimum drinking age in bars and clubs in 18 years. Most venues stay open until around 0500. A beer costs approximately 4-5.

Prinz Hanover magazine features up-to-date nightlife venues and is also available online (website: www.prinz.de).

Bars: The Brauhaus Ernst August, Schmiedestrasse 13, is one of the city’s liveliest haunts, brewing its own tasty unfiltered beer (in either half-litre or two-litre servings) and also offering hearty German food. At the weekend, DJs are often brought in to spice things up. Broyhan Haus, Kramerstrasse 24, and Plmmeke, Vossstrasse 39, allegedly serve the best curried sausage in town, as well as lashings of good beer. One of the town’s most attractive beer gardens is at the Vier Jahreszeiten, Waldhausenstrasse 1. For ultra-friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere try Georxx, Georgsplatz 3. Harry’s New York Bar, in the Arabella Sheraton Hotel, Podbielskistrasse 145, has a famous name and a reputation to live up to. Its impressive interior, live piano music, exotic cocktail menu and drinks make it slightly better than the usual Hanoverian hotel bar. Espada, Theaterstrasse 14, is a modern bar in the city centre, serving up a good range of spirits and cocktails, including the venerable Scottish single malt, Laphroaig. Whisky-lovers will also want to check out Oscar’s, Georgstrasse 54, where 600 different varieties of whisky are on offer, accompanied by a selection of cigars and light meals. The staff makes up for the lack of knowledge of hallowed single malts with enthusiasm. Five, Knochehauerstrasse 30, is a straight-friendly gay bar with funky modern dcor, which includes a TV screen with a continuous image of a roaring fireplace. It also has outside tables, for warm nights. Similarly hip is Liquid Bar & Lounge, Raschplatz 11, with its invitingly hip, crazy and shrill living-room atmosphere.

Casinos: Casino am Maschsee (Spielbank Hannover), Osterstrasse 40, is open daily 1500-0300, offering free admission to holders of the Hannover Card (otherwise admission is 3). The casino comprises two floors of games – the ground floor contains one-armed bandits and other slot machines, while the top floor provides a more elegant setting for roulette and Black Jack. The minimum age for entry is 18 year and a valid ID must be presented. Dress code for men is shirt and jacket, although a tie is not necessary.

Clubs: Altro Mondo, Bahnhofstrasse 8, used to be a cinema but now the celluloid has been replaced by live acts and house and soul beats. Professional dancers keep the crowd going until 0500 from Thursday to Saturday. Hanover’s hottest house sounds, including guest appearances by international DJs, can be heard in a mirror-clad underground vault at Konvex, Georgstrasse 26. Techno heads should rave to Schallkraft, Buchard-Retsch-Ring 7b, which lives up to its own simple billing as ‘the techno club’. For funk and soul, head to Palo Palo, Raschplatz 8A, at the weekend, for a venue crammed to the rafters with a fun-loving crowd. In the small hours, the beautiful people flock to Zaza, Hamburger Allee 4A, which serves cocktails until breakfast time, against a musical background of house and chart tunes. Opposite Zaza is one of the three legendary Bagwan discos, relating to the famous religious sect and bizarrely a trendy hangout of the young and successful. For a more chilled-out crowd, Trinidad, Nikolaistrasse 1, spreads a Caribbean atmosphere with reggae and steel drum sounds.

Live music: Major rock and pop concerts are usually held in the Niedersachsenstadion, Arthur Menge Ufer 5, or the accompanying Stadionsporthalle, near the Maschsee Lake, Ferdinand-Wilhelm-Fricke Weg 8. The Capitol, Schwarzer Br 2, and Flohzirkus, Am Hohen Ufer, in the Old Town, are the best of the smaller venues. Jazz can be enjoyed at the Jazz-Club, Am Lindener Berg 38. Nashville, Weidendamm 8, is a popular country and western club that hosts great live acts, parties and events.

City Statistics

Location: Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), north Germany.
Country dialling code: 49.
Population: 522,500 (city); 1.1 million (metropolitan area).
Ethnic Mix: 95.4% white, 4.6% other.
Religion: 41.7% Protestant, 38.6% other or no religion, 15.1% Catholic, 4.6% Muslim.
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temp: 3C (37.5F).
Average July temp: 21C (73.5F).
Annual rainfall: 644mm (25.4 inches).

Special Events

ABF, car, boat and leisure fair, Feb, Hanover Fair Exhibition Grounds
Terra, trade fair, Mar, Hanover Congress Centre
CeBIT, world’s leading IT and Telecommunications fair, Mar, Messe
Hannover Messe, industry trade fair, Apr, Hanover Fair Exhibition Grounds
International Firework Festival, May-Sep, Great Garden, Herrenhausen
Knigliche Grten Lichterfest (Royal Gardens Light Show), May-Sep, Great Garden, Herrenhausen
Kleine Fest im Grossen Garten (Little Festival in the Great Garden), music, theatre, cabaret and firework and fountain display, May-Sep, Great Garden, Herrenhausen
Herrenhusen Festwochen, music and theatre performance, May-Sep, Royal Gardens, Hedge Theatre, Herrenhausen
Schtzenfest (Marksmen’s Festival), fairground rides, stalls, beer gardens, traditional ceremonies and grand parade, Jun-Jul, Schtzenplatz and Old Town
Maschseefest (Masch Lake Festival), music, street theatre, clowns and aquatic activities, Jul-Aug, Maschsee
Technorama, trade fair, late Sep, Hanover Fair Exhibition Grounds
Infa Vital, lifestyle fair, Oct, Hanover Fair Exhibition Grounds
IZH, international dog breeding show, Oct, Messe
Open Hair Festival, hair dressing trade fair, Nov, Hanover Congress Centre
New Year’s Eve Party, 31 Dec, Hanover Congress Centre

Cost of Living

One-litre bottle of mineral water: 1.50
33cl bottle of beer: 0.50
Financial Times newspaper: 2
36-exposure colour film: 4
City-centre bus ticket: 1-1.50
Adult football ticket: 20
Three-course meal with wine/beer: 25

1 Euro (1) = 0.69; US$1.30; C$1.61; A$1.68
Currency conversion rates as of Feb 2005