Hanover's Eilenriede forest is undoubtedly the city's most popular landmark and its green lung. It covers an area of 650 hectares (1606.18 acres) in the middle of the city, which makes it unique. Even the massive Hyde Park in London and the Bois de Boulogne in Paris are smaller in area than Eilenriede. The park gets its name from the alder trees, known as Erlen or Ellern in German, which used to grow on its moist, marshy soil. Apart from this, oak and beech trees are also commonly found at this park. Pine, larch, alder, birch trees and other species also grow here in large numbers. A haven for hikers and cyclists, Eilenriede is truly a nature's paradise in the heart of the city.
112 hectares (277 acres) of this recreational forest are inhabited by a large number of wild animals, making it one of Hanover's most popular attractions. The Tiergarten was created in the 17th century by Duke Johann Friedrich for hunting, and today is home to a wide array of wildlife including fallow deer, wild boars, foxes, and avian species such as hawks, ravens and woodpeckers among others.
An artificial lake built close to the city center in 1936, Lake Maschsee is one of Hanover's most popular recreation areas. 78,000 square meters (83,9585 square feet) in size but no deeper than two meters, the lake is perfect for sailing, windsurfing, rowing, swimming and ice-skating in winter. The bathing area includes a 300 meter (984 feet) long beach and has no admission fee. The summertime festival Maschseefest offers a host of entertainment for the whole family.
Berggarten which was once a small time vegetable garden is now a stunning and mesmerizing natural house with different planet varieties from the tropical rain forests. The place is beautiful and filled with colorful plants, flowers and species which are very unique to the area. There are close to 11,000 different plants and the themed greenhouse is a perfect place for any nature lover. You can spend hours talking to the local experts and understanding the plant life.
Herrenhäuser Gärten, which dates back to 1666 and the reign of Sophie of Hanover, is filled with a lush population of trees, hedges, flowers and more. Often referred to as the Great Gardens, the Herrenhauser are known for their striking beauty and are a definition of geometric intricacy. Patrons come back season after season to relax by the fountain, an open-air theater, statuary, expertly manicured flora and, of course, the grotto. Several smaller gardens dappled with Greek style pavilions and dazzling ponds are a part of the bigger expanse. Visitors can enjoy one of the many festivals, fireworks displays and performances that take place here over the summer during the Herrenhausen Festival Weeks.
The Old Town Hall is a very beautiful building that dates back to the Middle Ages and is entirely constructed from bricks. Construction began in 1453 and the building itself reflects a late Gothic style. The structure has several artworks including those of the royal family, the popular game Luderziehen, coat of arms and many more.
Hanover's Eilenriede forest is undoubtedly the city's most popular landmark and its green lung. It covers an area of 650 hectares (1606.18 acres) in the middle of the city, which makes it unique. Even the massive Hyde Park in London and the Bois de Boulogne in Paris are smaller in area than Eilenriede. The park gets its name from the alder trees, known as Erlen or Ellern in German, which used to grow on its moist, marshy soil. Apart from this, oak and beech trees are also commonly found at this park. Pine, larch, alder, birch trees and other species also grow here in large numbers. A haven for hikers and cyclists, Eilenriede is truly a nature's paradise in the heart of the city.
Sprawled on either side of the River Ihme, near the point where it meets the River Leine, the Fährmannsfest Park is an idyllic location for a leisurely stroll. The park features several bike tails and is a great place to simply relax as the soothing babble of the river lulls you into a state of tranquility. The Fährmannsfest Park is the venue of the annual Fährmannsfest which draws in an audience from far an wide. Besides the Fährmannsfest, several other open-air concerts, festivals and fairs are also hosted here.
Rittergut Remeringhausen is tucked away on a mountain piedmont and dates back towards the end of the 16th Century. It has been owned by the same family over several hundreds of years. It is now in possession of Tania and Nicolaus von Schöning. This lovely Weser Renaissance castle with its gardens has a romantic air to it. Guided tours are available after prior appointment. It holds regular agricultural events such as the Pflanzentage, Romantic Garden and Novemberklüngel. The manor is available for rent for private events, concerts, festivals, film shoots, and corporate functions.
112 hectares (277 acres) of this recreational forest are inhabited by a large number of wild animals, making it one of Hanover's most popular attractions. The Tiergarten was created in the 17th century by Duke Johann Friedrich for hunting, and today is home to a wide array of wildlife including fallow deer, wild boars, foxes, and avian species such as hawks, ravens and woodpeckers among others.
A major green space in the center of the town is the Town Park, situated between the Eilenriede and the Royal Gardens. This park was originally created in 1913-14 as a green space around the Congress Center, but it wasn't until the Bundesgartenschau in 1951, that the park changed its appearance to become the Hanover Town Park of today.