G2Rail

Hanover City Hall (Neues Rathaus)

Hanover (German: Hannover) is the capital of Lower Saxony in Germany. Hanover built a huge exhibition complex for the World Expo in 2000 and has been host to several of the biggest exhibitions in the world. Consequently, it calls itself the "Expo City" or "Exhibition City" (Expo Stadt/Messestadt). Hanover also played host to the 2006 Association Football World Cup. The major language spoken is German. English is not common, except during major international events. Nevertheless most people understand English and will be able to help you find your way around.

Hanover is not a typical European city. Don't expect to see beautiful centuries-old buildings; the city was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. Even the Old City (Altstadt) area is "new"; all the old houses left standing after the war (around 40) were taken from throughout the city and collected in one place. This area is surrounded by some 1950s and 1960s buildings that give a somewhat heavy atmosphere to the streets. However, there still are several residential neighborhoods consisting of late-19th-century housing stock with often elaborate historicist (Victorian) and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) decorations just outside the downtown area, such as Oststadt, List or Linden.

Hanover has large green areas, with forests and big parks. The landscape is mostly flat, with the river Leine going through the city. The lake Masch (Maschsee) is rather spectacular, considering its size as a man-made object.

The city had a special relationship to the late French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle. She had several of her works in public spots in Hanover (i.e., "the Nanas", "the Cave" in the Great Garden) and also in the Sprengel Museum. To honor her contribution to Hanover, she was granted an honorary citizenship from the city government. Moreover, the renovated "underground" shopping passageway from the central station to Kröpcke was named "The Niki de Saint-Phalle Promenade".

Hanover's public services are excellent, due to major reconstruction for the World Expo 2000. The shopping area under the train station was renovated in 2005-2006 in preparation for the World Cup.

Hanover was founded in medieval times on the south bank of the river Leine and became a comparatively large town in the 13th century. Its original name Honovere may mean "high (river)bank". There was a time of personal union of the crowns of the United Kingdom and Hanover (1714–1837). Soldiers from Hanover emigrated to Great Britain, leading to the formation of the King's German Legion, which was the only German army to fight throughout the entire Napoleonic Wars against the French. They later played an important role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After World War II, Hanover became the capital of Lower Saxony, a state created from several disparate elements and the most sparsely populated of the old Federal Republic but also the second biggest by area of all 16 states of reunited Germany. Hanover profited from its new status as capital and is the northern endpoint of Germany's first (opened 1991) - and still longest - high speed rail line, linking Würzburg and Hanover along a North-South spine that was totally overwhelmed with traffic during the era of German partition and still carries significant amounts of traffic to this day.

Hanover has arguably become Germany's trade fair capital in a highly competitive market, hosting Germany's only world exhibition after the war in Expo 2000 (with some buildings from the event still extant) and also CeBit, considered the premier computer-related event in the world. The trade fair area of Hanover is the largest in the world by most measures.

Kröpcke is a large pedestrian area in the heart of Hanover. It is Hanover's major shopping spot, home to the Opera house and has lots of places to eat. The main station in the Hanover Stadtbahn network, is also located here. All Stadtbahn lines except the 10 and 17, call at the station and it is the main interchange point for the network. It has six platforms in total on three lines that cross each other in independent tunnels. There is a big green clock in Kröpcke (Kröpcke-Uhr.) which makes an ideal meeting point.

Aerial view of the Great Garden

The Tourism Office, Ernst-August-Platz 8 (nearby Central Station, +49 511 12345111. Offers self-guiding maps. Follow the red line which starts from the exit of the Tourism Office. The red line will pass all the major attractions of Hanover and can be completed on foot in 1½ hours. Refer to the map for explanation every time a number on the red line is encountered.

Great Garden of Herrenhausen. The world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen were created in the 17th century to copy the Versailles Garden in France. A must see! Even in the winter one can still see its beauty, but it reaches its best at the end of spring until end of summer. There is also a glimmering cave decorated by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Hanover Zoo. A very modern zoo, supposed to be one of the best in Europe. About 2,000 animals from all over the world live in six impressive zoo worlds. The ticket is pricey but should is worth it for a whole day's fun. Day tickets cost €25 for adults, for children 3–5 years: €13.50 and children 6-17 yr: €17. Open year-round. In wintertime, visit the WinterZoo - a charming Christmas market with ice show, ice skating, slides, food & drink, etc.
Sea Life, Herrenhäuser Straße 4A (Tram 4 or 5, stop: Herrenhäuser Gärten, +49 511 123300. Hanover Aquarium, has an array of fish and also a rain forest inside. It is open from 10:00 daily. Tickets adult or child: €15.95, one adult and one child: €26.50.
New City Hall, Trammplatz 2. See the models of Hanover at four different points in history: 1689, 1939, 1945, and 2000, and then take a sloped elevator to the dome for a beautiful view of the city.
The Nanas. Giant sculptures made by Niki de Saint Phalle.
University of Hanover, Welfengarten 1. The main building was the winter palace of the Kings of Hanover. The summer palace was in the Great Garden complex. However, it was destroyed during the World War II. Now only one wall remains.
Leibniz House, Holzmarkt 4-6 (Holzmarkt near the Historical Museum. The house where Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz lived during the later part of his life.
City park, Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3 (Tram 11, direction Zoo, stop: Congress Centrum/Stadthalle. This is worth visiting on a nice sunny day. Good place to relax with a good book and a perfect place to escape the city center.
Tiergarten, Tiergartenstraße 149. 112 hectares of recreational forest with free ranging fallow deer.
Eilenriede. 650 hectares of city forest. Very unique considering its size and location in the middle of the city.
List. A residential area not so far from the Central Station. This area is popular among students. It has a nice pedestrian area "Lister Meile" with some small and interesting shops.

Many museums (including the Landesmuseum, the Historical Museum, and the Kestner Museum) can be visited for free on Friday.

Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum. Tu W F-Su 10:00-17:00, Th 10:00-19:00. A mish mash of exhibitions. There is a prehistorical section focusing on the past of Low Saxony including tools and weapons. You will also find coins of the Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia and the German empire and to top it all off, what every German museum needs, a Japanese tea room. Adult €4-8, reduced €3-6, family €9-16..
Historisches Museum am Hohen Ufer, Pferdestraße 6, +49 511 168-43945. Tu 10:00-19:00, W-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. – The Historical Museum in Hanover traces the history of the city right from the time of its foundation in 1100 to the present day. The museum showcases the history of the town as well as the individual regions. You will also get to know a lot about the folk culture and folk traditions of Hanover. Located towards the west of Balhof in Hanover and is on the Hohes Ufer where you find the largest flea market held on Saturdays. €5 (adults).
Sprengel Museum, Kurt-Schwitters-Platz (any tram to Aegidientorplatz then walk 10 min to the direction of the lake, or Bus 131 from Kröpcke to stop Maschsee/Sprengel Museum, +49 511-16843875. Tu 10:00-20:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00. Should not be missed by modern art lovers. Hosts a great number of art objects from the 20th century. Objects include works from Picasso, Paul Klee, Niki de Saint-Phalle. €7 (adults), €4 (students, seniors, unemployed).
Wilhelm-Busch Museum, in Georgengarten, within the Great Garden (Tram 4 or 5 (Direction Garbsen/Stöcken) to stop Wilhelm-Busch Museum. Tu-F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su holiday 11:00–18:00. This museum hosts the unique collection of Busch’s work and others satirical and humorous art. It is respected as the German Museum of Caricature and Critical Graphic Arts. €4.50, €10 family, €2.50 reduced.
Blindenmuseum Hannover, Bleekstraße 22, +49 511-52470. The museum hosts objects showing how blind people have been educated between 1843 and today. Free admission, but open only by appointment.
Museum August-Kestner, Trammplatz 3 (Bus 131/132 stop: Aegidientorplatz, Bus 120 stop: Friedrichswall/Culemannstraße, Bus 250 stop: Bleichenstraße, +49 511-16842120. Tu Th-Su 11:00-18:00, W 11:00-20:00. Objects include ones from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, the Middle Ages and modern times. €3.
Hannover Tramway Museum, +49 511 646 3312. In Wehmingen near Sehnde – The Museum comprises the only nationwide collection of tramcars in Germany, located on the site of a former potash mine in Sehnde-Wehmingen, southeast of Hannover. Open from April - October only Sundays and public holidays 11:00-17:00. Admission: €7, child 7–15 years: €3.50, family: €19.

Fireworks in Herrenhäuser Gärten

Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum. Tu W F-Su 10:00-17:00, Th 10:00-19:00. A mish mash of exhibitions. There is a prehistorical section focusing on the past of Low Saxony including tools and weapons. You will also find coins of the Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia and the German empire and to top it all off, what every German museum needs, a Japanese tea room. Adult €4-8, reduced €3-6, family €9-16..

Historisches Museum am Hohen Ufer, Pferdestraße 6, +49 511 168-43945. Tu 10:00-19:00, W-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. – The Historical Museum in Hanover traces the history of the city right from the time of its foundation in 1100 to the present day. The museum showcases the history of the town as well as the individual regions. You will also get to know a lot about the folk culture and folk traditions of Hanover. Located towards the west of Balhof in Hanover and is on the Hohes Ufer where you find the largest flea market held on Saturdays. €5 (adults).

Sprengel Museum, Kurt-Schwitters-Platz (any tram to Aegidientorplatz then walk 10 min to the direction of the lake, or Bus 131 from Kröpcke to stop Maschsee/Sprengel Museum, +49 511-16843875. Tu 10:00-20:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00. Should not be missed by modern art lovers. Hosts a great number of art objects from the 20th century. Objects include works from Picasso, Paul Klee, Niki de Saint-Phalle. €7 (adults), €4 (students, seniors, unemployed).

Wilhelm-Busch Museum, in Georgengarten, within the Great Garden (Tram 4 or 5 (Direction Garbsen/Stöcken) to stop Wilhelm-Busch Museum. Tu-F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su holiday 11:00–18:00. This museum hosts the unique collection of Busch’s work and others satirical and humorous art. It is respected as the German Museum of Caricature and Critical Graphic Arts. €4.50, €10 family, €2.50 reduced.

Blindenmuseum Hannover, Bleekstraße 22, +49 511-52470. The museum hosts objects showing how blind people have been educated between 1843 and today. Free admission, but open only by appointment.

Museum August-Kestner, Trammplatz 3 (Bus 131/132 stop: Aegidientorplatz, Bus 120 stop: Friedrichswall/Culemannstraße, Bus 250 stop: Bleichenstraße, +49 511-16842120. Tu Th-Su 11:00-18:00, W 11:00-20:00. Objects include ones from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, the Middle Ages and modern times. €3.

Hannover Tramway Museum, +49 511 646 3312. In Wehmingen near Sehnde – The Museum comprises the only nationwide collection of tramcars in Germany, located on the site of a former potash mine in Sehnde-Wehmingen, southeast of Hannover. Open from April - October only Sundays and public holidays 11:00-17:00. Admission: €7, child 7–15 years: €3.50, family: €19.

Hanover's people enjoy a lot of fireworks during the year. In addition to the world competition held every summer, there are fireworks every night of the Kleines Fest, every weekend during the Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest) and Oktoberfest, and on the weekend of the Lake Masch Festival. For the first two, the best spot to see is inside or outside the Great Garden, while the latter ones can be seen from any point around Lake Masch. Fireworks usually start at 22:00.

Hanover is also place of the annual fireworks world contest (or at least one of the many world contests happening during the year around the world) in the Herrenhäuser Gärten. Six nations participate on six Saturdays, three of them around May - Jun, three in Aug - Sep.

Great Garden of Herrenhausen. The world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen were created in the 17th century to copy the Versailles Garden in France. A must see! Even in the winter one can still see its beauty, but it reaches its best at the end of spring until end of summer. There is also a glimmering cave decorated by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Hanover Zoo. A very modern zoo, supposed to be one of the best in Europe. About 2,000 animals from all over the world live in six impressive zoo worlds. The ticket is pricey but should is worth it for a whole day's fun. Day tickets cost €25 for adults, for children 3–5 years: €13.50 and children 6-17 yr: €17. Open year-round. In wintertime, visit the WinterZoo - a charming Christmas market with ice show, ice skating, slides, food & drink, etc.

Sea Life, Herrenhäuser Straße 4A (Tram 4 or 5, stop: Herrenhäuser Gärten, +49 511 123300. Hanover Aquarium, has an array of fish and also a rain forest inside. It is open from 10:00 daily. Tickets adult or child: €15.95, one adult and one child: €26.50.

New City Hall, Trammplatz 2. See the models of Hanover at four different points in history: 1689, 1939, 1945, and 2000, and then take a sloped elevator to the dome for a beautiful view of the city.

The Nanas. Giant sculptures made by Niki de Saint Phalle.

University of Hanover, Welfengarten 1. The main building was the winter palace of the Kings of Hanover. The summer palace was in the Great Garden complex. However, it was destroyed during the World War II. Now only one wall remains.

Leibniz House, Holzmarkt 4-6 (Holzmarkt near the Historical Museum. The house where Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz lived during the later part of his life.

City park, Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3 (Tram 11, direction Zoo, stop: Congress Centrum/Stadthalle. This is worth visiting on a nice sunny day. Good place to relax with a good book and a perfect place to escape the city center.

Tiergarten, Tiergartenstraße 149. 112 hectares of recreational forest with free ranging fallow deer.

Eilenriede. 650 hectares of city forest. Very unique considering its size and location in the middle of the city.

List. A residential area not so far from the Central Station. This area is popular among students. It has a nice pedestrian area "Lister Meile" with some small and interesting shops.

Opera

Hanover Opera. Kröpcke – Hosts a number of operas played by international singers, as well as ballets and classical music. Operas by German composers are performed in German; Italian operas are performed with German subtitles (no English). Tickets normally sell out for the popular Mozart's "Die Zauberfloete" ("Magic Flute") and Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" ("The Bat"). €14-55, €8 students (sold 30 minutes before curtain, ID required).
N.D.R. Symphoniker, Rudolf Benigsen Ufer 22, +49 511-9880. The venue for poetry readings, jazz and rock&roll concerts, as well as chamber orchestras. €15-35.
Theater am Aegi, Aegidientorplatz 2, +49 511-989330.
Cinemaxx. This multiplex movie theater right behind the main train station (Raschplatz) shows some films in original English version. Tickets: €6-7, student €5. Tuesday is the cheap ticket day (€3.50-4.50). Seats are numbered and there is an extra fee (€1) for the "better seats" (Loge, the ones upper than the first few rows). For extra long movie, another extra fee (€0.50-1).
Hannover 96. Hanover's professional soccer club in Germany's premier division.
Hannover Scorpions. Hanover's professional ice hockey club in Germany's premier division (DEL).

The huge bavarian-style restaurant, Münchener halle at the fair ground is almost a tourist attraction itself

CeBIT. At the Expo area. An annual event lasts several days in March. The biggest computer-related exhibition in the world. Very interesting for tech lovers.
Hannover messe. A well-known industrial expo later in the spring.
Spring Festival. Schützenplatz. Annual event in spring, everyday from 2PM. Practically a knock-down amusement park. Lots of fun.
Masala World-beat Festival. Musicians from around the world play in several spots throughout the city. An annual event in spring/summer.

CeBIT. At the Expo area. An annual event lasts several days in March. The biggest computer-related exhibition in the world. Very interesting for tech lovers.

Hannover messe. A well-known industrial expo later in the spring.

Spring Festival. Schützenplatz. Annual event in spring, everyday from 2PM. Practically a knock-down amusement park. Lots of fun.

Masala World-beat Festival. Musicians from around the world play in several spots throughout the city. An annual event in spring/summer.

The Small Festival in the Great Garden. – Around 30-40 performers from around the world perform in this summer festival, including clowns, acrobatic performance, comedy theatre and many more. Every festival day lasted around 4 hours (18:00-22:30), so normally only maximum 7 stage performances can be seen in 1 festival day. At the end of the day (or night), fireworks are lighted, bringing the excitement from the day to a fabulous ending. Tickets can be bought directly on the day, but be prepared for a very long queue. Coming as early as 2 hours before the festival starts is recommended.
Still in Herrenhäuser Gärten, there is an International Firework Competition every year (between May and September). Tickets are sold to see the firework from inside the garden. However, the fireworks can also be enjoyed from the outside of the garden. Be prepared to have a stiff neck by the end of the show as each session lasts 20–30 minutes and during this time you will have your head continuously tilted upwards.
Schützenfest, Schützenplatz. The largest of its kind of festivals.
Lake Maschsee Festival, around the lake. Annual event in the summer with food & beverage outlets, and open air cinema.
Walk or jog around the Maschsee, especially in the summer. In a (rare) very cold winter, the surface of the lake will be frozen and thick enough for ice skating. If you are lucky enough to encounter this rare opportunity, be sure to join in the fun along with all the other people making the most of it.
Rubber Duck Race (Entenrennen). (Tram 10, 17 stop: Clevertor); Tram 3, 7, 9 stop: Markthalle). Date for 2007 was July 7. A fun one day event, especially for the children. Hundreds of rubber duckies "racing" through the river Leine. Numbered rubber duckies can be bought for €3 (incl. €2 start fee) in üstra Service Center City in Kröpcke a few weeks before the event or directly on the spot before the "qualification race". Race starts at the Lower Saxon State Parliament (Landtag Niedersachsen, Leineschloss, Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf-Platz 1) and finishes at the bridge Marstallbrücke.

The Small Festival in the Great Garden. – Around 30-40 performers from around the world perform in this summer festival, including clowns, acrobatic performance, comedy theatre and many more. Every festival day lasted around 4 hours (18:00-22:30), so normally only maximum 7 stage performances can be seen in 1 festival day. At the end of the day (or night), fireworks are lighted, bringing the excitement from the day to a fabulous ending. Tickets can be bought directly on the day, but be prepared for a very long queue. Coming as early as 2 hours before the festival starts is recommended.

Still in Herrenhäuser Gärten, there is an International Firework Competition every year (between May and September). Tickets are sold to see the firework from inside the garden. However, the fireworks can also be enjoyed from the outside of the garden. Be prepared to have a stiff neck by the end of the show as each session lasts 20–30 minutes and during this time you will have your head continuously tilted upwards.

Schützenfest, Schützenplatz. The largest of its kind of festivals.

Lake Maschsee Festival, around the lake. Annual event in the summer with food & beverage outlets, and open air cinema.

Walk or jog around the Maschsee, especially in the summer. In a (rare) very cold winter, the surface of the lake will be frozen and thick enough for ice skating. If you are lucky enough to encounter this rare opportunity, be sure to join in the fun along with all the other people making the most of it.

Rubber Duck Race (Entenrennen). (Tram 10, 17 stop: Clevertor); Tram 3, 7, 9 stop: Markthalle). Date for 2007 was July 7. A fun one day event, especially for the children. Hundreds of rubber duckies "racing" through the river Leine. Numbered rubber duckies can be bought for €3 (incl. €2 start fee) in üstra Service Center City in Kröpcke a few weeks before the event or directly on the spot before the "qualification race". Race starts at the Lower Saxon State Parliament (Landtag Niedersachsen, Leineschloss, Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf-Platz 1) and finishes at the bridge Marstallbrücke.

Oktoberfest, Schützenplatz. second biggest oktoberfest in the world.

Oktoberfest, Schützenplatz. second biggest oktoberfest in the world.

Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) can be found in front of Central Station, in Kröpcke, in Old City (Altstadt), and in List (street name "Lister Meile"), and it last from end of November until a couple of days before Christmas. The best stalls to visit are the Finnish stands in the Old City. They serve very good smoked salmon, herring, and reindeer meat. The hot wine (Glühwein) is probably the best in the whole Christmas Market. Another alternative is the charming Winter Zoo at Hanover Zoo. From the end of November until the middle of January you can enjoy ice shows, ice skating, slides as well as hearty food and drink to keep you warm.

Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) can be found in front of Central Station, in Kröpcke, in Old City (Altstadt), and in List (street name "Lister Meile"), and it last from end of November until a couple of days before Christmas. The best stalls to visit are the Finnish stands in the Old City. They serve very good smoked salmon, herring, and reindeer meat. The hot wine (Glühwein) is probably the best in the whole Christmas Market. Another alternative is the charming Winter Zoo at Hanover Zoo. From the end of November until the middle of January you can enjoy ice shows, ice skating, slides as well as hearty food and drink to keep you warm.

Hanover Opera. Kröpcke – Hosts a number of operas played by international singers, as well as ballets and classical music. Operas by German composers are performed in German; Italian operas are performed with German subtitles (no English). Tickets normally sell out for the popular Mozart's "Die Zauberfloete" ("Magic Flute") and Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" ("The Bat"). €14-55, €8 students (sold 30 minutes before curtain, ID required).

N.D.R. Symphoniker, Rudolf Benigsen Ufer 22, +49 511-9880. The venue for poetry readings, jazz and rock&roll concerts, as well as chamber orchestras. €15-35.

Theater am Aegi, Aegidientorplatz 2, +49 511-989330.

Cinemaxx. This multiplex movie theater right behind the main train station (Raschplatz) shows some films in original English version. Tickets: €6-7, student €5. Tuesday is the cheap ticket day (€3.50-4.50). Seats are numbered and there is an extra fee (€1) for the "better seats" (Loge, the ones upper than the first few rows). For extra long movie, another extra fee (€0.50-1).

Hannover 96. Hanover's professional soccer club in Germany's premier division.

Hannover Scorpions. Hanover's professional ice hockey club in Germany's premier division (DEL).

Souvenirs of the city Hanover can be easily bought at the Tourism Office.
Official merchandise for World Cup 2006 or Hanover 96 soccer team is sold in Karstadt Sport in Kröpcke.

Official merchandise for World Cup 2006 or Hanover 96 soccer team is sold in Karstadt Sport in Kröpcke.

Left next to the Central Station there is a huge mall called Ernst August Gallerie.
There is a supermarket (Lidl) in the Central Station. It is the only one open on Sundays. A larger supermarket open M-Sa 24 hours (Kaufland) is left next to the Central Station - behind the Central Bus Station (at the other side of the Station if you are walking from the city center).
Big department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt can be found in Kröpcke.
Check Hugendubel in Kröpcke for popular English books. Another large bookstore is Lehmanns in Georg Straße near Steintor.
For sports equipments go to SportScheck or Karstadt Sport.
Rossmann and Douglas provide most body care products. Rossmann also offers a good and cheap photo printing service. There is a Rossmann shop right in the Central Station.
Horstman & Sander in Kröpcke (Georgstr., direction to Steintor) is a great shop for leather goods and good quality bags ranging from coin purses to backpacks to extra large suitcases.
For elegant boutiques, Galerie Luise (Luisenstr.) is the best option.

Big department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt can be found in Kröpcke.

Check Hugendubel in Kröpcke for popular English books. Another large bookstore is Lehmanns in Georg Straße near Steintor.

For sports equipments go to SportScheck or Karstadt Sport.

Rossmann and Douglas provide most body care products. Rossmann also offers a good and cheap photo printing service. There is a Rossmann shop right in the Central Station.

Horstman & Sander in Kröpcke (Georgstr., direction to Steintor) is a great shop for leather goods and good quality bags ranging from coin purses to backpacks to extra large suitcases.

For elegant boutiques, Galerie Luise (Luisenstr.) is the best option.

A flea market located along the Leine River takes place every Saturday, 07:00-16:00. However, it's dominated by electronic goods and overpriced "antiques". Watch out for pickpockets.

In most cafés and small restaurants, paying individually is accepted, as Germans like this system. Tips are not compulsory but most people do. In smaller cafés, if paying separately, rounding up to the next full euro is common; in bigger restaurants, 10% is best.

German Sausages and more

Asia-Garden, A Chinese buffet restaurant in Ernst-August Platz - just opposite the Central Station. It is on the 2nd floor of the Ernst-August Food Court. You can serve yourself picking bits and pieces from around a dozen Chinese dishes. The small plate costs €4, the big one - €6.
Café Mezzo, +49 511-314966. Lister Meile 4. Normally crowded with students during lunch and dinner time. Reservations should be considered if planning to come during this time. Service can be slow sometime, but they offer a wide range of "student" menus with reasonable prices.
Check out the variety of food stalls in the market hall (Markthalle). You will find almost everything from Spanish tapas to Mett (raw minced meat).
Extrablatt, This is a franchised restaurant easily found in several cities in Germany. They serve burgers, pizza, and wraps. Reasonable prices. For the one in List (Friesenstraße), reservations are not necessary except for large groups.
Mr. Phung, A Chinese restaurant inside the central train station. Very quick and has big portions. They have a very good "Ente Kung-Pao" (crunchy fried duck with soya sauce), served with rice. €4.50-8.50.
Satluss, Georgenstraße 112, Phone [0] 531 / 13089, deutsches Essen, €10/person. Open M-Sa from 10:00-23:00,
Schöneberger , Badensche 23, Phone [0] 531 / 31890, deutsches Essen, >€5 for a snack Open M-Su from 10:00-24:00,
Wurst-Basar is the perfect place to taste German's favourite dish, the sausages! There are several stalls throughout the city, including inside central station and Kröpcke.
Street Kitchen - Viet Cuisine, Limmerstr. 26, +49 511 98 63 88 34. 12-22, or 12-23 Friday/Saturday. Fast, cheap, and good Vietnamese cuisine in Linden-Nord, with outdoor seating during the summer. Main dishes €4.50-5.50.

Asia-Garden, A Chinese buffet restaurant in Ernst-August Platz - just opposite the Central Station. It is on the 2nd floor of the Ernst-August Food Court. You can serve yourself picking bits and pieces from around a dozen Chinese dishes. The small plate costs €4, the big one - €6.

Café Mezzo, +49 511-314966. Lister Meile 4. Normally crowded with students during lunch and dinner time. Reservations should be considered if planning to come during this time. Service can be slow sometime, but they offer a wide range of "student" menus with reasonable prices.

Check out the variety of food stalls in the market hall (Markthalle). You will find almost everything from Spanish tapas to Mett (raw minced meat).

Extrablatt, This is a franchised restaurant easily found in several cities in Germany. They serve burgers, pizza, and wraps. Reasonable prices. For the one in List (Friesenstraße), reservations are not necessary except for large groups.

Mr. Phung, A Chinese restaurant inside the central train station. Very quick and has big portions. They have a very good "Ente Kung-Pao" (crunchy fried duck with soya sauce), served with rice. €4.50-8.50.

Satluss, Georgenstraße 112, Phone [0] 531 / 13089, deutsches Essen, €10/person. Open M-Sa from 10:00-23:00,

Schöneberger , Badensche 23, Phone [0] 531 / 31890, deutsches Essen, >€5 for a snack Open M-Su from 10:00-24:00,

Wurst-Basar is the perfect place to taste German's favourite dish, the sausages! There are several stalls throughout the city, including inside central station and Kröpcke.

Street Kitchen - Viet Cuisine, Limmerstr. 26, +49 511 98 63 88 34. 12-22, or 12-23 Friday/Saturday. Fast, cheap, and good Vietnamese cuisine in Linden-Nord, with outdoor seating during the summer. Main dishes €4.50-5.50.

11A, Am Küchengarten 11A, Linden, +49 511 5901111. 10:00-23:00. A smaller cosy restaurant and wine bar in same building. Pretty large portions with decent price of fusion food (seafood, meat, vegetarian etc). Some seats inside, but most tables outside. Good menu and daily specials. Please book a table in advance on warm evenings, because it is popular among locals. You an also wait for a table in wine bar, next to green park. From €7 to €23.
Das kleine Museum, Grotestraße 10, +49 511 2153979. A corner restaurant-pub with large portions of excellent German, French, and Moroccan inspired food. Run by the owner, the staff are warm and welcoming. The decorations are true to its name, replete with stuffed crocodiles on the roof.
Gaststätte Kaiser, Schaufelder Str. 27, +49 511 164900. Traditional German cuisine of Lower Saxony in an atmospheric restaurant; comprehensive whiskey list. Located near the university, this is a favorite of visiting professors and researchers. The owner also rents rooms upstairs.
Maredo, Georgstr. 38, +49 511-323148. A chained steak-restaurant famous for its beef variation.
Masa, Georgstr. 50b. Afghan food. You may want to opt for the carpeted floor than the tables. Located next door to the cocktail bar "Loft".
Georxx, Georgsplatz 3, +49 511-306183. Breakfast, lunch and a good place to grab a light bite and a beer for dinner. They have a fine selection of naughty snack such as cakes and biscuits which can be enjoyed with afternoon tea or coffee. Great atmosphere, good service.
Café Konrad Knochenhauerstraße 34, +49 511-323666. Gay-friendly restaurant in the Old City. The food is good, but the preparation is quite often slow. Best to come before you get hungry. The atmosphere is great, even for straight diners. They have an English menu and are always happy to help you with it.
Mövenpick, In Kröpcke, Georgstr. 35, +49 511-3262840. The best place to come for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink breakfast. But not for late sleepers as the breakfast ends at 11:30 a.m. Try the ice cream, a bit expensive but definitely worth the price.
Bavarium, Near Kröpcke, Windmühlenstraße 3, +49 511-323600. Bavarian restaurant.
Mister Q, Raschplatz 6, +49 511-38888918. On Raschplatz behind the central station, offers all you can eat brunch every Sunday, including coffee and beverages €12-13.

11A, Am Küchengarten 11A, Linden, +49 511 5901111. 10:00-23:00. A smaller cosy restaurant and wine bar in same building. Pretty large portions with decent price of fusion food (seafood, meat, vegetarian etc). Some seats inside, but most tables outside. Good menu and daily specials. Please book a table in advance on warm evenings, because it is popular among locals. You an also wait for a table in wine bar, next to green park. From €7 to €23.

Das kleine Museum, Grotestraße 10, +49 511 2153979. A corner restaurant-pub with large portions of excellent German, French, and Moroccan inspired food. Run by the owner, the staff are warm and welcoming. The decorations are true to its name, replete with stuffed crocodiles on the roof.

Gaststätte Kaiser, Schaufelder Str. 27, +49 511 164900. Traditional German cuisine of Lower Saxony in an atmospheric restaurant; comprehensive whiskey list. Located near the university, this is a favorite of visiting professors and researchers. The owner also rents rooms upstairs.

Maredo, Georgstr. 38, +49 511-323148. A chained steak-restaurant famous for its beef variation.

Masa, Georgstr. 50b. Afghan food. You may want to opt for the carpeted floor than the tables. Located next door to the cocktail bar "Loft".

Georxx, Georgsplatz 3, +49 511-306183. Breakfast, lunch and a good place to grab a light bite and a beer for dinner. They have a fine selection of naughty snack such as cakes and biscuits which can be enjoyed with afternoon tea or coffee. Great atmosphere, good service.

Café Konrad Knochenhauerstraße 34, +49 511-323666. Gay-friendly restaurant in the Old City. The food is good, but the preparation is quite often slow. Best to come before you get hungry. The atmosphere is great, even for straight diners. They have an English menu and are always happy to help you with it.

Mövenpick, In Kröpcke, Georgstr. 35, +49 511-3262840. The best place to come for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink breakfast. But not for late sleepers as the breakfast ends at 11:30 a.m. Try the ice cream, a bit expensive but definitely worth the price.

Bavarium, Near Kröpcke, Windmühlenstraße 3, +49 511-323600. Bavarian restaurant.

Mister Q, Raschplatz 6, +49 511-38888918. On Raschplatz behind the central station, offers all you can eat brunch every Sunday, including coffee and beverages €12-13.

Basil, Dragonerstr. 30, +49 511 622636. M-Sa 18:30-02:00. Dining in a high ceiling, brick domed room creating an medieval appearance whilst at the same time being contemporary and modern. The menu is fresh and changes every 3 weeks to keep it that way. International meals. Set menus €30-35..
Pier 51, Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 51, +49 511 8071800. 12:00-01:00 (kitchen 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30). Fantastic sun deck where you can eat whilst taking in the views of the lake. Mediterranean meals. Reservations are more than likely a must especially in the summer season.

Basil, Dragonerstr. 30, +49 511 622636. M-Sa 18:30-02:00. Dining in a high ceiling, brick domed room creating an medieval appearance whilst at the same time being contemporary and modern. The menu is fresh and changes every 3 weeks to keep it that way. International meals. Set menus €30-35..

Pier 51, Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 51, +49 511 8071800. 12:00-01:00 (kitchen 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30). Fantastic sun deck where you can eat whilst taking in the views of the lake. Mediterranean meals. Reservations are more than likely a must especially in the summer season.

Lüttje Lage Beergarden at Lister Turm

Try the local beer, Herrenhäuser Premium Pilsener
Lüttje Lage is a typical alcoholic drink made of beer and korn (Schnapps) drank simultaneously from two separate glasses.

Biercafé Pindopp, Altenbekener Damm 9, +49 511-806523. Open daily from 08:30-01:00. (closed since summer 2016). Smaller beer garden compared to others Hanover has to offer. Previews the football games so if you are looking for a place to come and watch a match this is the venue. It also has a pool table, darts and pin ball machines.
Waterloo Biergarten, Waterloo Straße 1, +49 511-5643. Open daily from 11AM. Gets its name from being close to Waterloo square and on Waterloo road. Huge beer garden surrounded by trees, very busy during the summer.
Uni-Biergarten, Wilhelm-Busch-Str. 2, +49 511-1698191. 11:00-24:00. Calm and relaxing beer garden in the midst of the city. Quite often a place where students and professors meet or go to have a sneaky drink. Food is available.
Lister Turm Biergarten, Walderseestr. 100, +49 511-7242617. Surrounded by trees this is one of the largest beer gardens in Hanover. With the Lister building, in the backdrop as well as all the trees, makes this an idyllic drinking spot. It is family friendly and business savvy as there is a playground for children and WiFI for laptops. The pub also serves food if you're hungry or need a break from drinking.
Und der Böse Wolf, Heesestr. 1, +49 511-453834. From 17:00 daily. Quirky pub that attracts a lot of football fans as the owner is a Hannover 96 supporter. Serves Thai food!
Restaurant Café Steintormasch, +49 511-7000717. In der Steintormasch, adjacent to the mansions gardens. – Serves food and hot meals which can be enjoyed in their beer garden. Open every day except Monday.

Biercafé Pindopp, Altenbekener Damm 9, +49 511-806523. Open daily from 08:30-01:00. (closed since summer 2016). Smaller beer garden compared to others Hanover has to offer. Previews the football games so if you are looking for a place to come and watch a match this is the venue. It also has a pool table, darts and pin ball machines.

Waterloo Biergarten, Waterloo Straße 1, +49 511-5643. Open daily from 11AM. Gets its name from being close to Waterloo square and on Waterloo road. Huge beer garden surrounded by trees, very busy during the summer.

Uni-Biergarten, Wilhelm-Busch-Str. 2, +49 511-1698191. 11:00-24:00. Calm and relaxing beer garden in the midst of the city. Quite often a place where students and professors meet or go to have a sneaky drink. Food is available.

Lister Turm Biergarten, Walderseestr. 100, +49 511-7242617. Surrounded by trees this is one of the largest beer gardens in Hanover. With the Lister building, in the backdrop as well as all the trees, makes this an idyllic drinking spot. It is family friendly and business savvy as there is a playground for children and WiFI for laptops. The pub also serves food if you're hungry or need a break from drinking.

Und der Böse Wolf, Heesestr. 1, +49 511-453834. From 17:00 daily. Quirky pub that attracts a lot of football fans as the owner is a Hannover 96 supporter. Serves Thai food!

Restaurant Café Steintormasch, +49 511-7000717. In der Steintormasch, adjacent to the mansions gardens. – Serves food and hot meals which can be enjoyed in their beer garden. Open every day except Monday.

Lunablu, +49 511 13 1001. Schaufelderstraße 11, – Interior designed by Jorge La Guardia and the flamenco musician gave it a desintct Mediterranean and international feel which has proved to be very popular. Whilst sipping on your cocktail try some of the very reasonably priced, exotic dishes. Open daily from 10:00-01:00.
Pepe's, +49 511124 6086. Mexican Bar, Friesenstraße 52, – A small exotic bar serving delicious food. The cocktail of choice here is the 'Caipi', more often known as, 'Caipirinha', made with sugar cane spirit and limes or the Castro Cooler with rum and calvados. The salsa music will have you up on your feet in no time, especially after a few 'Caipi'. Daily from 18:30-01:00.
Bolero Bar, Nikolai Str. 3 (in front of Cinemaxx) – Bolero Bar offers a great variety of cocktails at a reasonable price. The place seems to be always full, including weeknights, so reservations are recommended. The place is rather large and not as smoky as other cocktail bars. Happy hour daily 17:00-19:00: half-price for most cocktails; caipi hour daily 23:00-01:00: all caipi variations €4.50, jumbo caipi €6.90; jumbo hour daily after 19:00: cheaper jumbo cocktails.
Sausalitos, +49 511-3530919. Osterstraße 38, – Mexican restaurant that has a great variety of cocktails. Usually full during happy hour which last until 8PM.
Loft Georgstraße. 50b (you will have to go through an alley to find it) +49 511-3631376 – Serves original and different Afghani dishes. Opens at 12:00, and has a Happy Hour on Monday and Sunday.
Escenario, Nikolaistr. 12. (Close to Cinemaxx Nikolaistr.) Happy hour 16:30-20:00 (Cocktails €3.95). Tuesday is Ladies Night (Prosecco for €1-1.50).
Oscar's, +49 511 235-2434. 54 Georgstraße, – Award wining cocktails. The bar has won a host of awards from publications ranging from Playboy to Barführer, Germany's authoritative guide to the best bars in the country. The monthly whisky tasting session attracts connoisseurs from all over Germany, and the bar has the most extensive collection of whiskies available locally. Prices are appropriately steep, but the atmosphere is not at all stuffy or pompous. It actually has a relaxed and communal feel to it.

Lunablu, +49 511 13 1001. Schaufelderstraße 11, – Interior designed by Jorge La Guardia and the flamenco musician gave it a desintct Mediterranean and international feel which has proved to be very popular. Whilst sipping on your cocktail try some of the very reasonably priced, exotic dishes. Open daily from 10:00-01:00.

Pepe's, +49 511124 6086. Mexican Bar, Friesenstraße 52, – A small exotic bar serving delicious food. The cocktail of choice here is the 'Caipi', more often known as, 'Caipirinha', made with sugar cane spirit and limes or the Castro Cooler with rum and calvados. The salsa music will have you up on your feet in no time, especially after a few 'Caipi'. Daily from 18:30-01:00.

Bolero Bar, Nikolai Str. 3 (in front of Cinemaxx) – Bolero Bar offers a great variety of cocktails at a reasonable price. The place seems to be always full, including weeknights, so reservations are recommended. The place is rather large and not as smoky as other cocktail bars. Happy hour daily 17:00-19:00: half-price for most cocktails; caipi hour daily 23:00-01:00: all caipi variations €4.50, jumbo caipi €6.90; jumbo hour daily after 19:00: cheaper jumbo cocktails.

Sausalitos, +49 511-3530919. Osterstraße 38, – Mexican restaurant that has a great variety of cocktails. Usually full during happy hour which last until 8PM.

Loft Georgstraße. 50b (you will have to go through an alley to find it) +49 511-3631376 – Serves original and different Afghani dishes. Opens at 12:00, and has a Happy Hour on Monday and Sunday.

Escenario, Nikolaistr. 12. (Close to Cinemaxx Nikolaistr.) Happy hour 16:30-20:00 (Cocktails €3.95). Tuesday is Ladies Night (Prosecco for €1-1.50).

Oscar's, +49 511 235-2434. 54 Georgstraße, – Award wining cocktails. The bar has won a host of awards from publications ranging from Playboy to Barführer, Germany's authoritative guide to the best bars in the country. The monthly whisky tasting session attracts connoisseurs from all over Germany, and the bar has the most extensive collection of whiskies available locally. Prices are appropriately steep, but the atmosphere is not at all stuffy or pompous. It actually has a relaxed and communal feel to it.

Tchibo is the best place for a quick sip of coffee. Can be found everywhere. There is usually no chance of getting a seat, but there are tables where you can at least rest your drink. Some shops also offer cakes.
Balzac Coffee has a great variety of coffee, including cold ones resembling Starbucks' Frappucino. There are several in Hanover, including in front of central station (next to Saturn electronic shop), Steintor, and in old townhall (Altes Rathaus).
World Coffee, inside Central Station. Also has a good coffee variety.
Holländische Kakao-Stube, Ständehausstr. 2, +49 511-304100. Best place in town for hot chocolate (with and without liquor). They also offer the famous Sacher Chocolate Cake imported from Hotel Sacher in Vienna.
Teestübchen, Am Ballhof 10, Old City area (Altstadt), +49 511-3631682. Offers good variety of tea. A nice place to visit in the afternoon after shopping in the city.

Tchibo is the best place for a quick sip of coffee. Can be found everywhere. There is usually no chance of getting a seat, but there are tables where you can at least rest your drink. Some shops also offer cakes.

Balzac Coffee has a great variety of coffee, including cold ones resembling Starbucks' Frappucino. There are several in Hanover, including in front of central station (next to Saturn electronic shop), Steintor, and in old townhall (Altes Rathaus).

World Coffee, inside Central Station. Also has a good coffee variety.

Holländische Kakao-Stube, Ständehausstr. 2, +49 511-304100. Best place in town for hot chocolate (with and without liquor). They also offer the famous Sacher Chocolate Cake imported from Hotel Sacher in [[Vienna]].

Teestübchen, Am Ballhof 10, Old City area (Altstadt), +49 511-3631682. Offers good variety of tea. A nice place to visit in the afternoon after shopping in the city.

Eve Klub, Reuterstr. 3-4. Was voted one of the Best 50 Clubs in Germany by the magazine Maxim in 2004. Partygoers come here to enjoy high end DJs or the live performances that happen twice a month.
Heartbreak Hotel, Reuterstr, 5 – One of the newer and fresher nightclubs on the scene. Stays open until daybreak if you have the stamina.
Sansibar, Scholvinstr. 7. Music spans 3 decades beginning with 1960s soul and traveling through the 1970s and 1980s.
Osho Discothek, Raschplatz 7L. One of the oldest clubs in Hanover but has been revamped on several occasions to keep with the times. Most notable feature is the huge 90 meter square dance floor calling people to boogie the night away.
Brauhaus Ernst-August, Schmiedestr. 13. A nightclub which also serves food! Also has freshly brewed beer. Don't be shocked if you see guest dancing on the tables, it is apparently a common sight.

Eve Klub, Reuterstr. 3-4. Was voted one of the Best 50 Clubs in Germany by the magazine Maxim in 2004. Partygoers come here to enjoy high end DJs or the live performances that happen twice a month.

Heartbreak Hotel, Reuterstr, 5 – One of the newer and fresher nightclubs on the scene. Stays open until daybreak if you have the stamina.

Sansibar, Scholvinstr. 7. Music spans 3 decades beginning with 1960s soul and traveling through the 1970s and 1980s.

Osho Discothek, Raschplatz 7L. One of the oldest clubs in Hanover but has been revamped on several occasions to keep with the times. Most notable feature is the huge 90 meter square dance floor calling people to boogie the night away.

Brauhaus Ernst-August, Schmiedestr. 13. A nightclub which also serves food! Also has freshly brewed beer. Don't be shocked if you see guest dancing on the tables, it is apparently a common sight.

Try the local beer, Herrenhäuser Premium Pilsener

Lüttje Lage is a typical alcoholic drink made of beer and korn (Schnapps) drank simultaneously from two separate glasses.

For those of you with portable computers, WLAN connection is available inside the Central Station. There are also several cafes providing WLAN connection free of charge:

Art Oase, Egerstorffstr. 12
Depot Cafe & Bar, Kramerstr. 10
Viva Gastronomie, Vahrenwalderstr. 92
Cafe Extrablatt, Friesenstr. 14 When you supply a German mobile number, each McDonald's restaurant in Hanover provides one hour of free Wifi. The phone number is not used for advertising.

Café Mezzo provides a public computer with internet access. Internet cafés are easy to find in Steintor area, especially along the Goethe Straße, Lange Laube and Am Marstall. The price varies, but normally is from €1 to €2 per hour.

It is possible to buy prepaid SIM cards from several operators. However, it is compulsory to register your identity, so make sure to bring your passport with you. And since it is registered, take necessary care of the SIM card when you stop using it.

Hanover is normally very safe. Before and after a soccer match there might be quite a few drunken people around, especially in the central station, but there always are police patrolling.

In Kröpcke you may get asked for money by the homeless. Pickpockets may act in crowded area such as inside the trams during a big exhibition.

Police: 110
Emergency (fire, acute illness): 112
Pharmacy for emergency: 01189

Hanover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1 (Tram 4, direction Roderbruch, stop: Medizinische Hochschule, +49 511 5320. Most likely place to find medical doctors who are willing to speak English.
Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Built, Janusz-Korczak-Allee 12, +49 511 8115-0. Specialized in children's disease, but also has an emergency ward.
Ärztehaus Hannover, Schiffgraben 22-28, +49 511 3 80 380. 24/7 emergency doctor's services near the Central Station.

Hanover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1 (Tram 4, direction Roderbruch, stop: Medizinische Hochschule, +49 511 5320. Most likely place to find medical doctors who are willing to speak English.

Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Built, Janusz-Korczak-Allee 12, +49 511 8115-0. Specialized in children's disease, but also has an emergency ward.

Ärztehaus Hannover, Schiffgraben 22-28, +49 511 3 80 380. 24/7 emergency doctor's services near the Central Station.

One laundromat can be found in Oesterleystr. on Sudstadt.
There is an unattended laundromat on Engelbosteler Damm 75, near the "Kopernikusstraße" tram stop. One machine is about € 3,50 including detergent. Open till 23:00.
Another laundromat is at Deisterstraße (best walk from the "Schwarzer Baer" tram stop). Same proprietor as the place on Engelbosteler Damm, so same prices&conditions.
Waschweiber Salon & Bar, Limmerstr.1, +49 511-1237696. M-F WASCHsalon 11:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00, Sa WASCHsalon 09:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00. Last time to start the machines is 21:00.. For a laundromat with a twist.

Waschweiber Salon & Bar, Limmerstr.1, +49 511-1237696. M-F WASCHsalon 11:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00, Sa WASCHsalon 09:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00. Last time to start the machines is 21:00.. For a laundromat with a twist.

English translation was introduced to some official tourist portals such as the train ticket machines.

Tourist Office, Prinzenstr. 12 (close to the central station, +49 511-12345-111. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-14:00.

Tourist Office, Prinzenstr. 12 (close to the central station, +49 511-12345-111. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-14:00.

Steinhuder Meer, watersports pier

Steinhuder Meer - a lakeside nature park located outside Hanover city, but still within Hanover Region. 30 km west of Hanover. Take a regional train (RE) or S1 (direction Minden(Westf)) to Wunstorf and continue by bus (40–50 minutes in total).
Hildesheim, one of the oldest cities in the region, with Romanesque church and cathedral, 35 km south (25–30 minutes by train)
Celle, old town on the edge of Luneburg Heath, almost undamaged by war, 45 km northeast (17–25 minutes by train)
Hamelin, picturesque old town with Renaissance stone and half-timbered houses, setting of the Pied Piper legend, 45 km southwest (45 minutes by suburban train)
Alfeld - Fagus Factory designed by Walter Gropius at the beginning of 20th century. It is one of the most important examples of early modernist architecture, in 2011 inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. 50 km south (thirty minutes by train).
Brunswick, 65 km east (30–35 minutes by intercity train)
Bodenwerder - home of Baron Munchhausen. A village not far from Hanover. Baron Munchhausen was a Hanoverian storyteller who told extraordinary and often far fetched tales about his life as a soldier, hunter, and sportsman. Some of these tales were the basis for the collection The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 65 km south (about 20 km south-east of Hamelin)
Göttingen, 115 km south (35–40 minutes by intercity or ICE train)
Bremen, 125 km northwest (one hour by intercity or ICE train)
Hamburg 150 km north (1hr 15min by ICE train)

There is a special ticket called the "Niedersachsen Ticket" (one to five people, €22/€26/€30/€34/€38) which offers unlimited travel by regional trains within Lower Saxony, Bremen and Hamburg in one day. This ticket is not valid for intercity and high-speed trains (D, EC, IC, ICE) so make sure you board the right trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn, Metronom) when using this ticket. This ticket is also valid on the public transport network in some of the cities (Hanover, Hamburg, Bremen, Brunswick).

[[Alfeld]] - Fagus Factory designed by Walter Gropius at the beginning of 20th century. It is one of the most important examples of early modernist architecture, in 2011 inscribed on [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. 50 km south (thirty minutes by train).