Hannover – green trade fair and event location in the heart of Europe

© HMTG/Martin Kirchner

From ground-breaking architecture and infrastructure to highly attractive recreational areas in the surrounding region, the state capital of Lower Saxony – which has a population of around 514,000  – boasts many interesting contrasts. More than 60 different theatres and museums put on a range of world class plays, concerts and exhibitions in Hannover, which was recently awarded the title UNESCO City of Music.  The opera and drama sections of Hannover State Theatre, for example, and exhibition venues such as Sprengel Museum Hannover and the kestnergesellschaft enjoy an excellent international reputation.

© Martin Kirchner/HMTG

Visitors can shop till they drop in Georgstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, two of the most popular shopping streets in Germany. Alternatively, they can head for one of the many arcades, Ernst-August-Galerie shopping mall or charming boutiques in the picturesque Old Town, along the popular Lister Meile or in the bustling Linden district. At the end of the day, there are numerous pavement cafés and authentic pubs where they can recover from an extensive shopping spree.

Those in search of relaxation will find a huge selection of quiet natural spots in Germany’s greenest city. Eilenriede, the largest city forest in Europe, is ideal for a long, relaxing walk, for cycling or rollerblading. Alternatively, head for Maschsee lake where the sailing boats and palm-fringed promenade create an instant Mediterranean flair in the midst of the city.

© HMTG/Kirchner

Visitors to Herrenhausen Gardens can stroll along between winding bosquettes, never-ending box hedges, cascading fountains and golden sculptures. The gardens were created more than 300 years ago by Sophia, Electress of Hannover, inspired by the French originals, and are now regarded as one of the most important and beautiful baroque parks in Europe. Every year, they provide a fantastic backdrop for thrilling events such as the International Fireworks Competition, the Little Festival in the Great Garden, the KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen arts festival and the winter variety show. The rebuilt Herrenhausen Palace with its modern museum and conference centre has added yet another attraction to Herrenhausen Gardens.

A visit to Hannover Adventure Zoo is sure to be a firm favourite with the whole family. With seven fascinating themed worlds containing approx. 2,000 animals of 204 species, this is one of the major tourist attractions in northern Germany.

Hannover is always in season: sports events, open-air concerts and funfairs invite visitors and locals alike to share the suspense and join the celebrations throughout the whole year. Highlights such as the Marksmen’s Fair and Maschsee Lake Festival draw crowds of visitors from all over the world.

© EAC GmbH

The region around Hannover is a perfect choice for holidays, with attractions such as Steinhuder Meer lake, the wooded ridge of the Deister, the rolling farmland of the Calenberger Land and the famous Marienburg Castle offering a wide range of activities for young and old. Historic half-timbered houses in many towns in the region create a unique olde-worlde atmosphere.

Hannover boasts the world’s largest exhibition centre and has a great reputation for its hospitality. As a trade fair and event venue, the state capital of Lower Saxony stands in the international spotlight every year. Millions of trade fair visitors have flocked to the city every year since 1947. Hannover is home to leading international trade fairs and exhibitions such as the HANNOVER MESSE, Agritechnica, EMO and Domotex.

© Deutsche Messe AG

Hannover’s success as a trade fair venue is largely attributable to its central location in the middle of Germany and Europe – making the city a particularly attractive business location for domestic and international visitors, who appreciate the excellent infrastructure and perfect integration in the European transport network. There are direct flights to 100 different destinations from Hannover Airport, whilst the Deutsche Bahn high-speed rail network and the motorways provide fast connections to all major German regions. An extensive public transport system ensures that all the main tourist attractions are quickly and conveniently accessible.

Visitors who would like to explore the many faces of Hannover holiday region can choose from one of the many exciting themed packages designed by Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG), inclusive of bed and breakfast at an attractive hotel in Hannover Region. All packages can be conveniently booked at www.hannover.de/erlebnispakete.

For further information on all aspects of Hannover, go to www.visit-hannover.com/en/press. Useful tips and information for a stay in Hannover are available at www.hannover-tourismus.de, at www.visit-hannover.com/en.

Photos and copy for use by journalists, arranged according to subject area, can be downloaded from www.visit-hannover.com/en/press. 

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