AllWays Traveller Features
Hannover
Hannover is the capital of the Lower Saxony region of Germany
The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen along with the recently rebuilt Herrenhausen Palace form Hanover's most popular attraction and one of the most important Baroque gardens in Europe.
The 17th century garden displays an array of fountains, exotic plants and sculptures.
There is also the chance to take the sloping parabola lift up to the dome of the New Town Hall, where one has a view over the whole city or to visit the historic Old Town with its half-timbered houses.
The world's biggest markmen's funfair and the Christmas markets draw visitors to Hannover.
The green City
City forests, parks and recreational areas make Hannover one of the greenest cities in Germany.
The Eilenriede is the city's 642 hectare "green lung", being nearly twice as big as New York's Central Park.
Lake Maschsee features natural habitats and recreational activities in close proximity to the city and becomes the stage forthe Lake Maschsee Festival during the summer.
The festival is focussed around an international stage on the shores of the lake and is the largest public open-air party in northern Germany.
The main attractions include specialities offered by international caterers, free open-air concerts, activities on the lake, cabaret acts and a children's programme.
Culture, arts and leisure
Hannover is a UNESCO City of Music with the opera and drama sections of Hanover State Theatre performing in the city.
The Herrenhausen Gardens are also a setting for open-air cultural events, with the baroque gardens providing the venue for the arts festival KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen as well as for the International Fireworks Competition and open-air theatre performances.