1 day · First-time visitors
Hannover in One Day
If you only have one day, follow the Red Thread - the 4.2 km red line painted on the sidewalk that links 36 stations. We pick out the highlights: the New Town Hall with its unique tilted dome lift, the Market Church and old town, the Nanas on the riverbank and the Maschsee lake to finish. A Lower Saxon lunch break and a relaxed evening are built in.
Best time to visit: April to October - the Maschsee is at its best then
Day 1
The highlights in one day
We start at the New Town Hall, follow the Red Thread through the old town, have lunch in the city and finish at the Maschsee near the Eilenriede forest.
- 9:30 - 11:30
New Town Hall with the tilted lift
The Wilhelmine showpiece town hall of 1913 is Hannover's landmark. The highlight is the tilted dome lift, which rises at a 17-degree angle into the cupola - the only one of its kind in Europe. From the top, a panorama over the city, the Maschsee and the Eilenriede.
Tip: Come early - the line for the tilted lift gets long from midday.
- 11:30 - 13:00
Maschpark and the Red Thread into the old town
From the town hall through the Maschpark with its pond, then following the Red Thread towards the old town. Along the way the Leine Palace (the state parliament) and views of the river Leine.
- 13:00 - 14:15
Lower Saxon fare in the old town
Around the Market Church and Kramerstrasse there are cozy spots serving regional cuisine - from Bremen pan-fried fish to Hannover-style tongue ragout. Half-timbered atmosphere included.
- 14:15 - 15:30
Market Church and old town
The Gothic Market Church with its distinctive brick tower is the spiritual heart of the old town. Around it lie Hannover's finest half-timbered lanes, the Old Town Hall and the Ballhofplatz.
- 15:45 - 16:30
The Nanas on the Leibnizufer
The three colorful, voluptuous Nana figures by Niki de Saint Phalle on the riverbank caused a scandal when they were installed in 1974 - today they are Hannover's cheeriest landmark.
- 16:45 - 18:30
A walk around the Maschsee
Hannover's large lake, created in the 1930s, is the city's recreational lung. A lap around the shore (about 6 km), pedal boats, a ferry and beach bars. Especially lovely at sunset.
- 19:30 - 21:30
Dinner in the Suedstadt or by the lake
The Suedstadt right by the Maschsee offers relaxed restaurants and wine bars. To stay by the water, stop at a beach bar or one of the lakeside restaurants.