Hannover: City of Trade Fairs and Congresses and city amidst greenery with a royal history. In 2000 it witnessed the first ever World Exhibition in Germany. The regional capital received 10 million visitors from all over the world during the EXPO 2000 held from 1st June to 31st October 2000. With connections to the Hannover airport and direct rail and autobahn links, Hannover is ideally accessible in the heart of Europe. Besides these, the royal gardens of Herrenhausen, cultural sightseeing and unique events turn Hannover into a tourist jewel - throughout the year.

Sights worth seeing in Hannover inner city

Altes and Neues Rathaus (Old and New Town hall) Anzeiger-Hochhaus, Ballhof(platz), Duvekapelle, Herrenhäuser Gardens, Kreuzkirche, Kröpcke, Leineschloss (Regional Parliament), Markthalle, Marktkirche, Niki de Saint Phalle-Promenade, Oper, Steintor, Zoo

EXPOSEUM

Get to know exiting, useful and unbelievable information about EXPO 2000 on 500 square metres of the exposition. Take part in a production involving sound images, data and objects from 153 heady days of the EXPO. Learn what became of the over 50 national pavilions on the premises, the more than 600 global projects, the most interesting contributions of the EXPO business partners and the pieces of the mosaic from all over the world that added to the flair and success of the global exhibition. As an exclusive feature of the EXPOSEUM you can see the gifts from the participating nations given to the Federal Republic of Germany, in alternating exhibitions.

Opening hours:
Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm
Guided tours on appointment.
Admission: 1 €, free for children up to 6 years

Historic Museum

The very place where the museum is located is closely linked with the history of Hannover: From the high banks of the Leine, which probably lent the name to the young "Honovere" , the city was founded 1100 years ago. Tones of the late Middle Ages in the semicircular Beginen Tower and the remains of the city wall made of rough hewn quarry stone stand witness.

Opening hours:
Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Sunday and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adults 4 €, reduced 3 €, free for children up to 12 years

Marienburg Castle

The castle, embedded magnificently in the landscape near Nordstemmen in the Calenberger country, is no old knight's castle. It was built as recently as in the years 1857 to 1866 in the neo-gothic style by the architects Haase and Oppler for George V., the last king of Hannover, who gifted it to his consort as a summer residence. The Marienburg was expanded into a castle museum with loving care and no mean expense, and is among the most important sights in the extended neighbourhood of Hannover.

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12 midday and 1 pm to 6 pm

Adventure-Zoo Hannover

Exotic landscapes, over 2,600 animals and great shows: discover the fascinating world of animals. In the four exciting worlds of the zoo (African river landscape of Zambezi, Gorilla Mountain, jungle palace, Lower-Saxon Meyer's Court) you can expect some extraordinary encounters, unforgettable impressions and above all, lots of fun for the entire family.

Opening hours:
March to October daily from 9 am to 6 pm, November to February daily 10 am to 4 pm
On 24th and 31st December the zoo is open up to 2 pm
Admission (Day ticket): Adults 23 €, children from 6 to 17 years 16 €, children from 3 to 5 years 13 €, children under 3 years free.

More information here.

Steinhuder Meer (Lake Steinhuder)

The "Steinhuder Meer" at the gates of Hannover provides a slice of real nature, as a natural inland lake in Lower Saxony. Surrounded by mysterious moors, green meadows and gently undulating hills, the visitor to the Nature Park can enjoy the Steinhuder Meer. Tourists and those seeking relaxation have been flocking to the Steinhuder Meer for decades. They come from Hannover and from all over Germany to sail, surf and bathe. Regardless of how much time you have, an excursion to the "Meer" is always worthwhile. But even on the cultural front, the neighbourhood has quite a lot to offer: an open air dinosaur museum (Münchehagen), the birthplace of Wilhelm Busch (the children's writer from Wiedensahl), and those who look carefully will find here some of the locales where the duo Max and Moritz played their tricks, eel smokeries (Steinhuse, Mardorf, Hagenburg) and many small places with numerous museums to admire.