Things To Do
in Hannover

Pan-fried fish (often with mustard sauce and potatoes); find it in traditional restaurants and beer gardens in Hannover and the surrounding region.

Must-Try!

Kale with smoked sausage — a winter staple in Lower Saxony; typically served in traditional eateries during the cold months.

Crispy fried potatoes served with schnitzel; common on many local menus for an affordable, filling meal.

A regional sausage often served with kale or potatoes, available at traditional restaurants and seasonal markets.

Germans value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and tours.

Keep noise levels moderate on public transport and in residential areas, especially in the evenings.

Follow local recycling rules (separate glass, paper, packaging and organic waste); bins are color-coded—ask if unsure.

Use formal 'Sie' with strangers or in business settings until invited to use 'du'; a polite greeting and handshake are common.

Tipping is appreciated but modest: round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service in restaurants. For taxis, round up or add about 5–10% and for cafes leave small change.

Cards (debit/credit) are widely accepted, but smaller shops, markets and some restaurants may prefer cash; contactless payments are common. Carry some euros for markets and small vendors.

Mild temperatures and blooming parks—Herrenhausen and public gardens are at their most colorful; occasional rain so pack a light waterproof jacket.

Warm, pleasant weather with festivals and lakeside activity at Maschsee; ideal for biking and outdoor dining but expect higher visitor numbers and occasional thunderstorms.

Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage in Eilenriede and nearby hills—great for hiking and photography; bring layers for variable weather.

Cold, often damp weather with shorter daylight hours; festive Christmas markets in December and hearty seasonal foods—pack warm clothing and waterproof footwear.

A woodland ridge 20–30 km southwest of Hannover offering a network of trails, viewpoints and traditional inns—great for half-day or full-day hikes.

A scenic region of rolling hills and river valleys west of Hannover, ideal for multi-day hikes and picturesque villages.

Germany’s northern mountain range about 80–120 km south of Hannover with varied terrain, longer trails and historic mining towns—suitable for serious hikers and winter sports in season.

Extensive marked routes inside the city for easy walks and short hikes among mature trees—perfect for quick nature breaks without leaving Hannover.

Main regional airport (Langenhagen), about 11 km north of the city center with regular domestic and European flights; reachable by S-Bahn, bus or taxi in 20–30 minutes.

Secondary option about 120 km northwest—useful for additional flight connections; reachable by regional train or car in around 1.5 hours.

Major airport approximately 150 km north with many international connections; about 1.5–2 hours by train or car depending on service.

Large international hub about 250 km east; can be reached by high-speed train and regional connections for wider long-haul options.

Leibniz University and other institutions bring a sizable student population, visible in lively neighborhoods like Linden and List.

Many established families and long-term residents live in suburban districts, contributing to family-friendly parks and services.

A modest international community tied to trade fairs, multinational companies and academic institutions.

As with many German cities, there is a significant older demographic, reflected in healthcare services and quiet residential areas.

Hannover 96 is the city's main football club with a passionate local fan base; matches at the Heinz von Heiden Arena draw strong crowds.

Handball and field hockey are popular at amateur and club levels with community teams and facilities across the city.

Water sports on Maschsee and nearby rivers are popular recreational activities, especially during warmer months.

Active outdoor culture with many runners and cyclists using Eilenriede, the Lister Meile and dedicated cycling routes.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes, markets and many restaurants; look for 'vegetarisch' on menus and international eateries with vegan choices in Linden and List.

Vegan-friendly restaurants and clearly labeled dishes are increasingly common—use apps like HappyCow to find current vegan spots, especially in student areas.

Gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous; inform staff (‘Ich brauche glutenfreie Optionen’) and favor markets, fish and salad-based dishes when in doubt.

Carry allergy cards in German for cross-contamination concerns; many restaurants can accommodate with prior notice but double-check ingredients.