Hannover: The Red Thread
Hannover Between the Years. A time for reflection. The weather is usually gray and cold, and nothing really draws me outside. But this Saturday is different. Late in the morning, the sun breaks through. The sky is blue. What a stroke of luck, because today I’m heading to Hannover to visit a friend. Ahead of time, we thought about how we’d spend the day. Among other plans, we decided to visit the “Open Air Gallery” in the Berggarten at the Herrenhäuser Gardens, which features the best garden and nature photos of the year 2024.
But with such glorious weather, we first want to stretch our legs and explore Hannover’s Red Thread. Inspired by an advertisement, we decide to end the day at the Winter Village at Lister Turm. For me, it turned out to be the discovery of the day.
The Red Thread – Your Personal City Guide
With this slogan, Hannover promotes its 4,200-meter-long line guiding visitors through the city center. Along the route, architectural, historical, and entertaining sights await. The Red Thread is painted on the pavement and easy to spot. Starting at the tourist information center near the train station, we pass the Opera House on our way to the Aegidienkirche.
This memorial, with no roof or windows, houses the Peace Bell from Hiroshima.
The New Town Hall at Maschpark
We take a brief look at a section of the historic city wall before heading directly to the New Town Hall. The area is bustling. Although the registry office is in the Old Town Hall, we see two brides busy with photoshoots. Inside, we examine displays showcasing Hannover’s development from the 17th century to today. The destruction during World War II is particularly shocking.
We step outside and briefly leave the Red Thread to visit Maschpark, the best spot for a photo of the city’s administration building.
We pass the August Kestner Museum, the House of the Court Architect, and the King’s Palace, finally reaching the Leineschloss. Beside the state parliament building, there’s now a different attraction: the Leinewelle. Surfing in the middle of the city? Zigzagging from left to right under the gaze of curious onlookers? For those who enjoy it!
Hannover’s Old Town
We turn right and enter Hannover’s Old Town through the Marstall Gate. On Ballhofplatz, it’s delightful to see the half-timbered houses lit by the winter sun. We simply prefer these historical buildings over modern glass constructions.
We arrive at the Holzmarkt, home to its namesake fountain and the beautiful Leibniz House. We then stroll down Kramerstraße, known for its many pubs and restaurants. Life here is vibrant. Due to the chilly weather, we take a shortcut, passing the Marktkirche, Old Town Hall, and Markthalle before heading underground to catch the subway to the Berggarten.
Photo Exhibition IGPOTY 17: The Best Garden and Nature Photos
We read online that the exhibition is open until 6 PM. Mistakenly, we also thought it would be indoors. Unfortunately, the Berggarten ticket office closes at 3:30 PM, and we just make it in time. A staff member assures us that half an hour is enough to view the photos.
The open-air gallery is compact, displaying award-winning photos of gardens, flora, fauna, and fungi. Interestingly, many pictures were taken by British citizens or on British soil. Perhaps the competition is particularly well-known in the UK?
While some nature photos are stunning, others feel increasingly artificial—perhaps due to extensive photo editing. We leave the exhibition with mixed feelings and cold hands and feet.
Lister Turm Winter Village
But the day ends on a cozy note. We take the tram to Lister Platz and walk a short distance to the Lister Turm. Here, the Winter Village with mulled wine and more awaits. It’s bustling. Behind the beverage counter, we find a Bavarian-style hut. It’s warm and inviting—a perfect spot to relax and chat.
If you know the Christmas Forest in Goslar, you’ll love the Winter Village. It smells of pine, mulled wine, and all sorts of treats. Very tempting!
We walk back to Hannover’s train station, stopping for tea along the way, and catch the train home.
My Conclusion: An absolutely wonderful day in Hannover.
