Hannover is a city full of quiet charm and little surprises. From a church that carries a message of peace to grand gardens and lakeside strolls, this northern German city is the perfect place to unwind and soak up history at your own pace.
🚆 The Journey Begins: A Weekend Getaway from Berlin
It takes about an hour and a half by train from Berlin to Hannover. We could have gone just for the day, but decided to stay overnight and take it slow. Hannover may seem calm and green today, but it was once one of northern Germany’s most influential cities — a center of politics, culture, and royal history
🕰 Echoes of Royal History
Back in the 17th century, the House of Hanover rose to power, and in the 18th century, one of its members — George I — became King of Great Britain. For a time, Britain and Hannover even shared the same monarch!
While walking through the city, we came across a small plaque with the name of King George V of Hanover. My husband, who loves history, explained that the Hanoverian royal family was closely linked to the British crown. It was fascinating to realize that this peaceful corner of the city still holds traces of such an important past.
🕊 The Peace Bell at Aegidienkirche
Our first stop was the Aegidienkirche — a church left in ruins, its outer walls standing quietly among the modern buildings. It felt like stepping back in time — peaceful, yet deeply moving.
There, I noticed something that truly surprised me: a Peace Bell from Hiroshima, gifted by the city of Hiroshima. I didn’t expect to find a connection to Japan here. When we lived in Berlin, there was also a Hiroshima Peace Bell in Volkspark Friedrichshain, not far from our old home.
During World War II, Hannover was heavily bombed because of its military factories — about 90% of the city center was destroyed. The church was intentionally left unrestored, as a symbol of remembrance and hope for peace — much like St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg.
🏛 Inside the New Town Hall
Next, we headed to the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), whose reflection on the nearby pond looked straight out of a postcard. Inside, the grand marble staircase and domed ceiling were stunning. The building also displays four detailed models of Hannover — showing how the city looked before the war, after the bombings, during reconstruction, and today.
To reach the top viewing platform, we took a diagonal elevator that moves upward at an angle — narrow, steep, and quite an experience! From above, the view of the city and Maschsee lake was breathtaking. We even saw a couple getting married inside — their elegant attire and the historic setting made for a beautiful scene.
🎭 A Night at the Opera
That evening, we went to the opera — a performance sung in French. It was the children’s first opera experience, and they were completely fascinated. During intermission, people chatted over glasses of champagne, and from the upper terrace, the view of the city lights was just magical.
☕ A Relaxing Morning and Baroque Beauty
The next morning began at Teestübchen, a charming café tucked away in Hannover’s Old Town. With ivy-covered walls outside and warm vintage decor inside, it felt like stepping into another era. We enjoyed croissants and coffee in a calm, friendly atmosphere — the perfect slow start to the day.
Then we visited the Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten), a breathtaking Baroque garden filled with fountains, statues, and neatly lined trees. It truly felt like stepping into another era. The main fountain was absolutely spectacular — the jet of water shot high into the air, and I couldn’t help but say, “Wow!” The sunlight glittered on the spray, making it one of the most memorable sights of the trip.
In the afternoon, we stopped by the Sprengel Museum, then took a walk along the Maschsee lake. The lakeside was full of people relaxing on benches, chatting at cafés, and simply enjoying the sunshine. We joined them with a cold beer in hand, watching the sailboats glide across the water — pure weekend bliss.
In summer, the Maschseefest takes place here — a lively festival with fireworks, live music, and boat events. It’s easy to see why this is Hannover’s favorite spot to relax.
🍽 A Hearty German Farewell
After so much walking, we ended the day with a real German classic — Schweinehaxe, crispy roasted pork knuckle. It’s originally from Bavaria, but now loved all across Germany. Crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfect with sauerkraut and beer. The portion was enormous, so we shared it as a family — and left full and happy. That night, we caught the train back to Berlin, still talking about the day’s highlights.
🌇 Reflections on Hannover
Hannover may not be the flashiest city, but it definitely has its charm. With calm streets, green parks, and friendly lakeside vibes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and enjoy life. If you visit in summer, you’ll find the Maschsee sparkling with fireworks and the city buzzing with excitement — a perfect time to experience Hannover at its liveliest.
