This article refers to the German city. For other uses, see Hanover (disambiguation).

Hannover Hanover
The New Town Hall in Hanover, built from 1901 to 1913. The New Town Hall in Hanover, built from 1901 to 1913.
Coat of arms	Location
Coat of arms of Hanover	Hanover (Germany)
Administration
Country	Germany
State	Lower Saxony
District	Region Hanover
City subdivisions	13 districts
Governing parties	SPD / Greens
Basic statistics
Population	522,944   Please give "Stand" in YYYY-MM-DD format , e. g. 2005-12-31 [1]
- Metro	1,128,543
Other information
Time zone	CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Licence plate code	H
Postal codes	30001 - 30669
Area codes	0511
Website	www.hannover.de

Coordinates:

Hanover⁽ⁱ⁾ (German: (helpinfo), IPA: [haˈnoːfɐ]), on the river Leine, is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany. In addition to being the capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover was the capital of the administrative area Hanover region (Regierungsbezirk Hannover) until Lower Saxony's regions were disbanded at the beginning of 2005. It is, however, still part of the Hanover district (Region Hannover), which is a municipal body made up from the former district and city of Hanover.

With a population of 522,944 (1 February 2007) the city is a major center of northern Germany, known for hosting annual commercial expositions such as the Hanover Fair and the CeBIT. Every year Hanover hosts the Schützenfest Hannover, the world's largest Marksmen's Fun Fair, and the Oktoberfest Hannover which is the second largest Oktoberfest in the world. In 2000, Hanover hosted the world fair Expo 2000. The Hanover fairground, due to numerous extensions especially for the Expo 2000, is the largest in the world. Hanover also has regional importance because of its university and medical school, its international airport, and its large zoo (Hanover Zoo).

History

Founded in medieval times on the bank of the river Leine (the original name Honovere may be translated as "high bank", though it is debated), Hanover was a small village of ferrymen and fishermen, and became a comparatively large town in the 13th century. In the 14th century the main churches of Hanover were built, as well as a city wall with three town gates to secure the city.

In 1636 the Elector of Calenberg decided to move his residence to Hanover. His electorate was afterwards known as the Electorate of Hanover (see: House of Hanover). His descendants would later become kings of Great Britain (after 1801, kings of the United Kingdom); the first of them was George I, who ascended to the British throne in 1714. Three kings of Great Britain, or the United Kingdom, were at the same time Electoral Princes of Hanover. His even further descendants became the monarchs of sixteen countries around the world known as the Commonwealth Realms. The most famous of these descendants living today is Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

During the time (1714-1837) of the personal union of the crowns of the United Kingdom and Hanover, the monarch rarely visited the city. In fact, during the reigns of the final three joint rulers (1760-1837), there was only one short visit, by George IV, in 1821. Usually, a viceroy represented the monarch in Hanover.

During the Seven Years' War on July 26, 1757 the Battle of Hastenbeck took place near the city. The French army defeated the Hanoverian Army of Observation, leading to the occupation of Hanover.

After Napoleon imposed the Convention of Artlenburg (Convention of the Elbe) on July 5, 1803 about 30,000 French soldiers occupied Hanover. The Convention also meant the disbanding of the army of Hanover. George III did not recognize the Convention of the Elbe. As a result of this, a great number of soldiers from Hanover eventually emigrated to Great Britain leading to the King's German Legion which was the only German army to fight continually during the whole Napoleonic wars against the French. They played later an important role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 . The Congress of Vienna in 1814 elevated the electorate to the Kingdom of Hanover. The capital town Hanover expanded to the western bank of the Leine and grew considerably ever since.

In 1837, the personal union of the United Kingdom and Hanover ended as William IV's heir in the United Kingdom was female (Queen Victoria), and Hanover could be inherited only by males. Hanover passed to William IV's brother as a consequence, Ernest Augustus, and continued as a kingdom until 1866, when Hanover, despite having won the battle of Langensalza against Prussia, was annexed by Prussia. After the annexation, the people of Hanover opposed the Prussian regime. Nevertheless, the growth of Hanover continued until World War II, when two thirds of the town was bombed to ruins. After the war, Hanover was in the British zone of occupation of Germany, and became part of the new state (Land) of Lower Saxony in 1946.

Subdivisions

Districts

1. Mitte
2. Vahrenwald-List
3. Bothfeld-Vahrenheide
4. Buchholz-Kleefeld
5. Misburg-Anderten
6. Kirchrode-Bemerode-Wülferode
7. Südstadt-Bult
8. Döhren-Wülfel
9. Ricklingen
10. Linden-Limmer
11. Ahlem-Badenstedt-Davenstedt
12. Herrenhausen-Stöcken
13. Nord

Quarters

• Nordstadt
• Südstadt
• Oststadt
• Zoo (for the zoo itself, see Hanover Zoo)
• Herrenhausen

Sights and Places

One of the most famous sights are the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen: The Great Garden belongs to the most beautiful baroque gardens in Europe and it is the only one in Germany in its original state. Some points of interest are the Grotto (the interior was designed by the French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle), the Galery Building, with the biggest fresco in Northern Germany, the Orangerie and the two pavillons of Remy de la Fosse. The Great Garden consists of several parts. The most popular ones are the Great Ground and the Neuveau Jardin. At the centre of the Neuveau Jardin is Europe's highest garden fountain. The historic Garden Theatre is famous because it hosts the famous musicals of the German rock musician Heinz Rudolf Kunze.

The Berggarten is one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. The most famous points of interest are the Tropical House, the Cactus House, the Canary House and the Orchid House, which hosts one of the world's biggest collection of orchids, and free-flying birds and butterflies. Near the entrance to the Berggarten is the historic Library Pavillon. The Mausoleum of the Guelphs is also located in the Berggarten. Like the Graet Garden, the Berggarten also consists of several parts, for example the Paradies and the Prairie Garden. There is also the Sea Life Centre Hanover, which is the first tropical aquarium in Germany.

The Georgengarten is an English landscape garden. The Leibniz Temple and the Wallmoden Palace are two points of interest there.

Other gardens are the Guelph Garden with the Guelph Palace and the Prince Garden. Nearby are the Water Art, the Hardenbergsche House and the Prince House.

The landmark of Hanover is the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Insite are four models of the town and the only working diagonal-elevator in Germany, which goes up the large dome.

The Hanover Zoo is one of the most spectacular and best zoos in Europe. The second time the zoo has received the Parc Scout Award and so it became the best and nicest zoo in Germany. The zoo consists of several theme-areas: Sambesi, Meyers Farm, Gorilla-Mountain, Jungle-Palace, and Mullewapp. Some smaller areas are Australia, the wooded area for wolves, and the so called swimming area with many seabirds. In the zoo is also a tropical house, a jungle house, and a show-arena. The new Alaska-themed area, Yukon Bay, is still in planning.

Another point of interest is the Old Town. At the centre is the huge Market Church and the Old Town Hall. Near by are the Leibniz House, the Nolte House, and the Beguine Tower. A very nice quarter of the Old Town is the Kreuz-Church-Quarter around the Kreuz Church with many nice little lanes. Nearby is the old theatre, called Ballhofeins. On the edge of the Old Town are the Market Hall, the Leine Palace, and the ruin of the Aegidien Church which is now a monument for the victims of war and violence. Through the Marstall Gate you arrive at the bank of the river Leine, where the world-famous Nanas of Niki de Saint-Phalle are located. They are part of the Mile of Skulpture which goes from the Königsworter Square up to the entrance of the Georgengarten. Near the Old Town is the district Calenberger Neustadt where the Catholic church of St. Clemens, the Reformed Church, and the Protestant Neustädter Church are located.

Some other popular sights are the Waterloo Column, the Laves House, the Wangenhaim Palace, the Statesarchive of Lower Saxony, the Hanover Play House, the Kröpcke Clock, the Anzeiger Tower Block, the Administration Building of the NORD/LB, the Cupola Hall of the Congress-Centre, the Lower Saxony Stock, the Ministry of Finance, the Garten Church, the Luther Church, the Gehry Tower (designed by the American architect Frank O. Gehry), the special designed Bus Stops, the Opera House, the Central Station, the lake Maschsee and the cityforrest Eilenride'', which is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Because of around 40 parks, forrests and gardens, a couple of lakes, two rivers and one channel Hanover offers a large variaty of leisure activities.

Since 2007 the historic Leibniz Letters, which can be visited in the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Library, are an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outside of the city centre is the EXPO-Park. The most popular points of interests are the Planet M., the former German Pavillon, the Yempa Event-Palace, the Expowale, the EXPO-Plaza and the EXPO-Gardens (Parc Agricole, EXPO-Park South and the Gardens of change). Via the Exponale, which is one of the largest pedestrianbridges in Europe, the fairground is reachable. The Hanover fairground is the largest in the world. Two important sights on the fairground are the Hermes Tower (88.8 metres high) and the EXPO Roof, which is the largest woodroof in the world.

In the district of Anderten is the European Cheese Centre, which is the only Cheese-Experience-Centre in Europe. Near by is alo Hanovers large funpark, the CAMPO Aktiv-Arena. It is the largest sports- and leisure facility in Northern Germany with around 60 attractions. Another important sight in Anderten is the Hindenburg Lock, which was the biggest lock in Europe at the time of construction in 1928. The Animalgarden in the district of Kirchrode is a hugh forest and shows the local animals.

In the district of Groß-Buchholz is the Telemax, the highest television tower in Northern Germany. Some other remarkable towers are the VW-Tower and the old towers of the former mid-age defence belt: Döhrener Tower, Lister Tower and the Horse Tower.

The 36 most important sights of the city centre are connected with a 4.2 kilometres (3 mi) long red line, which is painted on the pavement. The so called Red Thread is a kind of walkaround and starts at the touristinformation and ends on the Ernst-August-Square in front of the central station. There is also a guided sightseeing-bustour through the city.

Society and Culture

Museums and Galleries

In Hanover there are 24 museums:

The Historic Museum describes the history of Hanover, from the mid-age settlement "honovere", over the Residence Town, to the world famous Exhibition Town. The museum focusses on the time from 1714 to 1834 when Hanover had a strong relationship to the British royal house.

The Kestnergesellschaft belongs with more than 4.000 members tho the largest art society in Germany. The museum shows exhebitions from the classical modernist art to the contemporary art. One big focus is put on film, video, contemporary music and architecture, room installments and big presentations of contemporary paintings, skulptures and video art.

The Kestner Museum is located in the House of 5.000 windows. The museum is named after August Kestner and exhibits 6,000 years of applied art in four areas: Ancient cultures, ancient Egypt, applied art and a valuable collection of historic coins.

The KUBUS is a forum for contemporary art. It features mostly exhibitions and projects of famous and important artists from Hanover.

The Kunstverein Hannover (Art Society Hanover) was established in 1832 as one of the first art societies in Germany. It is located in the Künstlerhaus (House of artits). There are around 7 international monografic and thematic Exhibitions in one year.

The Lower Saxony State Museum is the largest museum in Hanover. The State Gallery shows the European Art from the 11th to the 20th century, the Nature Department shows the zoology, geology, botanic, geology and a Vivarium with fishes, ionsects, reptiles and amphibias. The Primeval Department shows the primeval history of Lower Saxony and the Folklore Department shows the cultures from all over the world.

The Sprengel Museum shows the art of the 20th century. It is one of the most notable art museums in Germany. The focus is put on the classical modernist art with the collection of Kurt Schwitters, works of the German expressionism, and the French kubism, the cabinett of abstracts, the grafics and the department of photography and media. Forthermore the museum shows the famous works of the French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle.

The Theatre Museum shows an exhibition of the history of the theatre in Hanover from the 17th century up to now: Opera, concert, drama and ballett. The museum also hosts several touring exhibitions during the year.

The Wilhelm-Busch-Museum is the German museum for caricature and critical grafics. The collection of the works of Wilhelm Busch and the extensive collection of caricatures and critical grafics is this museum unique in Germany. Forthermore the museum hosts several exhibitions of national and international artists during the year.

The Niedersächsische Münzkabinett der Deutschen Bank (Lower Saxony cabinet of coins) shows the former coins-collection of the former kings of the British Empire and the electors of Hanover. Another cabinet of coins is the Münzkabinett der TUI-AG. The Polizeigeschichtliche Sammlung Niedersachsen is the largest police museum in Germany. The EXPOseeum is the museum of the world-exhibition "EXPO 2000 Hannover". The princely living is the theme of the Herrenhausen-Museum in the Prince House. The Blind Man Museum is a rarity in Germany, another one is only in Berlin. The Leibniz House shows the work and living of the philosopher and librarian Gottfried-Wilhelm of Leibniz. The Museum of veterinary medicine is unique in Germany. Textiles from all over the world can be visited in the Museum for textile art. Carpets and things from the orient can be visited in the Oriental Carpet Museum. The Museum for Energy History describes the 150 years old history of the application of energy. The Printing Museum shows an old printing plant of the fifties. The Home Museum Ahlem shows the history of the district of Ahlem. The Fire Brigade Museum shows the history of the fire brigade in Hanover, and the Stiftung Ahlers Pro Arte / Kestner Pro Arte shows modern art.

There are also around 30 art galleries in Hanover. For example the Hanover gallery which features an exhibition of the Italian artist Bruno Bruni, and the Nord/LB Art Gallery.

Some leading art events in Hanover are the Long Night of the museums and the Zinnober Kunstvolkslauf which features all the galleries in Hanover.

People who are interested in space should visit the Observatory Geschwister Herrschel on the Lindener Mountain or the small planetarium inside of the Bismarck School.

Theatre, Cabaret and Musical

Around 40 theatres are located in Hanover. The Opera House, the Schauspielhaus (Play House), the Ballhofeins, the Ballhofzwei and the Cumbarlandsche Galerie belong to the Lower Saxony State Theatre. The Theater am Aegi is Hanovers big theatre for musicals, shows and guest performances. The Neues Theater (New Theatre) is the Boulevard Theatre of Hanover. The Landesbühne Hannover is another big theatre in Hanover. The Garden Theatre in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen hosts the famous rockmusicals of the German rockmusician Heinz Rudolph Kunze.

The Long Night of the Theatres is the oldest event of its kind in Germany.

Some important international theatre-events are the Tanztheater International, the Festival Theaterformen and the International Competition for Choreographs.

Hanovers leadind cabaret-stage is the GOP Variety theatre which is located in the Georgs Palace. Some other famous cabaret-stages are the Variety Marlene and the revue-stage TAK. The most important Cabaret-Event is the Kleines Fest im Großen Garten (Little Festival in the Graet Garden) which is the most successfull Cabaret Festival in Germany. It features artists from around the world. Some other important events are the Calenberger Cabaret Weeks, the Hanover Cabaret Festival and the Wintervariety.

Music

The rock bands Scorpions and Fury in the Slaughterhouse are originally from Hanover. Also, acclaimed DJ Mousse T has his main recording studio in the area.

Sport

Hannover 96 (nickname Die Roten) is Hanover's football team who play in the Bundesliga top division. Home games are played at the AWD-Arena. Hannover 96 II plays in the third division and the home games are played in the traditional Eilenriedestadium. Arminia Hannover (Nickname Die Blauen) is another football team in Hanover and plays in the Niedersachsenliga (Lower Saxony Legue). Home games are played in the Rudolf-Kalweit-Stadium.

Hanover is one of Germany's centres for ice hockey. The Hannover Scorpions play in the top division and their home games are played in the TUI Arena. The Hannover Indians are the second ice hockey team in Hanover. Their home games are played in the Ice Stadium at the Horse Tower.

Hanover is also one of the Rugby capitals in Germany. The first German Rugby team was founded in Hanover in 1878. Till now Hanover is one of the leading towns in the German Rugby scene. DRC Hannover plays in the first division, and SG 78/08 Hannover plays in the second devision.

The first German Fencing Club was founded in Hanover in 1862. Today there are three more Fencing Clubs in Hanover.

Hanover is a centre for Water Sports. Thanks to the lake Maschsee, the rivers Ihme and Leine and to the channel Mittellandkanal Hanover hosts sailing schools, yacht schools, waterski clubs, rowing clubs, canoe clubs and paddle clubs. The water polo team WASPO W98 plays in the first devision.

The Hannover Regents play in the first German Baseball devision.

Important Sport Events

The Hannover Marathon is the biggest running event in Hanover with more than 11.000 participants. Some other important running events are the Gilde Stadtstaffel (relay), the Sport-Check Nachtlauf (night-running), the Herrenhäuser Team-Challenge, the Hannoversche Firmenlauf (company running) and the Silvesterlauf (sylvester running).

Hanover hosts also an important international cycle race: The Nacht von Hannover (night of Hanover). The race takes place around the Market Hall.

The lake Maschsee hosts the International Dragon Boat Races and the Canoe-Polo-Tournament. Many regattas take place during the year. Head of the river Leine on the river Leine is one of the biggest rowing regattas in Hanover.

Some other important sport events are the Lower Saxony Beach Volleyball Tournament, the international horse show German Classics and the international ice hockey tournament Nations Cup.

Regular Events

Hanover is one of the leading Exhibition Cities in the world. Each year Hanover hosts more than 60 international and national exhibitions. The most popular ones are the CeBIT, the Hanover Fair, the Domotex, the Ligna, the IAA Nutzfahrzeuge and the Agritechnica. Hanover also hosts a hugh number of congresses.

But Hanover is not only one of the most important Exhibition Cities in the world, Hanover is also one of the German capitals for the marksmen. The Schützenfest Hannover is the largest Marksmen's Fun Fair in the world and takes place once a year. It consists of more than 260 rides and inns, five large beer tents and a big entertainment program. The highlight of this fun fair is the 12 kilometres (7 mi) long Parade of the Marksmen with more than 12.000 participants from all over the world, amog them around 5.000 marksmen, 128 bands and more than 40 wagons, carriages and big festival vehicles. It is the longest procession in the world. Around 2 million people visit this fun fair every year. Some regular attractions are the biggest transportable Ferris Wheel in the world (60 m (197 ft) high), the worlds biggest transportable Roller Coaster, the highest transportable Free Fall Tower in the world (66 m (217 ft) high) and the Europes only travelling illusion theatre. The origins of this fun fair is located in the year 1529.

Hanover also hosts one of the two largest Spring Festivals in Europe with around 180 rides and inns, 2 large beer tents and around 1.5 million visitors each year. The Oktoberfest Hannover is the second largest Oktoberfest in the world with around 160 rides and inns, two large beer tents and around 1 million visitors each year.

The Maschsee Festival takes place around the lake Maschsee. Each year around 2 million visitors want to enjoy live music, comedy, cabaret and many more. It is Germanys second largest Volksfest of its kind.

The Great Garden hosts every year the International Fireworks Competition, and the International Festival Weeks Herrenhausen whith lots of music and cabaret.

The Carnival Procession is around 3 kilometres (2 mi) long and consits of 3.000 participants, around 30 festival vehicles and around 20 bands and takes place every year.

Some more festivals are for example the Old Town Party, the gayfestival Rainbow Days, the Festival Feuer und Flamme (Fire and Flames), the Gartenfestival (Gardenfestival), the Herbstfestival (Autumn Festival), the Harley Days, the Steintor Festival (Steintor is a party area in the city centre), the Niedersachsenfestival (Lower Saxony Festival) with many folklore groups from Lower Saxony and all over Europe, and the Lister-Meile-Festival (Lister Meile is a large pedestrian area).

Hanover also hosts Food Festivals, for example the Wine Festival and the Gourmet Festival.

Furthermore Hanover hosts some special markets. The Old Town Flea Market is the oldest flea market in Germany and the Market for Art and Trade has a high reputation. Some other big markets are the International Easter Egg Market and of course the Christmas Market Hanover in the Old Town. Some highlights of the Christmas Market are the Mid-Age-Village and the Finnish Christmas Village.

Transport

Rail

The city's central station, Hannover Hauptbahnhof, is a hub of vital importance in the German high-speed ICE network. It is the starting point of the Hanover-Würzburg high-speed rail line and the central hub for the Hanover S-Bahn, offering international and national connections to virtually everywhere in Germany.

Air

Hanover and its area is served by Hanover/Langenhagen International Airport (HAJ)

Road

Hanover is an important hub in Germany's Autobahn network; the interchange of two major autobahns, the A2 and A7 is at Kreuz Hannover-Ost, at the northeastern edge of the city. Local autobahns are A 352 (a bypass between A7 and A2, also known as the airport autobahn because it runs close to Hanover Airport) and the A 37. The Schnellweg (en: expressway) system, a number of Bundesstraße roads, forms a structure loosely resembling a large ring road together with A2 and A7. The roads are B 3, B 6 and B 65, called Westschnellweg (B6 on the northern part, B3 on the southern part), Messeschnellweg (B3, becomes A37 near Burgdorf, crosses A2, becomes B3 again, changes to B6 at Seelhorster Kreuz, then passes the Hanover fairground as B6 and becomes A37 again before merging into A7) and Südschnellweg (starts out as B65, becomes B3/B6/B65 upon crossing Westschnellweg, then becomes B65 again at Seelhorster Kreuz).

Bus and Light rail

Main article: Hanover Stadtbahn

Hanover has an extensive Stadtbahn system, traditionally operated by üstra. The city is famous for its designer buses and tramways, the TW 6000 and TW 2000 trams being the most well-known examples.

Economy

The Volkswagen transporter factory at Hannover-Stöcken is the biggest employer in the region.

Education

The University of Hanover is the largest funded institution in Hanover for providing higher education to the students from around the world. Below are name of universities and some of the important schools including newly opened Hannover Medical Research School in 2003 for attracting the students from biology background from around the world.

There are several universities in Hanover:

• University of Hanover
• Hanover Conservatory http://www.hmt-hannover.de
• Hanover Medical School http://www.mh-hannover.de
• School of Veterinary Medicine Hanover

There is one University of Applied Science and Arts in Hanover:

• Fachhochschule Hannover http://www.fh-hannover.de

Towns named after Hanover

• Hanover, Brighton, UK
• Hanover, Ontario, Canada
• Hanover, Northern Cape, South Africa
• Hanover, Minnesota, U.S.
• Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S.
• Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Hanover, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Hanover, Maine, U.S.
• Hanover, Maryland, U.S.
• Hanover, Virginia, U.S. (seat of Hanover County, Virginia)
• Hanover, Kansas, U.S.

Also, New Hanover County, North Carolina, U.S. is named after the city.

Twinnings

- Bristol, United Kingdom - Perpignan, France - Rouen, France - Blantyre, Malawi

- Poznań, Poland - Hiroshima, Japan - Leipzig, Germany

Definitions

Note: Hanover is the correct English spelling, even though the German spelling is with a double n. It should always be used when referring to the British House of Hanover (even if one chooses to write the city the German way).

See also

• Expo 2000
• Hanover Fair (Hannover Messe)
• CeBIT (CeBIT Computer Messe)
• Oktoberfest Hannover
• Treaty of Hanover among Britain, France, and Prussia on May 19, 1727

Notable Residents

• Rock band The Scorpions

References

External links

• City's own website
• Local Public Transport
• Official website for tourism, holiday and leisure in Lower Saxony and Hanover
• City Panoramas - Panoramic Views of Hanover's Highlights
• Hannover Messe - Hanover Fair
• CeBIT - Computer Fair
• (German) EXPOseeum - see what is left from Expo 2000
• Hanover images
• (English) (German) tram in Hanover
• http://www.mh-hannover.de/hbrs.html

Hanover Nightlife

• (German) Nightlife, events, chat, and photos
• Nightlife, events, chat, and photos (Google Translated)

•  • [ e] Cities and towns in Hanover district
Barsinghausen