This installment of Three Things About is courtesy of Petra Sievers, Hannover Marketing and Tourism GmbH, and Fritzi Luca, German National Tourist Office.
Question: What are some of the “things” or activities that people who live in Hanover do for fun?
There are numerous activities in Hanover that locals enjoy, including surfing on the Leine River right in the heart of the Old Town district. A surfable wave has been created there by installing a hydraulically controllable system, allowing water sports enthusiasts to engage in ‘rapid surfing.’
During summer, the annual Maschsee Lake Festival transforms the promenades around the Maschsee shores into one of Northern Germany’s largest open-air parties, featuring various stages and a wide array of entertainment acts.
In the winter, locals and visitors come together and drink mulled wine at the Christmas market. There are more than 100 festively decorated stalls selling culinary delights, as well as local goods, such wooden toys from the Erzgebirge.
Question: What’s one thing the public probably does NOT know about Hanover?
One lesser-known fact about Hanover is its status as one of Germany’s greenest cities. The capital of Lower Saxony boasts over 2,100 acres of public green spaces, including the ‘green lung’ of the city, the Eilenriede, which alone extends to about 1,600 acres in the city’s center, nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park. The city center also features Maschpark and Maschsee Lake, along with historic parks like the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, which include a renowned baroque garden.”
A hidden gem of the city is the singing manhole cover in the city center. A Germany-wide unique piece surprises onlookers with unexpected music and adds a playful touch to the cityscape.
Question: What has Hanover contributed to the world?
Hanover has made significant contributions to the world, particularly in the realm of music technology. It is the birthplace of the first vinyl record, the production site of the first music cassette, and the location where the first CD was pressed. These innovations have played a crucial role in Hanover being designated a ‘UNESCO City of Music’ in December 2014, a title that celebrates the city’s ongoing influence on musicians and music technology.
