Hanover is the capital of Lower Saxony, a city of around 536,000 people, first recorded in 1100 and granted town rights in 1241. It’s best known for being one of Germany’s big trade-fair cities (home of Hannover Messe) and for a surprisingly green, water-and-park layout along the River Leine. Classic stops include the restored Old Town around the Marktkirche, the New Town Hall viewpoint, and the Herrenhausen Gardens—one of Europe’s major historic garden ensembles. The city also works well as a practical base in northern Germany: rail links fan out quickly toward Hamburg, Berlin, the Ruhr and Frankfurt, and most central sights are easy to cover by tram and on foot.

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Rocker Hannover

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