The Lower Saxony Capital is Hanover

Jun 12th 2007 || Word Count: 417 || Page Views: 7 || Rating: Not yet rated

The Lower Saxony Capital is Hanover

Hanover is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony in Germany. It stands on the river Leine.

Thanks to Expo 2000, Hanover roads have been improved and driving conditions in the city are now among the best in Germany. It has a wide, five lane streets in the city centre make driving very easy and prevent congestion.

The main shopping area in Hanover is the pedestrian zone between Kropcke and Aegidientorplatz. The Bahnhofstrasse, leading from the central station into the heart of the city, is a shopping street on two levels one can also walk along the subterranean Passerelle in the basement, built in the 1970s, which runs from the station to Kropcke and the grand shopping arcades, Luisenstrasse and Kropcke Passage. More exclusive boutiques and little shops can be found in the Old Town. Shopping arcades outside the city centre are the City Centre Langenhagenand the Leine Shopping Centre.

Hanoveras night life is relatively uninspiring, with much of it geared to visiting businessmen fine for those with a love of hotel bars. The city centre often feels very quiet at night, with more life around the Old Town. The Central Station neighbourhood hosts some lively disco offerings, particularly on Raschplatz. The Old Town area of the city boasts quaint, historic pubs with a wide selection of German beers that are a staple of European beverage.

A typical regional cuisine is based on asparagus and potatoes in spring and summer, and kale in the winter.

The Old Town has some interesting small shops, pubs and restaurants. The best examples of medieval housing and street layout can be found on Kramerstrasse and Burgstrasse. The buildings are made of red bricks, a characteristic style of northern Germany.

Lake Maschsee is an artificial lake built close to the city centre in 1936, Lake Maschsee is one of Hanovers most popular recreation areas. 78,000 square metres in size but no deeper than 2m, the lake is perfect for rowing, wind surfing, sailing, swimming and when it is frozen in the winter you can ice skating. The bathing area includes a 300m long beach and is admission free. The summertime festival Maschseefest offers a host of entertainment for the whole family.

Sprengel Museum in Hanover, is a modern art museum established in 1979. It houses works from artists which including Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Leger, Max Ernst, Emil Nolde, Paul Klee and Max Beckmann. It is worth a visit.