Hotels in Hannover

Hannover is a trade-fair city with a Baroque secret: the Herrenhausen Gardens, developed by Electress Sophia in the 17th century, rank among the finest formal gardens in Europe, all clipped hedges, fountains and a grand parterre. The city hosts the Hannover Messe on the world's largest exhibition ground, and a painted Roter Faden red line on the pavement threads 36 main sights together for self-guided walkers.

The Maschsee, a 1930s man-made lake, gives the centre somewhere to swim, sail and drink in summer. Heavy wartime bombing left a mostly functional post-war centre, and outside the big fairs the place can feel quiet. Stay in the Mitte near the New Town Hall and the red thread for gardens, lake and station all within reach.