The name "Herrenhausen" in German can be translated as "lords' houses", indicating the historical association of the site with nobility. The Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover, Germany, are one of Europe's most distinguished elaborate formal gardens, originating back to the 17th century.
The gardens were commissioned by Sophia, Electress of Hanover, and primarily designed by the French landscape gardener Martin Charbonnier at the end of the 17th century. The purpose of the gardens was to serve as a summer residence for the royal family and to provide a suitable backdrop for grand court festivities.
Over the centuries, the gardens have seen numerous transformations and additions. They consist of the Great Garden (Großer Garten), a beautiful baroque garden; the Berggarten, a botanic garden transformed into a European-style botanic garden in the 19th century; the Georgengarten, a beautiful English-style garden; and the Welfengarten.
After World War II, the city of Hannover took over the management of the gardens. Today, they are owned by the State of Lower Saxony and managed by Herrenhäuser Gärten GmbH, a company owned by the city of Hannover. The gardens continue to serve as a significant tourist attraction and host various events, including the annual International Fireworks Competition and festivals.
By Hajotthu - Own work, CC BY 3.0
Here's a sample itinerary for a one-day trip in Hanover, visiting the Leibniz University and Herrenhausen Gardens.
Morning:
Start at Leibniz University: Start your day at the Leibniz University of Hanover, one of Germany's largest and oldest science and technology universities. The campus is dotted with historical buildings and modern structures, reflecting the evolution of education and technology over the centuries. Explore the main building, the Conti-Tower, and the beautiful library.
Visit the Welfenschloss: This former royal palace now serves as the university's main building. It is an excellent example of historicist architecture with a beautiful facade and interior. Also, don't miss the chance to visit the Welfengarten, the park surrounding the palace.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes near the university. You can find everything from traditional German fare to international cuisine.
Afternoon:
Herrenhausen Gardens: Head to the Herrenhausen Gardens after lunch. This complex consists of the Great Garden (Großer Garten), the Berggarten, the Georgengarten, and the Welfengarten. Spend the afternoon strolling through these stunning gardens, which reflect the baroque ideals of ordered nature and art.
The Great Garden: Start with the Great Garden, one of Europe's most distinguished elaborate formal gardens. Here, you can admire meticulously manicured lawns, hedges, walkways, and a beautiful fountain that shoots water 80 meters high.
The Berggarten: Next, visit the Berggarten, a botanical garden with an impressive collection of plants. Don't miss the orchid collection, the rainforest house, and the cactus house.
The Georgengarten and Welfengarten: These English-style gardens are perfect for a stroll. They're also home to the Wilhelm Busch Museum and the Leibniz Temple.
Evening:
- Dinner: After a day of exploring, have dinner at one of the restaurants near the gardens. You could also opt for a meal in the city centre, just a short tram ride away. Here's a sample itinerary for a one-day trip in Hanover, visiting the Leibniz University and Herrenhausen Gardens.
Enjoy your day in Hanover!
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
