Ever since I landed in Germany, most of my peers have been confused regarding the Hauptstadt, or Capital, of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen). Hamburg is a big and major financial hub of the country, which was carved out of Lower Saxony and given a status of city state (a la Delhi), while Hannover is the economic powerhouse and the capital of the state. Both medieval cities, risen from ashes of many a war, pulling the German and European economy with them. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit these centres of history.
Hannover
The biggest and capital of Lower Saxony, erstwhile part of the Duke of Brunswick-Lueneburg, Hannover is famous for three major things- The Rathaus lift, artificial lake and Hannover fair. Since, the Hannover fair is not happening till next year, I took a privilege tour of the Rathaus and the city instead.
The building is equipped with a lift that goes up but not straight. A unique lift which travels at an angle of 17°.
The view from the Rathaus is just a treat for our eyes!
Hannover
The biggest and capital of Lower Saxony, erstwhile part of the Duke of Brunswick-Lueneburg, Hannover is famous for three major things- The Rathaus lift, artificial lake and Hannover fair. Since, the Hannover fair is not happening till next year, I took a privilege tour of the Rathaus and the city instead.
The Rathaus
A Model of Hannover from 17th century. A small settlement around the river Leine.
Hannover today. Totally unrecognisable!
The devastation of war
Hannover rebuilt after the war.
The building is equipped with a lift that goes up but not straight. A unique lift which travels at an angle of 17°.
The view from the Rathaus is just a treat for our eyes!
Hannovere Skyline
The Hannover 96 stadium
View of the artificial lake, Maschsee.
The exit from the lift
Humans are humans, wherever they are.
Through the alleys of churches
Inside a church
Outside the church.
Hamburg
The port city is the second largest city in Germany. The river port is situated on the Elbe and has been a centre of commerce since medieval times. It is the city of bridges! Yes, you read it correctly! It has more bridges than Amsterdam! Hamburg has the biggest town hall (Rathaus), with close to 647 rooms. Overall, Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city, with lovely boat rides to enjoy the day.
The port city is the second largest city in Germany. The river port is situated on the Elbe and has been a centre of commerce since medieval times. It is the city of bridges! Yes, you read it correctly! It has more bridges than Amsterdam! Hamburg has the biggest town hall (Rathaus), with close to 647 rooms. Overall, Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city, with lovely boat rides to enjoy the day.
The Main station entrance.
From taxis to busses to trains to ferries, one can get around Hamburg in a jiffy. The Art museum can be seen in the background
Clock tower of St. Michael's church
Statues of former mayors, Ditmar Koel and Simon of Utricht.
Time for a ferry ride
hmmmmm..😐😐😐
A view of the docks
Green energy generation
Docklands!
Radars everywhere!
The museum of Rickmer Rickmers
The Rathaus
The statue of Heinrich Heine
Practice for a Dragon boat race in progress
As I said, city of bridges
A view of the Dancing Towers from a bus
A few tips:
It is better to get a day ticket or a schones Wochenende (beautiful weekend) ticket while going around for a city tour in Germany. One can use any mode of transport with it.
Also, for Indians, there are many Indian shops in both the cities. In Hannover, the best place to eat is Makthalle. I would recommend Bei Cuneyt for a quick yet filling lunch. As for Hamburg, one can find an Indian restaurant, Manju, in Hamburg main station (Hauptbahnhof). Other cuisines and cafes are aplenty!
Next up, next month- Berlin ;)
