Hanover lies in northwest Germany. The capital of the state of Lower Saxony, Hanover is situated on the Leine River and the Mittelland Canal, at the very edge of the North German Plain.

A major industrial town, Hanover manufactures cars among other products and is also the venue for the annual German industries Fair ('The Hannover Fair’), perhaps the most important industrial exposition in Germany.

Once part of the Hanseatic League, Hanover was largely destroyed during World War II and much of it has still not been rebuilt. The city, though, is an important financial, commercial and cultural centre even today, and is particularly known for its beautiful buildings, wells, fountains and parks. Amongst the best known of Hanover’s many tourist sights are the picturesque neo-Gothic castle of Marienburg and the city’s many museums, including the Fire Brigade Museum, the Historische Museum, the Museum of the Blind and the Kestner-Museum.

The 18^th century fortress of Wilhelmstein; the Fürstenhaus, which houses some priceless old furniture, porcelain and art - all owned by the royal family of Hanover; and the lovely baroque Große Garten are all worth a visit. In addition to these, Hanover has a number of old and interesting churches - the Marktkirche, with its distinctive spire, is among the best known, graveyards and even new buildings (the high-domed Town Hall, with its gold-plated roof, is probably one of the most prominent landmarks in the city).

Thanks to its importance as an industrial city, Hanover also has acquired the status of a major transport hub. Railway lines, autobahns and secondary roads connect the city to almost every other major city in Germany, and the airport has regular flights coming in from destinations within the country and abroad. Within the city, rented cars and taxis are readily available, and the bus network is fairly extensive, efficient and economical.

Within Hanover, accommodation is fairly expensive, and reservations well in advance are always recommended. The city offers lots of variety as far as dining and entertainment are concerned, mainly because of its rather cosmopolitan culture.

For detailed country and visitor information, see Germany.