Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover offer a fantastic garden experience. Book a full day for castles, parks, sculptures, fountains, museums and botanical gardens. Or sit back for a photobomb!
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Herrenhausen Gardens
The Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten) are one of Hannover's biggest attractions, attracting around half a million visitors every year. We spent a whole day here, taking time to explore the large garden, museum, Berggarten and Georgengarten.
Herrenhausen Gardens are located in Hannover, Germany, just over 4 kilometres northwest of the city centre.
Grosser Garten in Herrenhausen gardens
The Great Garden (Grosser Garten) was originally laid out in 1666 by Duke Johann Friedrich. At the end of the same century, the garden was further developed by a woman named Sophie von der Pfalz, who was inspired by French garden art. The work resulted in a masterpiece - a staggeringly large garden filled with a variety of plantings, fountains, labyrinths and statues.
It takes quite a while to walk through the large garden, and everywhere there are new surprises. For example, there are plenty of beautiful fountains of all kinds.
There are also plenty of statues, both white and gold coloured, in various poses.
In one place, a small piece remains of the former palace, which was destroyed in 1943.
The garden is surrounded by water, with bridges over it, and is decorated with a sea of beautiful flowers. We saw workers almost everywhere working on the flower beds, and you can see that a garden like this requires a lot of maintenance.
The cave in the Herrenhausen gardens
The large garden also contains the 'cave', which was built in the 18th century. The former decorations have disappeared, but since 2002 the cave has been decorated again, by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. A delightful spot in the centre of the garden!
Museum in the castle
The castle (Schloss Herrenhausen) was the former summer residence of the "Haus Hannover".” in the district of Herrenhausen. The original palace was destroyed in a British bombing raid in 1943, and a new palace was rebuilt between 2009 and 2013.
Today the castle contains a museum, where you can learn more about the garden and its creation.
Nearby is a beautiful old gallery building and the Arne Jacobsen Foyer (not pictured), built by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen.
Berggarten - a botanical garden
Right next to the large garden is the Berggarten (Mountain Garden). This is a historic botanical garden filled with plantings, flowers, greenhouses, exotic trees and winding paths.
A greenhouse was filled with cacti and outside we saw lots of trees with citrus fruits. Among other things, we saw a pear-shaped citrus fruit, which we do not know if we have seen before. Could it be pomelo perhaps?
We also walked among flowers in every amazing colour imaginable. The sign in the picture below gives a small indication of how big it is. Which direction to choose?
We didn't want to miss "Paradise" (who does?) and ended up in an exotic place among tall bamboos.
We also had a lot of fun photographing amazing flowers and buds. This photo report could be so much longer, but we have tried to limit ourselves.
It's not only the flowers that are amazing, but also the trees. In one place we saw a tree growing into and around a fence in a way we've never seen before.
Sometimes other surprises appear in the park, such as the large columned mausoleum.
Also in Berggarten is Sealife, with its aquarium and terrarium.
Georgengarten - large park right next door
Right next to the large garden in the Herrenhausen Gardens you will find the Georgengarten. This is a large and lush park, where you can take your bike if you wish.
This park is perfect for strolling in a relaxing and green environment, or why not pack a picnic?
The park also houses the Wilhelm Busch Museum. Wilhelm Busch was a 19th century German cartoonist known for his picture books in verse.
Film from Hannover and Herrenhausen gardens
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
In the neighbourhood of Herrenhausen Gardens, you can of course take the opportunity to discover the city of Hannover, where you will find the beautiful town hall and its lovely park. It's also not too far from nice and interesting cities like Bremen, Magdeburg and Hamburg.
Frequently Asked Questions about Herrenhausen Gardens
What are Herrenhausen Gardens?
The Herrenhäuser Gärten is a large historic garden area in Hanover and one of the city's top attractions. The area consists of several different gardens, the most famous of which is the magnificent Baroque Großer Garten.
Which gardens are included in the Herrenhäuser Gardens?
The Herrenhäuser Gardens consist of the Großer Garten, Berggarten, Georgengarten and Welfengarten. They have different characteristics, from strict Baroque gardens and botanical collections to English-inspired landscape parks.
What is there to see in Großer Garten?
The Großer Garten is one of Europe's best-preserved Baroque gardens. It features geometric plantings, fountains, sculptures, hedges and ornate features such as the Grotte, decorated by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The large fountain is one of the garden's most spectacular attractions.
What is Berggarten?
The Berggarten developed from a vegetable garden to a botanical garden and today houses plants from different parts of the world. There are greenhouses with orchids and tropical plants, which makes the Berggarten interesting even when the weather is not the best.
How much time do you need in Herrenhausen Gardens?
Allow at least two to three hours if you want to see the Großer Garten and Berggarten without stress. Those with a particular interest in gardens, history or photography can easily spend half a day or more in the area.
When is the best time to visit Herrenhausen Gardens?
The gardens can be visited all year round, but spring and summer are naturally the most green and blooming. Different plants bloom at different times, so the experience changes throughout the season. During the summer, various events are also held in the gardens.
Do you need to buy a ticket to Herrenhausen Gardens?
The Großer Garten and Berggarten are subject to fees, while the Georgengarten and Welfengarten are free parks. Ticket prices and opening hours are subject to change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Are Herrenhausen Gardens suitable for children?
Yes, although the experience may primarily appeal to adults interested in gardens, architecture and history. The large spaces, fountains, labyrinth and all the little details to discover can make the visit fun for children too.
How to get to Herrenhausen Gardens?
Herrenhäuser Gärten is located northwest of central Hanover and is easy to reach by public transport. From central Hanover, you can take the tram to the Herrenhäuser Gärten stop, right near the entrance. It is also possible to arrive by car.
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Barbro Becker says:
Once again on this journey, we have been close to each other. We passed Hannover yesterday on our way north and towards home in Sweden. We spent the night at Heide Park's car park in Soltau. The park is perhaps more for children and young people, an amusement park that accommodates everything. This time we just stayed overnight, I think we have grown up so much that carousels are not attractive anymore.
Our trip is different from yours, we haven't seen any sights but just travelled here and there and experienced nostalgic memories. It has been really nice, the weather is fantastic and we have a few more days to enjoy this country. Now we go on to Heiligen Hafen and Grossenbrode and on the 20th we go with Finnlines over to Malmö.
I also write a blog, albeit in a smaller format than you, so if you want to know more about our journey you can go to babsanokent.bloggo. nu
15 May 2022 - 11:29
Helena says:
Some day we might manage to meet too, it would be nice! 🙂 It sounds like you had a nice trip! Wish you a good trip home! (Have also peeked in and read your blog and commented there :))
16 May 2022 - 7:47
bmlarsreseblogg says:
We have never thought about Hannover as a stop on a trip to Germany but this park was really something very special. It might be a stop here next time because there will be more trips to Germany in the future ...
15 May 2022 - 15:15
Helena says:
The gardens are really worth a visit! We liked Hannover as well, but there is no good parking place there (what we found anyway), so it was a regular car park for us.
16 May 2022 - 7:48
BP says:
What a lovely post. If you like gardens, you have come to heaven. What I liked most is the modern paintings in the "cave" - a real culture clash with the rest. Such things are appreciated:-)
15 May 2022 - 19:36
Helena says:
The gardens here are really amazing! And the cave yes, it is delicious, we also liked it! 🙂
16 May 2022 - 7:48