Glistening fountains await you. These are the famous Herrenhausen Gardens. They represent garden design and culture of the highest quality. This has been the case for over 300 years.
The Herrenhausen Gardens comprise different areas. There is the Grosser Garten. There is also the Berggarten. And do not forget the Georgengarten. The Great Garden is one of Europe’s most distinguished Baroque gardens. The Hill Garden has transformed into a large botanical garden. The Georgen Garden is in the style of English gardens. It is a popular recreation area for Hanover residents.
Electress Sophia had the Great Garden created from 1679 to 1714. She said the garden was her life. Martin Charbonnier designed it. He was a French gardener. He enlarged an existing garden. The garden became 50 hectares. That is 120 acres. It features lawns, hedges and walkways. Statues are arranged in strict geometrical patterns.
The palace was the Welf dynasty’s residence. It was destroyed in World War II. It has been reconstructed as a conference center and museum. It is now the architectural reference point for the Herrenhausen Gardens again.
The gallery building has a frescoed ballroom. The unique historical hedge theatre is also special. It shows the sparkling life at court. Niki de Saint Phalle designed the grotto. She was a French artist. She used figures, glass mosaics and pebbles. She created a walk-in work of art. It radiates happiness and joie de vivre.
The Berggarten is for garden and plant lovers. Countless native and exotic plants thrive here. This botanical garden houses one of the largest orchid collections. There are nearly 12000 different types of plants. Up to 800 flowering orchids are in its show houses.
Near-natural areas invite visitors to stroll. Enjoy the changes throughout the garden year. See flowering magnolias and rhododendrons in spring. Admire prairie perennials and grasses in late summer. Observe the moor pond in winter. A 300-year-old avenue of linden trees leads to the mausoleum. Electress Sophia is buried here. King George I of Great Britain is here too. Many of their descendants found their final resting place here.
The Georgengarten was conceived as a park for the people. It was laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is in English-landscape style. The lawns and pools create a landscape scene. Rare trees and lines of sight are special features. The two-kilometer Herrenhäuser Allee is also here. It is a four-row avenue of linden trees. It once linked the Herrenhausen summer residence with Hanover.
Music, dance and theatre still happen at Herrenhausen. Performances occur in the garden theatre. Concerts and festivals also take place. The international fireworks competition is a highlight. These events bring sparkling life to the Great Garden throughout the year.
Enjoy the Herrenhausen Gardens. Take an interesting or even meditative stroll. Discover the beauty and history around you.