Herrenhausen

Herrenhausen is a district of Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony, Germany. Located north of the city center along the eastern bank of the Leine, it is best known for the Herrenhäuser Gärten, a historic garden complex that forms a major cultural landmark in the region. The gardens are regarded as one of the most important Baroque garden ensembles in northern Europe and attract visitors throughout the year.

The core of the complex is the Großer Garten (Great Garden), a Baroque garden laid out in the late 17th century under the House of Hanover, when Elector George Ludwig—later King George I of Great Britain—undertook major landscaping works. Surrounding the Great Garden are three interconnected parks: the Berggarten, originally developed as a terrace garden and today home to a botanical collection and tropical greenhouses; the Georgengarten, an English landscape garden; and the Welfengarten, another landscaped area. Schloss Herrenhausen, a baroque palace associated with the garden complex, anchors the site. The palace was heavily damaged during World War II and was subsequently rebuilt.

Together, the Herrenhäuser Gärten constitute a major cultural site in Hanover. The Berggarten houses a variety of plant collections and exhibitions, including glasshouses such as the Palm House. The gardens host horticultural displays, seasonal events, and cultural activities, contributing to the city’s tourism and educational outreach.

Administratively, Herrenhausen is part of the city of Hanover and is served by the public transport network, including tram and bus services. It remains a popular destination for visitors and locals who enjoy historic landscapes, plant collections, and the architectural setting of the palace and parks.