Bordering the North Sea, Lower Saxony is the second-largest state in Germany. It lies in the north-west of the country and extends from the remote Frisian Islands to the enchanting Harz Mountains. Much of the state once formed part of the historic Kingdom of Hanover.
Things to do in Lower Saxony
Whether you want to experience the buzz of Hanover or escape to the Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony is not to be missed.
Explore the gardens of Hanover. Serving as the capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover is a lively university city that’s renowned for its gardens. Explore the greenhouses of the Berggarten and wander through the French Baroque-style Great Garden with its hedge maze and orangery. Also of note is the Georgengarten, which features extensive lawns and mature trees.
Sightsee in Braunschweig. Once a powerful medieval trade hub, Braunschweig is framed by the River Oker in Lower Saxony’s south-east. Admire the Romanesque-style Brunswick Cathedral and get a dose of history at the Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of European works.
Get active in Harz Mountains National Park. Straddling Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, Harz Mountains National Park encompasses spruce and beech forests, charming towns and ski resorts. Explore the hiking trails that ring Oderteich Lake while keeping your eyes peeled for lynx, wild cats and deer or hit the ski slopes of Wurmberg, the highest mountain in Lower Saxony.
Admire the half-timbered houses of Goslar. On the northwestern slopes of the Harz Mountains is the historic town of Goslar, which centres around a medieval old town clustered with half-timbered houses. See the 13th-century stained glass windows of the Market Church St. Cosmas and Damian and the muralled Imperial Palace before learning about the area’s mining history at the Rammelsberg Mining Museum.
Getting around Lower Saxony
Hanover Airport is the main aviation gateway to Lower Saxony and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. An efficient network of trains connects to major towns and villages throughout Lower Saxony while buses serve smaller destinations.