Neues Rathaus (New City Hall), Hanover (must see)

The New City Hall in Hanover is one of those buildings that looks less like a municipal office and more like a royal palace. After twelve years of construction, it was completed in 1913 in an eclectic, late historicist style typical of the Wilhelminian era. Built on marshy ground, stabilized by more than 6,000 wooden piles, the structure was intended as a confident statement of the city’s prosperity.
At its inauguration, attended by Wilhelm II, the city proudly noted that the entire project—costing over ten million marks—had been paid for in cash. Set beside the Leine River, the building’s castle-like form becomes especially striking at night, when its illuminated façade reflects in the water.

Although the building suffered damage during World War II, it survived largely intact, and in 1946 it hosted the proclamation of the state of Lower Saxony. Today, it continues to function as the city’s administrative centre, housing the Lord Mayor’s offices, political meetings, and official receptions, while also hosting exhibitions throughout the year.

The exterior alone makes it one of Hanover’s most photographed landmarks, but the interior adds further interest. Upon entering the 38-meter-high rotunda on the ground floor, you will find four detailed scale models in the center of the hall. Tracing the city’s development from the 17th century through wartime destruction to its modern reconstruction, the models represent Hanover in 1689, 1939, 1945, and the present day. From the main hall, ascend the Grand Marble Staircase to the first floor to reach the Hodler Hall. This space features the massive mural Unanimity by Ferdinand Hodler, which portrays the people of Hanover taking the Reformation oath in 1533 and is considered a landmark of modern mural art.

Another major attraction is the dome, rising to more than 97 meters. Access is via a unique curved elevator, located near the information counter in the main hall. During the ascent at a 17-degree angle, you can look through the glass windows in the car’s floor and ceiling to observe the masonry and mechanical tilting as the lift follows the dome’s structure. From the observation platform, there are wide views over Hanover and, on clear days, toward the Harz Mountains. After stepping out, a short climb via spiral staircases leads to the very top, where the height, open air, and strong winds make the panorama even more memorable. To round off the visit, the building also includes a restaurant.