“Vorwärts nach weit”, the saying of the artist Kurt Schwitters, born in Hanover, is not by chance the motto for the 111.BiblioCon, because it also describes the city of Hanover as always striving forwards, up to the immeasurable.
Thanks to its convenient location in the middle of Germany and in the heart of Europe, Hanover developed from a medieval trading centre into one of the leading cities in Germany. As the location of the world’s largest exhibition centre, Hanover enjoys great popularity with exhibitors and visitors from all over the world every year. Not only the organisation of major leading trade fairs, such as the Hannover Messe, makes Hannover a cosmopolitan, progressive host, but also the renowned Leibniz University ensures international attraction, making cultural diversity and a spirit of innovation a tangible experience in the city.
Hanover also offers its residents a high level of quality of life, not least due to a high proportion of green spaces in the city and the region. The Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Maschsee in the middle of the city, the Hannover Zoo or the Steinhuder Meer in the immediate region offer a wide range of local recreational opportunities. Typically Hanoverian people meet at the Kröpcke clock or “unterm Schwanz”, the Ernst August monument at the main railway station. From there the Hanoverian starts into the lively nightlife around the station. During the day, the half-timbered houses around the market square, picturesque alleys as well as small cafés and shops invite you to stroll through the old town. At the beginning of May, another highlight was opened: The Leinewelle surf spot, one of the first semi-natural river waves in Germany. In the middle of the old town in the historic surroundings, athletes can now be seen rapidsurfing every day.