Meanwhile in Paradise

My cousin Olga should seriously consider a side career as a tour guide. Today she whisked me off on a surprise adventure outside Hannover. Just a short drive from the city, we ended up in the super charming little town of Steinhude, right by the lake. And there was a whole nature park out there, covering a massive 420 km²!

The Strandterrassen is a popular lakeside pavilion with a restaurant and café right on the waterfront. It has a retro-modern charm, and the large outdoor terrace is perfect for soaking up sun, sipping something cold and enjoying the view.

The area nearby has a bit of everything. A long wooden dock stretches out into the lake, lined with sleek wooden sailboats that give the whole place a coastal, almost Scandinavian vibe. Right next to it is a relaxed promenade with cafés, ice cream stands, and a playful water fountain installation that kids (and some adults) couldn’t resist running through.

It’s definitely a touristy spot, but in the best way: tasteful, relaxed, and surrounded by nature. The streets are lined with souvenir shops and nice restaurants, all framed by flowers and lush greenery. There’s a beautiful laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.

What surprised me most was how many little streets there actually are. At first glance, Steinhude feels like a small, compact lakeside village, but once you start wandering, it just keeps unfolding. One charming side street leads to another, revealing hidden bars, flower-covered fences, and cute private villas. Getting a little lost here is half the fun.

The lake itself was formed during the last Ice Age and is one of the largest inland lakes in northwestern Germany. It’s also an important wetland habitat for migratory birds, so if you’re into birdwatching (or just enjoy peaceful views), this is your place. Between the breeze off the water, the clinking of glasses from nearby restaurants, and the endless green, it felt like the perfect summer escape.

First things first. As I mentioned earlier, there are lots of lovely parks here — and guess what? They’re full of rabbits! Cuteness overload. 😍

Today we went on a power walk with dad and passed through some really charming streets in Nordstadt, one of the few areas where many original buildings actually survived the war. Nordstadt literally means “North City,” but it used to be outside the old city walls. It gradually became part of Hannover as the city expanded during the 19th century. Because it’s right next to Leibniz University, Nordstadt has long been home to students, artists, and intellectuals.

The red-brick houses with ornate façades and stepped gables are great examples of Gründerzeit architecture, a style that flourished in Germany during the late 19th-century industrial boom. This kind of decorative brickwork is typical for northern Germany, where red brick was both practical and prestigious.

We also came across some beautiful townhouses with Jugendstil influences, which are more my style — elegant and full of personality. And just as we were wrapping up the walk, we stumbled upon a full-on neo-Gothic castle. It’s called Welfenschloss, and today it’s part of the university campus.

Technically, you can walk under Nordstadt as well. The area is crisscrossed with old WWII air raid tunnels and bunkers, many of which still exist beneath the streets. Most are closed to the public, but a few occasionally open for guided tours. Personally, I’m more fascinated by the rabbits’ tunnels in the parks. 😉