:: Germany > FEDERAL STATES > Lower Saxony Lower Saxony Lower Saxony - or "Niedersachsen" - in the northwestern part of Germany is marked by a rich diversity of landscapes. The state stretches from the idyllic East Frisian Isles in the North Sea to the Harz Mountains, the most northern chain of the central German low mountains. More than 20 per cent of the state's area is protected land. The largest bioshere reserve - almost 300,000 hectares in size - is the "Wadden Sea National Park" which was established and recognized by UNESCO in 1986.
				Lower Saxony has a population of around 8 Million people and is a rich agricultural state. Wheat, rye, oats, and potatoes are the main crops. Cattle are raised for beef and dairy produce. The state is also famous for its horse studs. Picturesque marsh landscapes, vast areas of heathland, the fairy tale Weserbergland, idyllic river landscapes as well as a multitude of towns remarkable for their cultural history and traditions are the characteristics of Lower Saxony and offer many options for an interesting vacation. Highlights Hannover The state capital - population approx. 600,000 - is Lower Saxony's commercial engine. The "Hannover Messe" (Hannover Fair) in April is the world's leading showcase for industrial technology. Part of the trade fair is the CEBIT, one of the most important computer technology exhibitions worldwide. Hannover, established around 1100, was largely destroyed during WWII but painstakingly rebuilt. The "Altstadt", the old quarter of the city, has many medieval features, with narrow streets, gabled houses with overhanging balconies, and the famous 14th-century Marktkirche. Other landmarks are the former Rathaus (town hall), built in Gothic style between 1439 and 1455; and the former royal palace, completed in 1640 and now an art gallery. The well-known "Herrenhauser Gärten", 50 hectares of spectacular Baroque gardens, rank among Hannover's most memorable attractions. Lüneburger Heide Lüneburg Heath has timeless appeal. It is not only the oldest nature conservation area in Germany, it is also the largest contiguous expanse of heathland in Europe. The heath, plus the surrounding countryside between the Elbe and Aller rivers is a landscape of purple heather, verdant moorland, birch-lined roads, erratic boulders and tranquil villages. The two main towns are Lüneburg and Celle, both well preserved medieval towns of exceptional beauty and rich history. East Frisian Islands The East Frisian Islands are lined up the Lower Saxon coast and include Borkum, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog, Norderney, Juist, and Wangerooge. All these gemstones come with long white sandy beaches, rolling sand dunes, beautiful views, crisp clean air and are popular holiday resorts between May and September. On most islands, cars are not allowed. You have to travel by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Wolfsburg The "Capital of the Volkswagen comes with a major attraction, a theme park called "Autostadt". Mobility becomes a tangible family experience with the variety of driving attractions that the Autostadt has on offer: the 11 obstacles of the All-Terrain Course, for example. You have the opportunity to test drive either a VW Touareg or an Audi all-road Quattro on the tricky parcours. Or improve the safety and efficiency of your driving with the Safety and Economy Training. YOr design your personal CarDesign Vision. And to complement this palette, a kids drivers licence for 5 to 11 year-olds is offered in the LernPark. Harz Mountains This mountain range rises from the North German Plain covering an area of about 30000 square kilometres. The western section belongs to Lower Saxony. The highest peak is the "Brocken" with a height of 1,142 m above sea level. Abundant forests cover the slopes of the mountains and green pasturelands dominate the valleys. The mountains are a popular destination for tourists, who come for the hiking, skiing, and spas.
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