Eilenriede city forest

With an area of around 640 hectares, the Eilenriede is one of the largest inner-city forests in Europe. It stretches across the eastern part of Hanover and offers a wide range of opportunities for local recreation.

Location and structure

The Eilenriede is divided into two main areas:
Northern part: stretches from Walderseestraße to the Pferdeturm and belongs to the Zoo district.

Southern part: stretches from the Pferdeturm to the Döhrener Turm and is mainly located in the Kleefeld district.

The Lönspark, the Tiergarten and the Seelhorst are also part of this urban forest in accordance with the Eilenried statutes.

Flora and fauna

The Eilenriede is home to a variety of tree species, including oaks, beeches, maples, pines and spruces. The wet lowlands are dominated by alder trees, which explains the name "Eilenriede" - derived from "Ellernried", the wet alder forest.

The wildlife is just as diverse: deer, foxes, hares, martens and bats are native to the area. Numerous bird species, including sparrowhawks and chaffinches, use the forest as a habitat.

Leisure and recreation facilities

The Eilenriede offers an extensive network of over 130 kilometres of paths for walking, jogging and cycling. Ponds, sunbathing lawns, children's playgrounds and forest restaurants complete the offer.

There is a fitness trail with 15 fitness stations and a high ropes course for active sports enthusiasts.

Environmental education and forest station

The Eilenriede forest station at Kleestraße 81 offers 27 adventure stations that provide insights into the flora and fauna of the city forest. It provides environmental education and is aimed at all age groups.

Historical significance

The Eilenriede has been owned by the city of Hanover since 1371. Over the centuries, it developed from a commercial forest to a local recreation area. During the Second World War, a third of the forest was destroyed, but was reforested in the following years.

Infrastructure and accessibility

The city forest is well connected to the public transport network and has numerous access points. The Messeschnellweg motorway has crossed the Eilenriede since the 1950s, which led to public protests at the time and contributed to the founding of the Eilenriede Advisory Council.