Things to Do in Hanover in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Hanover
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Autumn foliage peaks in early to mid-October - the Eilenriede forest transforms into a spectacular mix of amber, gold, and crimson, and the Herrenhausen Gardens become genuinely stunning without the summer crowds that typically pack them out
- Oktoberfest season means the city's beer gardens and traditional halls are actually buzzing with locals rather than tourists - prices stay reasonable at €4-6 per beer, and you'll find authentic atmosphere at places throughout the Altstadt without fighting for tables
- Comfortable walking weather sits right in that sweet spot where you can explore all day without overheating - perfect for the 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) most visitors end up covering when exploring the city center, Maschsee lake circuit, and surrounding neighborhoods
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the summer peak - accommodation typically runs 20-30% cheaper than July-August rates, and you can often snag last-minute deals at hotels that would be fully booked during trade fair season
Considerations
- Weather genuinely plays roulette with your plans - those 10 rainy days are unpredictable, and when rain hits it tends to settle in for hours rather than passing quickly, which means you need flexible indoor backup options rather than just waiting it out
- Daylight shrinks noticeably as the month progresses - sunset moves from around 7pm early October to 6pm by month's end, limiting your outdoor sightseeing window and making evening photography at attractions more challenging
- Trade fair season can randomly spike prices and availability if major conventions overlap with your dates - Hanover is Germany's trade fair capital, and even one large B2B event can book out mid-range hotels and inflate rates by 40-60%
Best Activities in October
Herrenhausen Gardens exploration and baroque palace tours
October brings out the best in these 17th-century gardens before they close for winter maintenance in November. The Great Garden's geometric patterns look spectacular framed by autumn colors, and the 6°C-14°C (43°F-57°F) temperature range means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours wandering without the summer heat that makes the exposed gravel paths exhausting. The Berggarten botanical section showcases late-blooming perennials and the orchid collection moves indoors, which actually makes it more interesting this time of year. Weekday mornings see maybe 20-30 other visitors in the entire complex versus the weekend crowds.
Maschsee lake cycling and waterfront circuits
The 6 km (3.7 mile) loop around this artificial lake becomes ideal in October when summer's recreational boat traffic dies down and the waterfront beer gardens transition to cozy autumn mode. Rental bikes cost €12-18 per day, and the completely flat, paved path takes 45-60 minutes at tourist pace with photo stops. The northeast shore offers the best autumn tree reflections in morning light, while the southern end has indoor cafe options for those inevitable rain breaks. Local families pack the route on sunny Sunday afternoons, but weekday mornings feel almost private.
New Town Hall observation platform and architecture tours
The unique curved elevator ride to the 98 m (322 ft) dome platform becomes more dramatic in October when variable weather creates constantly shifting light conditions over the city. The 14°C (57°F) highs mean the outdoor platform stays comfortable for the 20-30 minutes most people spend up there, and autumn's clearer air (when not raining) extends visibility to 15-20 km (9-12 miles). The building itself represents Wilhelmine architecture at its most ambitious, and October's smaller crowds mean you can actually examine the ornate interior details without being rushed through.
Altstadt walking routes and traditional market halls
October weather actually favors exploring Hanover's reconstructed old town because you can duck into the covered market hall and historic churches when rain hits. The half-timbered buildings around Kramerstrasse and Holzmarkt look particularly atmospheric under grey October skies, and the 6°C-14°C (43°F-57°F) range means comfortable walking without summer's oppressive heat reflecting off cobblestones. The Markthalle food market operates year-round and becomes a genuine local scene in autumn when tourists thin out - grab lunch at the various stalls for €6-12 rather than sitting in tourist-focused restaurants.
Eilenriede urban forest trails and autumn foraging walks
This 640-hectare forest in the city's heart peaks for autumn colors mid-October, and the network of trails offers everything from 30-minute strolls to 10 km (6.2 mile) circuits. October's dampness actually enhances the forest floor's mushroom displays, and guided foraging walks teach you to identify edible species - though you'll want waterproof boots after those 10 rainy days. The forest stays surprisingly quiet on weekday mornings despite being surrounded by city, and the 70% humidity creates atmospheric mist conditions in early morning that photographers actually seek out.
Regional Lower Saxony day trips and castle routes
October's comfortable temperatures make day trips to surrounding attractions more appealing than summer's heat or winter's cold. Marienburg Castle sits 30 km (19 miles) south and looks particularly dramatic framed by autumn forests, while the half-timbered towns of Celle and Hameln make excellent 60-90 minute train journeys. The Deister hills west of the city offer hiking trails with autumn colors and traditional gasthaus stops, though you'll want layers for the 3°C-5°C (5°F-9°F) temperature drop at elevation. Regional trains run frequently and cost €15-25 for day return tickets.
October Events & Festivals
Oktoberfest Hanover
While not as famous as Munich's version, Hanover's Oktoberfest runs for 17 days and brings traditional beer tents, carnival rides, and genuine local atmosphere to the Schuetzenplatz fairgrounds. You'll find mostly German visitors rather than international tourists, which means authentic pricing at €4-6 per liter versus Munich's inflated rates. The festival combines Bavarian traditions with Lower Saxon culture, and the food stalls serve both southern German classics and regional specialties. Evening crowds peak around 7-9pm, while afternoon visits offer easier seating.
Hanover Marathon
This flat, fast course attracts 20,000 runners and typically happens in early October, which means parts of the city center and Maschsee area close to traffic on race day. The route showcases Hanover's parks and waterfront, and spectator spots along the lake offer good viewing. If you're not running, either plan to watch or avoid the city center entirely on race Sunday morning when road closures complicate transportation. The atmosphere stays festive rather than disruptive, and many cafes set up special viewing areas.