Background

UhrWald & REFUGIUM: A Pocket of Wilderness in Hanover

Discover a tranquil urban oasis in Hanover's Südstadt-Bult, where nature, art, and technology blend to create a unique and revitalizing experience for visitors of all ages.

4

Escape the urban bustle and discover the UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim, a unique urban garden in Hanover's Südstadt-Bult district. This revitalized space, once a neglected area, now offers a tranquil retreat with native plants and a touch of wilderness. Wander through winding paths, discover hidden seating areas, and experience the interplay of light and sound that brings the garden to life, especially at night. It's a place to reconnect with nature, forget the time, and enjoy a moment of peace amidst the city's energy. The garden features historical elements combined with modern technology, creating a unique atmosphere for relaxation and exploration. UhrWald is more than just a garden; it's an experience that engages the senses and offers a fresh perspective on urban green spaces.

A brief summary to UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim

Local tips

  • Visit during the evening to experience the garden's unique lighting and sound installations, which create a magical and immersive atmosphere.
  • Take your time to explore the garden's winding paths and discover the hidden seating areas, perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxation.
  • Look out for the diverse wildlife that calls UhrWald home, including frogs, newts, and various bird species.
  • Check the Gartenheim website for information on upcoming events and festivals held in the garden's central paved area.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding Südstadt-Bult neighborhood, known for its charming streets and local shops.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the U-Bahn lines 1, 2, or 8 towards Laatzen/Rethen and get off at the Marienstraße stop. From there, walk south along Hildesheimer Straße for about 5 minutes. UhrWald will be on your right. A single U-Bahn ticket costs approximately €3.40.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Südstadt area, for example near the Maschsee lake, walk south along the main road Hildesheimer Straße. Continue for approximately 15-20 minutes. UhrWald will be located on your right-hand side, easily identifiable by its greenery and the Gartenheim signage.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Hannover Hauptbahnhof to UhrWald will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around €12-€18. Simply provide the destination as Hildesheimer Straße 30173 Hannover.

Unlock the Best of UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim

UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim is a captivating urban garden nestled in the heart of Hanover's Südstadt-Bult neighborhood. More than just a green space, it's a carefully curated experience designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, offering a welcome respite from the surrounding city. The garden's concept revolves around bringing the essence of a natural forest back into the urban environment, showcasing native plants and allowing a degree of untamed growth to flourish. Located directly off the busy Hildesheimer Straße, UhrWald occupies a space that was once overlooked and underutilized. Gartenheim, a local housing cooperative, transformed this neglected area into a vibrant ecosystem where visitors can momentarily escape the pressures of daily life. The garden is accessible through four distinct entrances – Steintor, Brunnenplatz, Holzsteg, and Graslandschaft – each offering a unique perspective and entry point into this green sanctuary. As you enter UhrWald, you'll notice the deliberate integration of light and sound. Motion sensors trigger subtle lighting and sound effects, enhancing the sensory experience and creating an immersive atmosphere. At night, the garden transforms into a magical landscape, with carefully placed lighting illuminating the "wilderness" and providing both a sense of security and an enhanced aesthetic appeal. The pathways wind through the garden, paved with 200-year-old sandstone from a Brandenburg village street, leading to various seating areas where visitors can pause and reflect. The garden's design incorporates historical elements alongside modern innovations. A 19th-century well and a lion sculpture serve as reminders of the past, while contemporary lighting and acoustic technology subtly enhance the garden's ambiance. UhrWald is designed to be a dynamic space, changing with the seasons. In spring, early bloomers emerge, followed by woodruff, and even nettles are allowed to thrive, contributing to the garden's natural character. Visitors can explore the garden via paths covered in bark mulch and a distinctive, cone-shaped wooden walkway. A pond teeming with frogs and newts, along with bat nesting boxes, provides a habitat for local wildlife, further enhancing the garden's appeal as a haven for both humans and animals. Visitors can observe a "bee and beetle hotel," hedgehog shelters, rabbit burrows, and squirrel feeding stations, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of urban ecosystems. The garden is enclosed by a chestnut fence, which is gradually being overtaken by blackberries, climbing roses, and other climbing plants, further blurring the lines between the urban and natural worlds. UhrWald is more than just a visually appealing space; it's a place for contemplation and relaxation. The sounds of the city fade into the background as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. It's a place to slow down, forget the time, and reconnect with the natural world. The garden also serves as a venue for various events and festivals, with a central paved area providing space for gatherings and performances. The creation of UhrWald involved a collaborative process, with gardeners and designers working together to refine the garden's design during the construction phase. This approach ensured that the final result was perfectly tailored to the specific location and its unique characteristics. Visiting UhrWald offers a unique opportunity to experience a carefully curated blend of nature, art, and technology. It's a place where historical elements meet modern design, and where the sounds of the city give way to the tranquility of a natural oasis. Whether you're seeking a moment of peace, a connection with nature, or a unique urban experience, UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim is sure to captivate and inspire.

Popular Experiences near UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim

Popular Hotels near UhrWald & REFUGIUM by Gartenheim

Select Currency