Hello,
Coming to Germany for a few days in April and have plans in Cologne and Hannover. Can I just stay in one and visit the other? What do you recommend for lodging and food options? I have enjoyed Germany before, but not this area, and this trip will be quick unfortunately.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Molly
It's a 3 hour train trip or more between the two, so I would not recommend doing a day trip. I don't have recommendations as I have only ever stayed at the airport hotel, but I am a big fan of simply looking at a map, choosing a location you like, and then looking at what's available.
For food you should try Ammerländer Schinken (smoked ham) and Welfenspeise, a pudding type dessert. There are probably more regional foods, but that's what I think of.
They are definitely too far apart to use one as a base. I have cousins in Cologne and their mom is in Hannover. I either go to each city independently or my cousins come to Hannover to see me. I’ve never stayed in a hotel in my trips to Hannover. I stayed in my first hotel in Cologne last year when I needed a place near the train station for an early train. It wasn’t great, but for one night it was convenient. This December I’m visiting with a friend and didn’t want to put my cousin out so I booked at Cologne Marriott Hotel, not too far from the train station but not as close as the other one. It gets good reviews.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cgnmc-cologne-marriott-hotel/overview/
When I stay in the Hannover area, I don't stay in Hannover itself but either in one of 2 other towns ca. 30 mins or so from Hannover Hbf. These two towns are in different directions.
This trip I was close to Hannover, transferred at Hannover Hbf . but I stayed in Hildesheim. Would I do that again ? Yes, since I really didn't have enough time to really explore Hildesheim.
The other town I chose to stay close to Hannover is Minden an der Weser, connected to Hannover by the S-Bahn and regional train as is Hildesheim. Minden is worth your time (ie, a good deal to see) aside from the half-timbered houses especially if you're into history, the "Prussian Museum of Westphalia " is located in Minden, which was a garrison town, have stayed here twice.
Hi,
I didn't really answer your question in regards to lodging. I would suggest staying near Hannover, such as in Minden or Celle, all the more so, if your preference is smaller towns, maybe even Einbeck, well-known in the area for its beer.
