Illumination in the Great Garden Herrenhausen
Atmospheric park lighting on selected summer evenings in the Great Garden Herrenhausen – Admission 8 PM, Illumination 10–11 PM
About Illumination Herrenhausen
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Light Play in the Baroque Park
The tradition of illumination in Herrenhausen dates back a long way. As early as the 17th and 18th centuries, festive light installations were held in the Great Garden, often in connection with courtly celebrations or birthdays of the House of Welf. The modern illumination builds on this tradition, translating it into contemporary lighting technology: thousands of lamps, ground spotlights, and candle imitations bathe the park in warm golden-yellow and coloured light.
Atmosphere
The illumination is deliberately not spectacular in the sense of a show format. It is a contemplative, slow staging: visitors walk through the park, let the light images affect them, pause at particularly beautiful spots, and visit the gastronomic area. The character is more meditative than loud. This makes the illumination a typical format for couples, families with older children, and older visitors.
Dates in Summer
In 2026, illumination evenings will take place on selected summer evenings between June 12 and October 10. The most important dates are expected to be:
- June 12 and 13, 2026
- June 19 and 20, 2026
- July 24 and 25, 2026
- Further evenings spread throughout the summer
Exact dates will be published by the organizer in spring 2026.
Admission and Schedule
Admission begins at 8 PM. Visitors then have about two hours to experience the park in daylight and twilight, use the gastronomic offerings, and find a good vantage point for the main lighting. The actual illumination with the full light staging runs from 10 PM to 11 PM. Afterwards, winding down in the park.
Moderate Admission
With a regular admission of €6 and a reduced admission of €4, the illumination is exceptionally accessible. Children and young people under 18 have free admission. This makes the illumination one of the most accessible programs of the Herrenhausen summer formats and is explicitly aimed at families with younger visitors.
Illumination Herrenhausen — edition 2026
As in previous years, the illumination is tied to specific evening dates and not available throughout the season. The selection of dates takes into account weekends, public holidays, and special occasions such as simultaneous events in the park.
In case of extremely bad weather, a date may be cancelled. Tickets will be refunded in such cases.
Programme Illumination Herrenhausen 2026
Schedule of an Illumination Evening
- 8 PM: Admission to the Great Garden
- 8 PM–9 PM: Experience the park in daylight and twilight, enjoy gastronomic offerings, take walks
- 9 PM–10 PM: Beginning of twilight, first lights are switched on, slow transition into illumination
- 10 PM–11 PM: Main illumination with full light staging
- 11 PM: End of main illumination, winding down in the park
Staged Areas
- Main parterre with the Great Fountain
- Hedges and hedge cabinets
- Sculptures and fountains
- Water features
- Network of paths and axes
Expected Dates 2026
- June 12 and 13, 2026
- June 19 and 20, 2026
- July 24 and 25, 2026
- Further evenings spread throughout the summer
Highlights Illumination Herrenhausen 2026
- Lighting of the UNESCO World Heritage Garden
- Admission 8 PM, main lighting 10 PM–11 PM
- Contemplative atmosphere
- Selected evenings throughout the entire season
- Children under 18 free admission
Prices Illumination Herrenhausen 2026
Practical information — Illumination Herrenhausen
Dates 2026
Selected summer evenings between June 12 and October 10, 2026. Expected dates: June 12 and 13, June 19 and 20, July 24 and 25, and further evenings spread throughout the summer. Exact list on the official website.
Event Times
Admission from 8 PM. Illumination 10 PM–11 PM. Afterwards, winding down in the park.
Location
Großer Garten Herrenhausen, Herrenhäuser Straße 4, 30419 Hannover. Entrance via the main gate at the Herrenhäuser Gärten tram stop.
Getting There
Tram lines 4 or 5 to the final stop Herrenhäuser Gärten. Approx. 15 minutes from Hannover Main Station. Parking spaces in the vicinity are very limited.
Admission
Regular €6, reduced €4. Children and young people under 18 free. Tickets at the box office, online advance booking recommended for main evenings.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Illumination Herrenhausen al mejor precio.
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