Bus from Durres to HANOVER

Durrës (historically also known as Epidamnos) is the largest port and second largest city and a municipality of Albania. Geographically, it is central on the coast, about 33 km west of the capital Tirana.

It is one of the most ancient and economically significant cities of Albania. Durrës is home to Albania's main port. The city is at one of the narrower points of the Adriatic Sea, opposite the Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi.

When Albania became independent (in 1912) Durres was its capital. This remained until 1920. The total population is 200,110, while the metropolitan area has a population of 265,000.

Durrës is an important link to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to the Italian port cities, notably Bari, to which daily ferries run. As well as the dockyard, it also possesses an important shipyard and manufacturing industries, notably producing leather, plastic and tobacco products.

Durrës is home to the largest archaeological museum in the country. There are also several museums such as Royal Villa of Durrës and the Museum of History (the house of Aleksandër Moisiu). Durrës host also the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre, the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, and the philharmonic orchestra. Localities from around of Durrës are known for producing good wines and delicious dishes.

The provincial capital Hanover of Lower Saxony is located on the River Leine and has a population of over 500,000. As an exibition center, Hanover has won national and international fame, as well-known trade fairs such as the Cebit Technology Fair take place here. It is also referred to as a "green city" because it is surrounded by green areas and thus offers ample opportunities for recreation in the town center Eilenriede.

Hanover is compact but not cramped; the shopping is elegant without showing off, and the dining excellent without being in any way stiff. Hanover has character, especially when you get to know it a little. There’s no doubt that everyone will soon find their favourite spot in the city, which might be one of the following:

 

The Hanover Congress Center: The Hanover Congress Center is one of the most interesting buildings in the Lower Saxony capital. It can be seen immediately due to its distinctive "Kuppeldach" and consists of the Kuppelsaal, Beethoven Hall and other rooms. The HCC is located at the Hanover Stadtpark and is the location for numerous major events.

The Leibnizhaus: The Leibnizhaus is a Renaissance citizen's house built in 1499 and it got its name by the philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. After its destruction in the Second World War, the building was finally rebuilt in the early 1980s. Today it is a guest house and is used for events.

The Lister Tower: The Lister Tower was built in the late 14th century and served as a waiting tower during its time. Today, the Freizeitheim is located there, together with a beer garden which lurks you in.

Gehry Tower: The Gehry Tower was built by the architect Frank O. Gehry and has an architectural peculiarity due to its slight twist. It is used as an office building after its opening in mid-2001 after one year of construction.

Telemax: The Telemax is a Radio Tower and with its height of 282 meters is also the highest tower of its kind in the state of Lower Saxony. From a viewing platform at an altitude of 185 meters, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over Hanover.

Sculpture mile: The sculpture mile was built in the year 2000 and extends between the Lower Saxon Parliament and Herrenhäuser Garden. Here are eight extraordinary sculptures to admire.

Zoo Hannover: The Hanover Zoo is one of the most spectacular and best zoos in Europe. The zoo received the Park Scout Award for the fourth year running in 2009/10, placing it among the best zoos in Germany. The zoo consists of several theme areas: Sambesi, Meyers Farm, Gorilla-Mountain, Jungle-Palace, and Mullewapp. Some smaller areas are Australia, the wooded area for wolves, and the so-called swimming area with many seabirds.

The Herrenhausen Gardens: The Herrehausen Gardens are a large garden area consisting of the Welfengarten, the Großer Garten, the Berggarten and the Georgengarten. As a recreation area, it serves both the residents as well as tourists and guests in search for relaxation.

With its wide range of museums, Hanover is as popular with culture-lovers as it is with night owls, who like to party hard in the popular Linden district or around the Steintor. It’s a multi-faceted town that is much more exciting than its reputation would indicate.