Bus from KARLOVAC to HANOVER

Karlovac, situated 55km southwest from Zagreb, is the best place in Croatia for those who look for a special rafting and kayaking adventure, provided by the confluence of four rivers: the Kupa, Mreznica, Korana and Dobra rivers. Karlovac canbe easily reached by bus and can turn out to be a nice day trip for those staying in Zagreb.

What makes Karlovac unique is its star-shaped design. It is necessary to point out that, while not many towns can brag about the knowledge of the exact date of its founding, as well as the fact that they were a town from their very establishment, Karlovac is one of them. The construction of Karlovac  began in 1579, or to be precise, 13 July 1579 , and the ideas to make it a "Renaissance town", and for that reason, a special attentionwas given to its beauty and harmony, but also to serve as a defense against Turkish invaders. This old town in the shape of a six-pointed staris comprised of 24 equally divided blocks.

Besides wandering the streets and rafting the rivers, Karlovac has  a lot more to offer. For, instance, Korana river with Foginovo beach is a famous tourist attraction, as well as bathing spot known for its medicinal properties of the pristine waters of the river.

The new and exciting Karlovac freshwater aquarium, Aquatika, was designedin sucha manner as to allow its visitors to follow a series of ramps that recall a river's flow. Besides the specimens from Karlovac’s rivers, the museum also exibits astounding flora and fauna from all over Croatia, with background effects such as evocative lighting and water sounds.

Main town square -Josip ban Jelačić square: The planning of the city was carefully done and the streets within the walls of the city are arranged at right angles. After the plague epidemic in 1691, a votive column (the Plague Pillar), with a statue of the Madonna on top of it, was built on the main town square. A well, ornamented with allegorical representations of the town’s rivers, was built in the geometrical centre of the Star and square in 1869 on the location of a baroque fountain. 

The Vrbanić gardens: The gardens were designed as an open-style botanical garden. Named after the Mayor Josip Vrbanić, the gardens bear a resemblance to English and French parks and contain rare trees and plants. Convenienty located in the southeastern part of the town, between the Korana river and the Karlovac ''Star" (Zvijezda), is a favorite place of tourists who like to unwind after a long stroll around Karlovac.

Dubovac Castle: The Old Town of Dubovac, situated on a hill with a beautiful panoramic view over the city, is regarded as one of the best preserved, as well as most captivating architectural monuments of the feudal age. On the site of the present-dayfort, there are still traces of an Early Stone Age settlement, while the castle was built at the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. During the tours around the castle, spectators can enjoy the exibition of history that made Karlovac what it is today. In the vicinity of the castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful town shrines, the Early Baroque church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Snows.

The Church of The Holy Trinity, built in the same timeas the fortress, is the oldest building in Karlovac, while  monastery was built in the 17th century. They are situated on the main square (Ban Jelačić Square). The whole complex is baroque and has a rich inventory. 

Beside its rich history, Karlovac and its surroundings offer interesting hiking tours in its nearby forests, especially the Kozjača trail, while during summer months visitors can enjoy a variety of events, such as the Beer fest and numerous fairs.

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.