As Germany’s ninth largest airport, Hannover-Langenhagen is a buzz of activity. It offers connections to a host of European cities, with the official website providing up-to-the-minute information on arrival and departure times. There are plenty of places to shop, eat and relax, as well as purchase last minute gifts and souvenirs.

For most visitors, the airport is the gateway to the city of Hanover. Perched on the banks of the River Leine, Hannover is a city of contrasts. As well as hosting contemporary events like the enormous CeBit computer expo and the Hannover Messe industrial tech trade fair, it’s also home to beautiful attractions like the Herrenhausen Gardens, 14th century Marktkirche church and the magnificent New Town Hall.

The airport is located 11 kilometres north of Hannover city centre, with both the drive and the train journey taking around 25 minutes. There are parking and car rental agencies located on site, as well as a handful of airport hotels.

Hannover-Langenhagen was first opened in 1952, though it wasn’t until 20 years later that it gained international recognition. In 1973 it unveiled a pair of ultra-modern terminals, which became famous for their impressive compact designs. They quickly became the archetype for a string of European airports built in the 1970s, including Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International.