Ernst-August-Platz Equestrian Statue
A grand equestrian statue of King Ernest Augustus, a key landmark and popular meeting spot in Hannover, adjacent to a vibrant shopping gallery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier photos
Ernst-August-Platz Equestrian Statue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand equestrian statue of King Ernest Augustus, a key landmark and popular meeting spot in Hannover, adjacent to a vibrant shopping gallery.
"A popular meeting point among locals, this statue is a significant landmark near the train station."
📸 Photo Ops
Getting a clear photo can be tricky due to crowds. Try early mornings or late evenings for fewer people.
📍 Meeting Spot
Locals often use the statue, especially "under the tail," as a popular meeting point.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Equestrian Statue of Ernest Augustus
Ernst-August-Platz
A grand equestrian statue honoring King Ernest Augustus, a significant historical figure in Hannover.

Ernst-August-Galerie Shopping
Adjacent to the statue
A modern shopping mall with a diverse range of stores, from fashion to specialty goods.

Meeting Point "Under the Tail"
Base of the statue
Locals affectionately use the statue as a meeting point, adding a touch of community charm.
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Planning Your Visit
Meet Your Local Landmark
Beyond the Statue
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops
Getting a clear photo can be tricky due to crowds. Try early mornings or late evenings for fewer people.
📍 Meeting Spot
Locals often use the statue, especially "under the tail," as a popular meeting point.
🛍️ Shopping Hub
The Ernst-August-Galerie offers a variety of shops, including fashion, manga, and Asian markets.
🍜 Food Finds
Discover diverse food options, from Döner kebabs to ramen, within the gallery.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops
Getting a clear photo can be tricky due to crowds. Try early mornings or late evenings for fewer people.
📍 Meeting Spot
Locals often use the statue, especially "under the tail," as a popular meeting point.
🛍️ Shopping Hub
The Ernst-August-Galerie offers a variety of shops, including fashion, manga, and Asian markets.
🍜 Food Finds
Discover diverse food options, from Döner kebabs to ramen, within the gallery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ernst-August-Platz Equestrian Statue is a well-known landmark and popular meeting point, praised for its historical significance and central location. Visitors appreciate its proximity to the train station and the adjacent Ernst-August-Galerie for shopping and dining. However, capturing clear photos can be difficult due to consistent crowds.
"This monument stands in tribute to Ernest Augustus, a fifth son of George III of Great Britain who was fortunate to rise to the throne thanks for Salic law that barred women from inheriting the throne.
The monument is a larger than life equestrian statue of the king in the uniform of the hussars in reference to his 15th The King's Hussars officers of the British army with whom he had served.
The monument literally stands in front of Hanover Central Station and along with the station, dominates the public square in which it stands.
Good luck trying to get a good photo of this monument for all the people using it as shade from the sun or just a place to rest on."
macedonboy
"A statue of the Hannover King Ernest Augustus. Located just near the entrance to the train station.
A popular meeting point among locals.
Stairs down to the Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade shopping mall are located just near the statue."
Irina Kravchuk
"Now on the square around the monument there are houses where you can drink mulled wine, eat sausage or something sweet. The choice of food is not great, places where you can sit down, very little. Prices are too high"
Elenchik K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The statue is conveniently located directly in front of Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station), making it easily accessible by public transport. Many regional and national trains stop here.
While there isn't direct parking at the statue, the Ernst-August-Galerie has an underground parking garage. It's advisable to check parking rates and availability beforehand.
Yes, if you are in the city center, the statue is within walking distance. It's a central point that connects to various parts of the downtown area.
The Hannover Hauptbahnhof is a major hub for S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and bus lines, making it very easy to reach the statue via public transportation.
Absolutely. The entire square is pedestrian-friendly, and the statue is a central point for navigating the area, including access to the shopping mall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the statue is an outdoor public monument and is free to view and photograph.
The Ernst-August-Galerie typically follows standard mall hours, usually opening around 10 AM and closing around 8 PM, though specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
There is no entrance fee to enter the Ernst-August-Galerie. You only pay for any purchases you make inside.
The statue itself is a monument, but the surrounding square and the Ernst-August-Galerie may host seasonal events or markets, especially around holidays.
The public square is generally accessible at all times, though the Ernst-August-Galerie has specific opening and closing hours.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The gallery features a mix of popular fashion brands, electronics stores, specialty shops like Asian markets (Go Asia), and manga/anime stores.
The Ernst-August-Galerie itself has several dining options, including popular Döner kebab places like Activ Kebap and Dogaantv, as well as ramen restaurants.
Yes, places like Activ Kebap offer relatively affordable and popular fast-food options.
Look for the Go Asia market for a wide selection of Asian snacks and goods, and specialized stores for manga and anime merchandise.
While not a traditional souvenir shop, you might find unique items in the specialty stores or at the Asian market if you're looking for something different.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late evenings are recommended to avoid crowds and get clearer shots. The statue is also nicely lit at night.
The square itself offers good views. For a slightly different perspective, consider the entrance to the Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade shopping mall, which is near the statue.
Yes, generally photography is allowed inside the mall for personal use, but it's always good to be mindful of other shoppers and store policies.
The main challenge is the constant foot traffic and people using the statue area as a resting spot or meeting point, making it hard to get unobstructed shots.
For the public monument itself, there are no restrictions. Inside the mall, standard rules apply, so avoid professional shoots without permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining options within the gallery, such as the popular Döner places, are generally kid-friendly and offer quick, satisfying meals. The open square can also provide a bit of space for kids to move around, though supervision is always recommended due to the busy train station proximity.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Foodies will appreciate the diverse culinary scene within the gallery. From acclaimed Döner kebabs to authentic ramen, there are plenty of options to satisfy various cravings. It's a great spot to grab a quick and delicious bite while on the go or during a shopping spree.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles. While the front view is iconic, try capturing it from the sides or incorporating elements of the surrounding architecture. The Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade entrance nearby can offer unique framing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Equestrian Statue: A Symbol of History
Its location directly in front of the Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station) makes it an unmissable feature of the public square. The sheer scale of the statue commands attention, and its historical significance adds a layer of depth to the bustling urban environment. Many visitors find it a convenient reference point when navigating the city.
While the statue itself is a static monument, its presence is amplified by the surrounding activity. The square often hosts seasonal markets and events, and the statue's base is a popular spot for people to gather, rest, or simply admire the architecture. It’s a piece of history embedded within the modern pulse of Hannover.
Shopping and Dining at Ernst-August-Galerie
Beyond mainstream fashion, the gallery is known for its unique finds. Visitors can explore an Asian market (Go Asia) for a wide array of snacks and goods, and dedicated stores catering to manga and anime fans. This makes it a destination for niche interests as well as general shopping. The lower levels, in particular, seem to be a hub for these specialty shops.
When hunger strikes, the Ernst-August-Galerie doesn't disappoint. It's a hotspot for popular food vendors, especially Döner kebab establishments like Activ Kebap and Dogaantv, which have celebrated new openings and offer signature items. Ramen restaurants also add to the culinary diversity, providing quick and tasty options for shoppers and travelers passing through the adjacent train station.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit