Südstadt (South Town)
Traditionally, Hanover's districts are identified with social groups. According to this, the southern part of the town is inhabited by clerks and civil servants. But on its outskirts, all of Hanover likes to practice running, Rollerblading, or cycling around the Maschsee lake; ice skating nights are organized in winter. A vast green area starts behind the New Town Hall with the Maschpark and the "Maschteich" pond. To the south, Hanover's largest lake expands to 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in length, there is a boat service between the two banks. At the southern end, small children splash in the shallow water. In August, the idyll is interrupted for a few days as the Maschseefest, begins. The Maschseefest is a festival with open-air stages and bars which is celebrated all around the lake. If it is raining, visit the Sprengel Museum with its excellent exhibition of Modern Art.