The capella leprosorum extra muros, built between 1250 and 1284 in front of the Steintor, was a place of refuge for people suffering from the plague or leprosy.

It can therefore be described as the oldest building still visible in Hanover, even if it is only a ruin.

In the 16th century, the building became the chapel of the St. Nikolai cemetery, where gravestones from this period can still be found today in a park-like atmosphere.

The English community of Hanover used the chapel until 1914, before it was destroyed in the Second World War.

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Wandertourist

September 22, 2025

Hiking

The chapel was built in the 13th century outside the former city walls, which were originally built for the sick, along with a hospital. The chapel still survives as a ruin, with beautiful stone slabs attached to the walls. The choir is accessible, but beware: There's a lot of trash around the chapel, especially in the sanctuary, and it reeks of urine and worse. Overall, a special highlight, but in a very unpleasant setting.

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Holger

June 25, 2024

Hiking

Here you can experience and touch history.

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Best Hikes to Ruins of the Nikolaikapelle

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1. Old Town Hall Hanover – Leineabstieg Lock loop from Markthalle / Landtag

29.8km

07:45

200m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.7

(135)

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2. Maschsee North Shore – View of the Maschsee loop from Werderstraße

13.7km

03:29

40m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.8

(5)

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3. Christ Church Hanover – Ruins of the Nikolaikapelle loop from Hannover-Nordstadt

6.85km

01:45

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 100 m

Weather

Saturday 24 January

1°C

-2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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Location: Lower Saxony, Germany

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Ruins of the Nikolaikapelle

1. Old Town Hall Hanover – Leineabstieg Lock loop from Markthalle / Landtag

2. Maschsee North Shore – View of the Maschsee loop from Werderstraße

3. Christ Church Hanover – Ruins of the Nikolaikapelle loop from Hannover-Nordstadt

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