Tips for trips to Hamburg's surroundings
The metropolis Hamburg is located between North Sea and Baltic Sea, between winding villages and wide landscapes with many singular places.
Here we present you a little range of worthwhile destinations from the surroundings.
More proposals can also be found under: German Coastline.
Altes Land (Old Country)
Hopping over the river Elbe (by boat or with the rapid-transit railway) to Lower Saxony takes you to the fruit farmers in the "Old Country"- the biggest joined European fruit producing area. Freshly harvested fruit and thatched farm houses, wide dyke landscapes and the picturesque villages Buxtehude and Stade invite you to discover them.
Cuxhaven
A little more than 100 km to the north of Hamburg lies the seaport Cuxhaven. On the "Seefischmarkt", on of the biggest fresh fish trading places in Europe, you can witness the early morning fish auctions. Very popular among guests is the observation deck "Alte Liebe" ("old love"), which offers a great view over the international waterway. The bordering national park "Wattenmeer" ("Wadden Sea") invites you to explore the unique flora and fauna of this world heritage.
Helgoland
There are many islands along the German North Sea coast but none of them can be compared with Helgoland. About 70 km away from the continent, the mighty red bunter rock with green land rises out of the sea and presents itself with singular flora and fauna and mild climate supported by the near Gulf Stream. For stressed people Helgoland is an oasis of silence and a singular natural monument where environmental problems are unknown. Enjoy a proper breeze of North Sea air on a day trip with the catamaran from the Port of Hamburg!
Shores of the North- and Baltic Sea
If you want to get away from the big city turmoil and exchange it against the sound of the sea, Hamburgs surroundings offer a great variety of possibilities. May it be "St. Peter-Ording" or the "Timmendorfer Strand": In one or one and a half hours you can reach the shores of the North- and the Baltic Sea to relax in a beach chair with your feet in the sand and your view over the ocean.
Lübeck
The Holstentor, the Buddenbrooks and "Niederegger Marzipan" are famous poster childs for the Hanseatic city Lübeck north of Hamburg. The city, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, is a living memorial of rich merchants, cultural centre and modern university city at the same time. Outside the gates lies the popular Baltic Sea bath Travemünde.
Lüneburg
South of Hamburg, in the salt city Lüneburg, the Middle Ages come alive: ancient lanes and houses, the historic Town Hall and the "Stintmarkt" (Fish Market) give insight into the roots of the culture of northern Germany and the history of salt trade. The "Lüneburger Heide", the heath land of Lüneburg with its silent villages, invites to relaxed hiking, cycling and sailing.
Stade
A lively city with more than a millenium of history: Stade, only 40 km north of Hamburg up the river Elbe, is the perfect destination for a short trip. Discover the historical city centre with its old churches and the "leaning tower of Stade". Learn more about the long history of the Hanseatic League, enjoy the panorama of the Elbe river or start your excursion to the "Alte Land" (old country) from here.
Sylt
Sylt, sun and sand, oysters and party. The "island of the people of Hamburg" is approximately 220 km away from Hamburg and is well accessible by train, ferry or plane. Stroll along beautiful beaches, discover the unique natural landscape or dance barefoot in the sand at one of the many hip beachparties.
