Discover Hamburg in an environmentally conscious and climate-friendly way
We love Hamburg and naturally want our „pearl“ to continue enchanting locals and guests from all over the world for many years to come. That's why Hamburg is committed to sustainable tourism. Strolls in green parks, eco-friendly accommodations, restaurants with vegan and organic cuisine – here are 10 simple tips to make your vacation in the Hanseatic city sustainable and responsible.
1. Plan your Hamburg trip online
Do travel books, city maps and printed travel itineraries often end up in your closet or in the trash after a trip? We recommend researching and planning your trip to Hamburg directly online. Interesting facts about sights, information about travel, hotels and restaurants, as well as ideas for sustainable experiences can be found on our website or in the Hamburg Erleben app. Important papers and travel documents for your trip can also be saved digitally, for example on the cloud. Travel light and protect the environment at the same time - that's a great solution!
2. Travel eco-friendly by train
In the spirit of sustainable tourism, travel comfortably to Hamburg by train, powered 100% by green energy. Our city is easily accessible by Intercity Express (ICE) trains and regional trains. The journey in itself is also a unique experience - grab your cameras when you are entering Hamburg, because the Elbe and the city skyline will welcome you with magnificent photo motifs. Something also to consider, you may want to travel carefree with our Train Special Package, where you can book a train ticket and reserve a hotel room together in one package. This gives you maximum flexibility.
3. Sleep well while helping the environment
Stay overnight in Hamburg in selected sustainable hotels. These hotels are committed to the environment and nature, for example through climate-friendly construction, regional products, avoidance of plastic, environmentally friendly cleaning or investment in social projects. You may already conserve water and energy use at home in order to reduce waste. Why not do the same while traveling. Here you can find ideal accommodations to help make your vacation a sustainable experience.
4. Climate-friendly travel in Hamburg
Who enjoys traffic jams and searching for a parking space? By using public transport or bikes you can get to all the sights and hidden insider tips in a climate-friendly way, around the city and to the surrounding countryside. Buses, S-Bahn and U-Bahn (subway) stops are quick and easy to reach, and the HVV (Hamburg Transport Association) can comfortably bring you from points A to B. As an alternative to public transport, Hamburg has additional options: rental bikes are available from StadtRAD at almost every corner. Or how about renting an e-scooter, electric scooter or electric riksha to explore the city?
5. Dining and shopping at local vendors
From breakfasts offering high quality organic foods to dinners with homemade products - many cafés and restaurants rely on regional suppliers or seasonal cuisine. This not only means fresh food, but also reduces long delivery routes, thus saving energy. Even more sustainable are the delicious vegan and vegetarian alternatives - we recommend vegan lunches for example. You can also make a statement when shopping with sustainable streetwear, clothing made from organic cotton or upcycled jewelry. Or you can give clothes from vintage and second-hand stores a new life. All these are ideas to help protect the environment, while at the same time, supporting small-scale retail trade of the local economy.
6. Immerse yourself in authentic city culture
Admittedly, the port of Hamburg, our Elbphilharmonie, the Speicherstadt and the Reeperbahn are already city highlights. But Hamburg has so much more to offer. In the city districts you can immerse yourself in authentic Hamburg life and visit local restaurants, stores and museums. How about a shopping tour through the local stores of Marktstraße or a little French flair in the Treppenviertel (stairs quarter) of Blankenese? We have put together some ideas for you in our tours of seven city districts.
In Hamburg's districts there are numerous owner-operated shops with beautiful and delicious things, also "in green".
7. Hamburg's sustainable experiences
Hamburg has some truly sustainable insider tips to offer that are a must see! Immerse yourself in a world of exploration, including museums that delve deeper into a variety of subjects: In the Wilhelmsburg energy bunker, for example, you can enjoy the view over Hamburg while having a coffee and then discover more about the regenerative power plant in the old bunker; in Kaltehofe, a nature park has been created in the Wasserkunst industrial site (a former waterworks facility). In the Dialoghaus, you can encounter how the blind or deaf experience the world, or learn more about forests in the Wälderhaus. Whether on sunny or rainy days, there is something for everyone to discover.
8. Relax in green surroundings
Sandy beaches on the Elbe, picnic meadows by the water or green forests spread out over the 755 km² area of Hamburg - it can be fun to take your time and explore the green areas of Hamburg. By bike, you can quickly reach the surrounding countryside, for example the largest fruit-growing area in northern Europe, Altes Land. A walk around the Alster or a hike in the Harburg mountains will recharge your batteries without using fossil fuels. Do you enjoy taking walks? Great idea! You can easily discover most of the city's sights on foot. Whether it's a romantic getaway for two, a day in the nature with family, or a day trip with friends, you'll find plenty of opportunities in Hamburg to truly relax and be climate-conscious at the same time.
9. Saving money
With the Hamburg CARD, you can even save money on a sustainable city trip to Hamburg. The City Card bundles a selection of Hamburg sights, catering and cultural establishments and much more. You receive a discount in the participating cafés, restaurants and shops. The Hamburg CARD is also available with a public transport ticket.
10. Share your travel experiences
Hamburg inspired you and now you want to tell everyone about it? Then share your experiences with the hashtag #nacHHaltigbegeistert on social media. Your post supports the commitment of the eco-friendly places you have visited, so you can make a positive contribution even after a trip. If you are back home and find yourself reminiscing about your time in Hamburg, feel free to visit our "Weil wir Hamburg sind" online shop (only in German) for a few souvenirs – where all products are made of sustainable cotton and are shipped climate-neutral and without plastic.
