Discover and explore the surrounding area of Hamburg
The metropolitan region of Hamburg is always worth a day trip! In the immediate vicinity, there are many attractive travel, sports, cultural and leisure activities that are quick and easy to reach. In from minutes to only a few hours, you can relax and explore the North Sea or Baltic Sea or the only German island on the high seas, Heligoland, or you can go to small towns with winding alleyways, or see vast landscapes with many unique spots. Denmark, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony or cities such as Lübeck and Kiel, Bremen and Hanover can be reached in a few hours. Here are our recommendations for day trips outside the Hamburg city limits!
1.Altes Land
By ship or suburban train, you can reach the fruit growers in the Alte Land, Europe's largest closed fruit-growing region in the immediate vicinity of the Hanseatic city. Freshly harvested fruit and thatched farmhouses, museums, churches and magnificent gates, wide dike landscapes and the picturesque towns of Buxtehude, Jork and Stade invite you to discover them. Be part of the numerous festivities, such as the Altländer Blütenfest or the Altländer Apfeltage, or explore the history of the region in the Altes Land Museum.
2.Hanseatic City of Lüneburg
A little further south, the salt town of Lüneburg revives the Middle Ages: Ancient lanes and houses, a historic town hall and "Stintmarkt" as well as a picturesque old town provide insights into the roots of North German culture and the history of the salt trade. Furthermore, you can visit the original locations of the famous TV series "Rote Rosen" or, if you are lucky, even watch the shooting.
3.Schwerin
The state capital Schwerin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is one of the most beautiful cities in the metropolitan region of Hamburg, which is inevitably due to the Schwerin Castle. The surrounding city has more than a thousand years of history to tell, just waiting to be discovered by you. The castle Schwerin belongs to the ducal castles and main residences in Meckleburg-Vorpommern and is today the seat of the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. As part of the "Residenzensemble Schwerin - Kulturlandschaft des romantischen Historismus" (Schwerin Residence Ensemble - Cultural Landscape of Romantic Historism), Schwerin Castle has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Candidates since 2014.
4.Island Helgoland
Also the beautiful Helgoland is not far away, about 150 km away from the Hanseatic city lies Germany's only deep-sea island. Treat yourself to a view of the steep coast, enjoy the fresh North Sea breeze and discover the many special features of the island. From Hamburg, especially the boat trips with the Helgoland catamaran are a real experience! In the morning the way leads with up to 35 knots (~ 65 km/h) in only 3.5 hours to Helgoland. There you have approx. 3.5 hours stay before it goes back again to Hamburg.
5.Hanseatic City of Lübeck
The Holstentor, the Buddenbrooks and the Niederegger Marzipan are famous landmarks of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, approx. 60 km north of Hamburg. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is a living monument to rich merchants as well as a cultural centre and a modern university town. At the gates of the city lies the popular Baltic seaside resort of Travemünde, which attracts bathers on sunny days.
6.Island Neuwerk & Wadden Sea
About 100 kilometres west of Hamburg lies the almost three square kilometre small inhabited island of Neuwerk in front of the mouth of the Elbe in the Wadden Sea of the North Sea. Politically, the island belongs, along with other islands, to the Hamburg district of Neuwerk of the same name. Already in 1905 Neuwerk became a resort and seaside resort. The 40 inhabitants live from agriculture and from tourists, who appreciate the peace, walks in the sea breeze and the vastness of the mud flats and the sea. Five restaurants, an old merchant's shop, the show collection in the "Haus Bernstein" and the new "Nationalpark-Haus Neuwerk" are among the attractions of the island. The Wadden Sea stretches over 500 kilometres along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. The German-Dutch part, which covers almost 10,000 square kilometres, has been a World Heritage Site since June 2011 and is thus on a par with other world-famous natural phenomena such as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef.
7.Island Sylt
More sea: Sylt, sand and sun, oysters and party. The "Hamburg's Island" is about 220 km away from Hamburg and can be easily reached by train, ship or plane. Stroll along dream beaches, discover the unique natural landscape or dance barefoot in the sand at one of the many trendy beach parties.
8.Lüneburg Heath
The Lüneburger Heide with its quiet villages invites you to relax and go hiking, but with numerous attractions such as the Heidepark Soltau and the Snow Dome Ski Hall Bispingen, it also provides pure family fun. Cycling, sailing, canoeing and hiking, on the other hand, are excellent options in the Lüneburger Heide in northern Lower Saxony.
9.Hanseatic City of Stade
Stade is a lively city with more than a thousand years of history and is perfect for a day trip. Discover the historic city centre with its old churches and the "Leaning Tower of Stade". Learn more about the long history of the Hanseatic League, enjoy the Elbe panorama.
10.Fehrman Island at the Baltic Sea
Germany's third largest island is located in Schleswig-Holstein and is easy to reach from Hamburg. Whether for a day trip to the countryside or a beach day on the Baltic Sea by car, you can reach the island of Fehmarn on the Baltic Sea in just two hours by car. Explore the museums of the island or experience the maritime charm at one of the numerous harbours. One of the highlights is the Meereszentrum Fehmarn in Burg, which houses several show aquariums.
