Your guide to Hamburg / Day Trips nearby Hamburg
Day trips - nearby Hamburg
If you're spending a good amount of time in Hamburg, you may be curious to know about the surrounding areas as well. A great way to do that is to take day trips. Many natural, historic and quaint locations are within a reasonable travel distance for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Our list below offers just a few ideas for your next trip.
Less than 1 Hour of Travel Time
Climb the Hills of Blankenese
Süllberg: Süllbergsterrasse 12, 22587 Hamburg, Germany
A tranquil hilltop city, Blankenese is located along the banks of the Elbe River. You'll find affluent neighborhoods and beautiful buildings in this charming location. You can climb Süllberg Hill for panoramic views of Hamburg or just take a walk through the quiet streets, taking in the beauty of the area.
Wander the Old Country in Altes Land
Fairy Tale Road: Kurfürstenstraße 9, 34117 Kassel, Germany
In the Elbe River marshlands, there is a fertile land that was created after the river waters were routed elsewhere. That land is Altes Land. This is Germany's largest fruit-growing area and has contributed to the small villages to become more prosperous. The buildings are especially beautiful with quality craftsmanship evident in their design. The area also features well-developed bicycle paths so you can explore on two wheels as well as two feet. You can even take in some costumed tours or take a stroll down the town's Fairy Tale Road.
Take a Thermal Bath in Luneburg
Old City Hall: Am Ochsenmarkt 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
Luneburg is a town with medieval charm as well as being the "salt town." With saltwater thermal baths occurring naturally, the name has stayed with the city. You can also stop at a variety of specialty shops, restaurants and cafes in Old Town. However, if you enjoy a good night out after a relaxing day in the baths, you should have plenty of options, as Luneburg has one of the highest concentrations of pubs in Europe. The longest pub mile in Luneburg is the fish market. Stroll through and taste the local creations.
Taste the Marzipan in Lubeck
Church of St. Mary: Marienkirchhof 1, 23552 Lübeck, Germany
The city of Lubeck is also called the "marzipan city," so it would be a great idea to test the nickname and taste the local sweets. You can also take a walking tour through the water-enclosed Old Town. The picturesque 13th-century architecture will have you feeling as though you've traveled through time. Even the brick-Gothic style Church of St. Mary will have you examining the architecture with a great appreciation for the age of the buildings.
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Step Into a Fairy Tale in Bremen
A medieval jewel, Bremen is another older city with architecture dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. You can visit the Town Hall to appreciate more older architecture. The "Town Musicians of Bremen," made famous in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, originated here, and there is a sculpture erected in their honor. In fact, it is a tradition to rub the donkey's legs on the sculpture for good luck. If your day trip is in February, plan to attend one of the most important annual events in the city, the Bremen carnival.
- Town Hall: Am Markt 21, 28195 Bremen, Germany
- Town Musicians of Bremen: Schoppensteel 1, 28195 Bremen, Germany
Explore Art and Culture in Schwerin
Schwerin Castle: Lennéstraße 1, 19053 Schwerin, Germany
Also known as the City of Seven Lakes, Schwerin is a perfect combination of natural and architectural beauty. Schwerin Castle sits between two lakes and is surrounded by manicured gardens. The market square continues the picturesque feel with cobbled streets. Excellent museums and a variety of art and cultural festivals are also found in Schwerin. Plan your day trip at the right time of year and you could witness the Drachenboot festival.
Hike Near the Wadden Sea
Hamburgisches Wattenmeer National Park: WH58+35 Cuxhaven, Germany
The Wadden Sea, or Wattenmeer in German, is a swatch of coastal area running from the Netherlands to Denmark that is environmentally protected and basically an undisturbed natural area. Salt marshes and seagrass meadows stretch the distance. You can take hikes along the mudflats during low tide, so be sure to bring your mud shoes.
3-4 Hours of Travel Time
Relax in Heligoland
Heligoland is also known as the island of breathtaking cliffs. Germany's only high-seas island requires a catamaran to bring its guests to the island. There is something for everyone on the island. Nature-lovers will enjoy the fresh air and red sandstone cliffs. Animal lovers will find rare sea birds and wild seals. Foodies will be pleasantly surprised by the seafood available at quality restaurants like Aquariumcafe and Bunte Kuh. And bargain hunters should be very pleased that the island is duty-free.
- Aquariumcafe: Aquariumstraße 186, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
- Bunte Kuh: Hafenstraße 1013, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
Whether you're a nature lover or you enjoy shopping in other cities, there are countless ideas for day trips around Hamburg. Your destinations can range from a 45-minute train ride to a 3½-hour public transport jaunt. So, research your interests and put your plan into motion. Explore the area and have a great time doing it.