The 9 Best Day Trips From Hamburg

The “From Hamburg to Hannover” Private One-Day Trip by Car offers a comfortable and personalized journey through Germany’s scenic landscapes. Travel in style from Hamburg to Hannover, where you’ll explore this vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lush gardens. Visit the Herrenhausen Gardens, the historic Old Town, and the impressive New Town Hall.

Distance: Direct trains take roughly 90mins each way

>> With a private guide, you’ll enjoy a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, making this day trip a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and discovery, all at your own pace.

The 1,000-year history of Lüneburg is closely tied with the production of white gold (salt) that brought wealth and prosperity to the town. Having survived World War II virtually unscathed, Lüneburg boasts a medieval charm few can rival. Stroll through the beautiful Old Town and browse the speciality shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in gabled buildings. You will also find lovely green areas, saltwater thermal baths and, thanks to the town’s student population, one of the highest concentrations of pubs in Europe.

Distance: 40 minutes by regional train

>> Make sure you experience their wonderful food and learn about the history on this tour!

On the coast of the Baltic Sea lies Lübeck, the former capital of the mighty Hanseatic League. The Old Town is best explored on foot, its historic buildings and narrow lanes a mix of architectural styles from 13th century onwards. Visit the Town Hall and the magnificent Gothic Church of St Mary and don’t leave without trying the marzipan – it’s a speciality. Lübeck is known as the marzipan city.

Distance: 45 minutes by regional train.

Medieval Bremen is home to the Bremen Town Musicians (bronze statue) featured in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Admire the Renaissance Town Hall, stroll through Schnoor, a maze of small streets lined with charming 15th- and 16th-century houses, and relax in the sun on the Schlachte riverside promenade. Visit a museum or take a tour of the Beck’s beer factory. Whatever you do, don’t leave before rubbing the donkey’s legs on the Bremen Town Musicians sculpture to secure some good luck.

Distance: One hour 10 minutes by regional train

The city of Schwerin is a picture-perfect combination of natural and architectural beauty. Its most famous landmark is the majestic Schwerin Palace, situated between two lakes and surrounded by luscious gardens. The nearby market square and cobbled streets are filled with historic buildings housing shops and cafes. Schwerin has a number of excellent museums and hosts a variety of arts and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Distance: One hour 25 minutes by regional train.

Elbe marshlands downstream from Hamburg are home to Altes Land. This fertile land, regained from the river between the 11th and 15th centuries and protected by dykes, is Germany’s largest fruit growing area. In between the large orchards you’ll find villages with half-timbered farm buildings. The best way to enjoy the scenery is to cycle along the bicycle paths. Admire apple blossom in spring, pick fruit in the fall and enjoy delicious cake from the local produce all year round. Visit the country side on this tour!

Distance: One hour by Hamburg public transport (metro and bus to Jork, or ferry to Cranz).

The Wadden Sea (Wattenmeer) coastal area, which stretches from the Netherlands to Denmark, is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. The ecosystem of dunes, tidal channels, sandbars, mudflats, seagrass meadows and salt marshes is undisturbed nature at its best. Don’t miss the opportunity to go mudflat hiking (wattwandern) during low tide, when you’ll be able to walk from the mainland to nearby islands.

Distance: 1h 45 min to either Cuxhaven or Büsum.

Heligoland is a little further away but is a wonderful day trip destination. The speedy journey across the North Sea is an adventure in itself. The island may be small but it has something for everyone. Nature lovers will enjoy the fresh air, the breathtaking red sandstone cliffs and getting up close with seals. Bird watching enthusiasts will love spotting rare seabirds. Gourmands will enjoy the island’s great restaurants and fresh seafood, while bargain hunters will make the most of its duty- and VAT-free status.

Distance: 3.5 hours by catamaran Halunder Jet from Hamburg.

The Hamburg Shore Excursion: Private Berlin Day Trip offers an exclusive, in-depth exploration of Germany’s vibrant capital. Travel comfortably from Hamburg and experience Berlin’s rich history, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall. With a private guide, uncover stories behind iconic landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, and Museum Island.

>> This personalized tour allows you to delve into Berlin’s culture, history, and modern flair at your own pace, making it an unforgettable day trip that perfectly.

Hamburg to Berlin by train takes 2hrs, 30mins. For this reason, we do recommend the trip above.