The Best Day Trips from Hamburg, Germany

Timmendorfer Strand, Germany
Timmendorfer Strand, Germany | © Marcus / Flickr
Anwesha Ray

There is a lot to love about Hamburg, one reason is its proximity to other fantastic regions worth exploring. In a couple of hours or less you can reach a number of locations that would enhance your Hamburg holiday. Fairytale castles, sandy beaches, a remote island, centuries of history: you name it, Hamburg has it in easy reach. Read on to find out how best to spend a day away from the city.

Heligoland

We would like to warn you beforehand that Hamburg to Heligoland could be a hectic day trip, as the journey time is three hours one way on average. Though ideally you should stop in Heligoland for at least one night, if you are pressed for time and have only a day to spare, we urge you to go anyway. The sheer gorgeousness of the destination—imposing red sandstone cliffs, merry little clapboard houses and sparkling blue oceans as far as the eye can see, plus duty-free shopping—would make the effort worth it.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Aerial view of the island of Heligoland, Germany

Schwerin

The city of Schwerin has almost come to be synonymous with Schwerin Castle, a drop-dead gorgeous piece of architecture sitting like a dream on its own island in the Schwerin Lake. While this sight is reason enough to make the 110km journey from Hamburg worth it, Schwerin has several more attractions in its canon to make your day even better. Spend an idyllic day exploring its 12 lakes, a perfectly-conserved old town, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the historic Schelfstadt quarter.

Schwerin Castle

Lübeck

To help you cover as much ground as possible in a day in Lübeck without the need to rush around, we have drawn up this itinerary for you. It allows for time to see the stunning pieces of architecture the 12th century Hanseatic city is famous for, as well as pointing out achingly photogenic spots around the city and providing tips on where to enjoy delicious local cuisine, including the Lübeck marzipan specialties.

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Rostock

We came up with this itinerary for enjoying the best sights, sounds and tastes of Rostock in a day, to allow you more time to enjoy this gem of a city and worry less about how to fit everything in. In the course of a typical day in Rostock, you will see gorgeous gabled houses, ancient city gates, and churches, and even treat yourself to an aerial view of this lovely town. Top off your day with a visit to the beach and a stroll along one of the most picturesque harbors you are ever likely to see.

Rostock panorama

Altes Land

Step off the touristy path and explore Germany’s largest and most important fruit-producing region: Altes Land (Old Country), only about an hour’s drive from Hamburg. Forget about must-see lists and simply soak in the simple beauty of this unique countryside. Explore massive orchards punctuated by tiny, picturesque hamlets crisscrossed by bike trails, and treat yourself to fresh fruits and delicious homemade snacks.

Sankt Peter Ording

The lovely resort town of St. Peter Ording in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park doesn’t need an introduction for kite-surfing enthusiasts. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed day out, St. Peter Ording is perfect for you too. If you can tear yourself away from the colorful beach chairs, walk the soft, rolling dunes and perhaps take a rejuvenating dip in a sulfur spring.

St Peter-Ording

Timmendorfer Strand

Timmendofer Strand can be combined with Lübeck, or better still, enjoyed by itself over one or multiple days. This four-mile (7km) stretch of coastline welcomes you to be as active or lazy as you wish to be. You could spend hours sprawled out on the soft sand and treat yourself to a spa session, or get your blood pumping with thrilling water sports or golf. What’s even better, a study conducted by travel agency TravelBird found that Timmendorfer Strand is the cheapest beach in Europe; so this day-trip is big on fun and delightfully low on expenses.

Timmendorfer Strand, Germany
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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