The Best Day Trips From Hamburg Germany

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.

Schwerin

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.