Towns & culture

Setting sail, meeting wild animals of the Serengeti or riding the Ferris wheel on Hamburger Dom, a large fair, while licking candy-floss: a family holiday in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region is exciting and colorful. With its beaches, cities like Hamburg, Lübeck or Schwerin and varied nature, Germany's north offers countless opportunities to discover the world together. And because there is no other region in Germany with such a high density of amusement parks as the Lüneburg Heath, there is no shortage of fun and action. But what should you choose?

The huge Christmas tree on Hamburg's Binnenalster lake, sweet-smelling marzipan in front of the scenery of Lübeck's brick walls or a warming punch in dreamy Lüneburg: the cities of the Hamburg metropolitan region are a visitor attraction for Christmas shopping full of atmosphere during the Advent season. And the many smaller "pearls" of the region make at least as much effort during Advent to enchant their guests with a festive atmosphere.

The Alte Land is only a short distance away from Hamburg, which makes it an ideal destination for excursions and vacations. The picturesque landscape on the Elbe river is gently incorporated between the Hanseatic city and the North Sea. For all those who still long to experience a charming city flair, the maritime Hanseatic cities of Stade and Buxtehude are not far away.

With its maritime charm and cosmopolitan outlook, the Hanseatic City of Hamburg is one of Europe's most beautiful metropolises and offers its guests pure experiences of the city and nature: a variety of hotels, restaurants, theatres and shops, chic beaches on the Elbe and the green banks of the Alster, a lively harbour and city sights encompassing over 1,200 years of urban history.

Neoclassical buildings, traditional half-timbered houses, the splendid red-brick cathedral, the fairy-tale castle and Lake Schwerin – the state capital of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days.

With its hidden world of passageways and courtyards, proud merchants’ houses, the world famous Holsten Gate and the Old Town Island with its seven churches, designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, Lübeck is simply unique. The former “Queen of the Hanseatic League” is a fascinating destination for city tourists and promises lovers of culture, history and the maritime way of life some moments of genuine pleasure.

Eutin is the cultural centre of Holstein Switzerland, just a few kilometres away from the Baltic coast. In addition to its impressive architecture, its wonderful gardens and its many cultural attractions, it is also surrounded by numerous lakes, forests and hills. This combination makes Eutin the ideal place for a holiday or day trip.

Small and tranquil, Lüneburg is really quite old – over 1,000 years, to be precise. Salt once made the city rich, and you can still see this wealth today, reflected in the many beautiful patrician houses. In addition to all the fantastic gabled houses in the Am Sande area and around the marketplace the western old town also boasts houses that are positively picturesque and charming alleys along which you will be only too happy to stroll.