Hamburg Travel Guide - Day Trips

Stade: boasts a scenic harbour and is only about 35 miles from Hamburg, making for an easy day’s excursion. The stunning architecture of the town, along with its picturesque harbour, makes it well worth a visit. Among its historic buildings is St Wilhadi Kirche, a 14th-century Gothic church featuring a leaning tower, a Baroque organ and a number of recently uncovered frescœes on its ceilings.

Another religious structure of interest is the church named after two saints: St Cosmas and St Damiani. This is the town's oldest church and is readily recognised by its octagonal tower that is crowned with a Baroque dome. The Schwedenspeicher, which served as a food stockhouse during the Swedish occupation of Stade, is another site of historical interest. This vast structure has been restored to house a regional history museum.

Sylt: is known for sun and sand, fresh oysters and a lively nightlife. This is Hamburg's very own island, which is within easy reach by boat or train. The very pretty area known as Helgoland is also not far away. A visit here will refresh your spirits with the lovely breezes of the North Sea.

Lower Saxony: is the region located just over the Elbe. Known as the ‘Alte Land’, this is Europe's largest single fruit-growing region. You can enjoy a drive past thatched farmhouses, along a scenic stretch of dykes and the lovely and traditional small towns of Buxtehude and Stade. It’s also possible to make the crossing to Lower Saxony by catamaran from Hamburg’s harbour.

Lubeck: is a Hanseatic city located north of Hamburg. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city’s attractions include the Buddenbrooks, the Holsten Gate and Niederegger marzipan. This is a living monument to a cultural centre and is home to many wealthy merchants and a modern university as well. Just a few miles away on the Baltic is the popular resort of Travemunde, also worth visiting.