North Travel Guide

Explore North, located in Hamburg, Germany, with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to North

North, located in the beautiful city of Hamburg in Germany, is a region that offers a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. From stunning museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, North is a destination that exudes charm and sophistication. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, North has something for you to explore.

List of Places to Visit in North

Here’s a list of top places to visit in North:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Miniatur Wunderland: The world’s largest model railway, featuring various sections such as Hamburg City, Central Germany, and the fictitious city of Knuffingen.
  • Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg: A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Hamburg, with more than 40,000 exhibits.
  • St. Michaelis Church (Michel): One of Hamburg’s main landmarks, known for its baroque architecture and stunning views of the city.
  • Elbphilharmonie: A concert hall located in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, famous for its stunning architecture.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alster Lakes: Two artificial lakes in the heart of Hamburg, perfect for a stroll or a boat ride.
  • Planten un Blomen: A park and garden complex in the heart of Hamburg, offering various attractions such as a botanical garden, a tropical greenhouse, and a Japanese garden.
  • Donners Park: A beautiful park located in the north of Hamburg, with stunning views of the city and numerous hiking trails.
  • Jenisch Park: A park and mansion in the western part of Hamburg, known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the River Elbe.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in Germany. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Elbphilharmonie to Blankenese: A picturesque route along the River Elbe, passing through the Elbe Beach and the Blankenese Treppenviertel (staircase quarter).
  • Alsterwanderweg: A 7.4 km hiking trail around the Alster Lakes, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a leisurely bike ride.
  • Harburger Berge: A nature reserve located in the south of Hamburg, offering various hiking and biking trails through forests and hills.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

North offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Harbour Boat Tour: A boat tour of Hamburg’s port, taking you through the Speicherstadt (warehouse district) and the Elbe River.
  • Chocolate Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, featuring various exhibits and tastings.
  • Fish Market: A lively market held every Sunday morning, offering fresh seafood, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Hamburg Dungeon: A theatrical attraction offering a journey through Hamburg’s dark history, with live actors and special effects.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring North:

  • Day 1: Visit the Miniatur Wunderland and the Elbphilharmonie.
  • Day 2: Explore the Alster Lakes and the Planten un Blomen park.
  • Day 3: Visit the St. Michaelis Church (Michel) and take a boat tour of Hamburg’s port.
  • Day 4: Visit the Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg and the Hamburg Dungeon.
  • Day 5: Go hiking in the Harburger Berge nature reserve.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to the nearby city of Lübeck, known for its quaint old town and marzipan.
  • Day 7: Visit the Fish Market and enjoy some fresh seafood.

Food and Drink Scene of North

North offers some delicious food and drinks that are a must-try for any visitor. Here are some local specialties:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Labskaus: A traditional sailors’ dish made of salted beef, potatoes, onions, pickled beetroot, and fried eggs.
  • Franzbrötchen: A cinnamon roll originating from Hamburg, with a crispy shell and a soft, fluffy center.
  • Finkenwerder Scholle: A local specialty of fried plaice, served with potatoes and salad.
  • Rote Grütze: A dessert made of red berries, typically served with vanilla cream.

Local Beverages

  • Astra Beer: A local beer brewed in Hamburg, known for its distinctive taste and logo.
  • Alsterwasser: A mix of beer and lemonade, a popular drink during summer.
  • Kümmel: A local liqueur made from caraway seeds, very popular among the older generation.

Where to Stay in North: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten: A luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Hamburg, offering stunning views of the Inner Alster Lake.
  • Generator Hamburg: A trendy hostel located in the St. Georg district, offering affordable rooms and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Clipper Elb-Lodge: A modern boutique hotel located in the HafenCity quarter, offering spacious suites and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
  • Hamburg Marriott Hotel: A four-star hotel located in the central Rothenbaum district, offering spacious rooms and a fitness center.

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North offers some unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home. Here are some ideas:

  • Elbphilharmonie souvenirs: Various souvenirs and gifts featuring the famous concert hall’s design, such as keychains, postcards, and mugs.
  • Franzbrötchen: The famous cinnamon roll can be bought at various bakeries and cafes throughout the city.
  • Fruity Vinegars: Various vinegar flavors made from local fruits such as cranberries, apples, and raspberries.
  • Hand-painted pottery: Unique pottery items, painted by local artists, and sold at various markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of North

North has a vibrant and diverse culture, influenced by its maritime history, trade connections, and international outlook. Some of the local customs and habits include:

  • Pünktlichkeit (Punctuality): Germans are famous for their punctuality, and visitors should expect meetings and appointments to start and end on time.
  • Red Lights District: The St. Pauli district is famous for its red light district and party scene, attracting tourists and locals alike.
  • Local Dialects: Hamburg has several dialects, some of which can be difficult to understand for non-locals.
  • Green City: Hamburg is one of the greenest cities in Europe, with various parks, gardens, and nature reserves.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are numerous outdoor activities and events. However, Hamburg is a year-round destination, with various indoor attractions and festive events during the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

To make the most of your trip to North, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks, such as labskaus, Franzbrötchen, and Astra beer.
  • Visit the museums and historical landmarks, to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Take a boat tour of the harbor, to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Respect the local customs and habits, such as punctuality and personal space.

Don’t:

  • Don’t miss out on the natural attractions, such as the Alster Lakes and the Harburger Berge.
  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking and hiking to do in North.
  • Don’t underestimate the size of Hamburg, as there are many neighborhoods and districts to explore.
  • Don’t litter or smoke in public areas, as it is not allowed in Germany.

Safety and Health

Despite being a safe destination for tourists, visitors should always take precautions to ensure their safety and health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in North

  • Keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
  • Avoid flashing valuables or carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Learn the emergency numbers and addresses of your hotel or accommodation.

Health in North

  • Drink bottled water or boiled water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing during the summer months.
  • Visit a doctor or a pharmacy if you feel unwell or need medication.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

North is easily accessible by various means of transportation, such as:

  • Plane: Hamburg Airport (HAM) is located in the north of the city, with direct flights to various destinations in Europe and beyond.
  • Train: Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (The main station) is one of the busiest train stations in Germany, with regular connections to cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
  • Bus: Hamburg has several bus stations located throughout the city, with connections to various domestic and international destinations.

How to Get Around in North

Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system, consisting of buses, trains, and ferries. Here are some of the best options for getting around in North:

  • Hamburg Card: A public transport ticket that also offers discounts to various attractions and activities.
  • U-Bahn: Hamburg’s subway system, consisting of four lines and serving the city center and many neighborhoods.
  • S-Bahn: Hamburg’s urban rail network, consisting of seven lines and serving the entire city and surrounding areas.
  • Ferry: Hamburg has several ferry lines that offer scenic rides along the River Elbe and the port.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North is located in a prime location for exploring nearby destinations and attractions. Here are some ideas for excursions:

  • Lübeck: A beautiful medieval city located 60 km northeast of Hamburg, known for its old town and marzipan.
  • Kiel: A port city located 90 km north of Hamburg, known for its sailing events and beaches.
  • Bremen: A city located 120 km southwest of Hamburg, known for its old town and Gothic architecture.
  • Schwerin: A city located 100 km southeast of Hamburg, known for its castle and surrounding lakes.

Conclusion

North, located in the beautiful city of Hamburg in Germany, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. With so much to explore, from stunning museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, North is a destination that should not be missed.

Elephant feeding in the Hagenbeck Zoo Elephant feeding in the Hagenbeck Zoo The Ernst Deutsch Theater The Ernst Deutsch Theater Light art in the district of Winterhude Light art in the district of Winterhude