Hamburg & North Coast

Hamburg & the North Coast encompasses Germany’s maritime gateway, stretching from the bustling port city of Hamburg to the windswept shores of the North and Baltic Seas. The geography is flat and watery, dominated by the Elbe River, expansive dikes, and the unique Wadden Sea (Wattenmeer) tidal flats. The climate here is maritime—breezy and changeable—so packing a windbreaker and rubber boots (Gummistiefel) is essential regardless of the season.

Hamburg is the urban anchor of the region and home to Miniatur Wunderland, the number one tourist attraction in Germany. This immense model railway features working airports, ships, and intricate details that families can study for hours. A harbor boat tour on a Barkasse gives you a close-up view of massive container ships, while the International Maritime Museum lets kids explore decks of history. The city's Tierpark Hagenbeck is famous for being the first zoo to use open enclosures surrounded by moats rather than cages.

Heading to the coast, the North Sea experience is defined by the tides. At low tide, the water recedes for miles, allowing for guided mudflat hikes where guides show children lugworms, crabs, and shellfish living in the mud. The beaches at St. Peter-Ording are incredibly wide, allowing for sand yachting and kite buggying. On the calmer Baltic Sea side (Ostsee), the water is generally shallower and warmer, making resorts like Travemünde or the island of Fehmarn ideal for swimming with smaller children.

Traditional seaside towns like Lübeck, famous for its marzipan and medieval Holstentor gate, add a cultural touch. Families can visit the European Hansemuseum to learn about medieval trade in an engaging way. Food in the north revolves around fresh fish; a 'Fischbrötchen' (fish sandwich) eaten by the harbor is a rite of passage. Whether exploring the brick-gothic architecture or digging in the sand, the north offers a fresh, bracing holiday full of maritime charm.