TOURISTIC MARKETING FOR NORTHERN GERMANY
Our homeland Northern Germany is a fascinating area between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It is characterised by diverse landscape, lush greens, rich history and unique culture. The region offers the best of picturesque coastal towns, historic cities and idyllic rural areas. Northern Germany is not only known for its impressive beaches and charming harbour towns, but also for its warm hospitality. The North German identity is reflected in traditional customs, a maritime way of life and a deep connection to nature – yet always curious and progressive. Whether you are exploring the vast plains and forests, the picturesque islands or the lively cities – Northern Germany has plenty to offer and will charm you with its culture and hidden gems.
Such beauty to promote!
13
UNESCO Heritage Sites
95
Islands
3052
Kilometers of Beaches
88000
Square Kilometres of Holiday Region
15600000
Welcoming Hosts
25 Years of Touristic Marketing
Visit Northern Germany e.V. is the tourism marketing alliance of the five northern German federal states Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein and the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. We’ve teamed up as association Visit Northern Germany e.V. (VNG) to carry the North German spirit into the world. For over 25 years we have exclusively been promoting Northern Germany in selected source markets which promise to have a large potential for the entire region. The markets, cojointly defined with our exclusive partner German National Tourist Board (GNTB) after a careful analysis, are presently Poland and Belgium. The major objectives in this markets are:
- to strengthen the awareness and interest of travellers, trade partners and media representatives
- to strengthen the positive image for the Northern German region
- to contribute to an increase of overnight stays from the jointly defined source market
Our objectives are in line with the overarching goals the GNTB aims for in its work for Germany as a travel destination as a whole. They are achieved through the realisation of comprehensive marketing measures. VNG concentrates on close cooperation with key accounts from trade and the press and also focuses on social media communication as well as online campaigns.
Our head office is located in Lübeck. It manages all affairs regarding the association and marketing. Click here for more info and to get in touch.
Get to know our Members
Naturally Sustainable
We take on responsibility: In northern Germany, the use of renewable energy—particularly wind energy along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts (both offshore and onshore)—is a central component of regional sustainable development. With offshore wind farms already generating 10.8 GW of power in 2026, the BSH aims to expand the region’s total capacity to 30 GW by 2030. Schleswig-Holstein, for example, is home to some of Europe’s largest onshore wind farms, and there are major offshore wind projects in the North Sea. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, agricultural practices are becoming increasingly sustainable: in 2025, 24% of farmland were managed organically, thereby promoting biodiversity, groundwater and drinking water protection, and soil fertility. Nature reserves such as the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Lower Saxony, also contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Lübeck was the first Fair Trade City in Schleswig-Holstein. The Hanseatic cities of Hamburg and Bremen are working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and 60%, respectively, by 2030 compared to the base year of 1990. This is being done in accordance with their climate strategies and is documented in progress reports.
Northern Germany leads the way and offers the best basic requirements for the tourism sector, too. For travellers, Northern Germany offers plenty of opportunities to experience its diverse landscapes up close – from the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts to islands, nature parks and vibrant cities. The following examples show just some of the ways to explore the region and its natural surroundings. For example at the Baltic coast, areas like Rügen Island in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and nature park Holstein Switzerland in Schleswig-Holstein offer sustainable travel options, plenty of nature activities and organic food guides. Atmospheric cities like Hamburg and Bremen offer various sustainable possibilities for transportation that aim to reduce environmental impact, such as public transport and rail. Lübeck, being famous for its medieval architecturehas two destinations: the Hanseatic city itself and the seaside resort of Travemünde, both of which are certified as sustainable destinations under the TourCert seal through 2029. Niedersachsen offers plenty of opportunities to experience nature up close. In Celle, the Bee Institute invites visitors to learn more about the importance of bees and their habitats. On the East Frisian Islands, the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the Wadden Sea, shapes the landscape and allows visitors to enjoy nature firsthand. On Juist for example, visitors and locals get around on foot, by bike, or by horse-drawn carriage. Programs such as the “School of Sustainability” impart knowledge about the Wadden Sea habitat and demonstrate how closely experiencing nature is linked to respecting the island’s unique environment.
Needless to say that this results in plenty of activities in breathtaking nature and authentic experiences with our locals – get in touch with nature and diversity!
