Known as the “Weimar of the North,” Eutin enchants with lakes, gentle hills and its elegant lakeside castle — birthplace of Catherine the Great. Wander the historic Old Town, enjoy concerts and festivals in the castle gardens, or explore the surrounding nature by foot, bike or boat. In Eutin, culture, scenery and history blend into one unforgettable northern escape.
Just outside Hamburg, Ahrensburg welcomes visitors with its gleaming Renaissance moated castle, built in 1595 and lovingly restored to showcase aristocratic life of past centuries. Stroll through the elegant grounds, explore the castle museum, or venture into the nearby Stellmoor–Ahrensburg tunnel valley, where ancient landscapes and archaeological trails reveal the region’s Stone Age roots. Blending culture, history and nature, Ahrensburg is the perfect getaway between city life and countryside calm.
Founded in 1617 by Danish King Christian IV as his “lucky town,” Glückstadt still radiates the charm of its royal origins. Wander through narrow historic alleys, past harbour cottages and artists’ studios, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene that fills this small Elbe town with creative life. Taste the famous “Original Glückstadt Matjes” herring — celebrated each June with a lively four-day festival — and feel how the king’s vision of happiness still echoes through every corner of his beautiful riverside city.
Where the Wadden Sea meets historic cobblestones, Husum blends maritime charm with a rich cultural heritage. Follow the traces of writer Theodor Storm through the Old Town, explore museums and merchant houses, and feel the rhythm of the tides at the lively North Sea harbour. In spring, the lilac crocus bloom transforms the grounds of Husum Castle into a dreamy carpet of colour — a highlight of this town known for its festivals, creativity and deep coastal roots.
On the edge of the Danish border, Flensburg blends German tradition with Scandinavian spirit like nowhere else. Its winding Old Town alleys, cosy merchant courtyards and the small historic harbour still reflect the deep ties to Denmark and the era when rum trading shaped the city’s fortunes. Stroll past colourful façades, listen to Danish voices drifting through the streets, and feel how centuries of shared culture have shaped this unique northern port. Flensburg’s history isn’t just told — it’s lived at every corner.
Set on an island amid the shimmering lakes of Lauenburg, Mölln charms with winding lanes, historic half-timbered houses and the playful spirit of Till Eulenspiegel. Meet the famous jester at the fountain on the marketplace — and don’t forget to rub his bronze thumb or boot tip for a little good luck. Then wander through creative spa gardens or follow peaceful nature trails into the surrounding parkland. In Mölln, stories, scenery and serenity come beautifully together.
Rising above shimmering lakes and tree-lined gardens, the white Plön Castle tells centuries of Holstein history. Beneath its majestic silhouette, the town invites you to wander charming streets, linger in small cafés, or explore the water by canoe, bike or boat. Whether you glide into the sunset on the Great Plön Lake or stroll through the old castle grounds, Plön offers a magical blend of heritage and holiday calm in the heart of Holstein Switzerland.
Where Dutch gables meet dreamy canals, Friedrichstadt invites you to slow down and soak up 400 years of charm. Drift through the waterways by boat, wander past stepped façades, or explore tiny shops and creative studios. From historic churches to the wide river landscapes just beyond town, this little gem blends culture, serenity and seaside spirit in the most enchanting way.
Bremerhaven, located on the North Sea, is a city shaped by its maritime heritage and modern attractions. Highlights include the Climate House, the German Emigration Center, and the German Maritime Museum, offering fascinating insights into seafaring, climate, and migration history. Visitors can explore the Havenwelten, enjoy fresh seafood at the Schaufenster Fischereihafen, or visit the Zoo by the Sea. With its coastal charm and direct access to the North Sea, Bremerhaven is a must-visit destination for maritime enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
At the northern edge of the Harz range, Goslar looks back on over 1,000 years of history. A blend of impressive buildings like the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), narrow cobbled lanes, and over 1,500 half-timbered houses from different epochs imparts a very special atmosphere to the old town. Thanks to its excellent state of preservation, Goslar’s old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the Rammelsberg mine in Goslar can gain interesting insights into the region’s mining history. It’s a significant industrial monument and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hildesheim boasts a rich history and captivates visitors with its unique landmarks. The historic old town, featuring the magnificent Knochenhaueramtshaus, exudes medieval charm. St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase masterful Romanesque architecture. A special highlight is the Cathedral Treasury, one of Europe’s most significant collections of sacred art. From St. Andrew’s Church tower, the tallest in Niedersachsen, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views. Discover Hildesheim’s fascinating blend of history, culture, and architecture!
Located in southwest Niedersachsen, Osnabrück attracts keen historians and culture aficionados alike. The Peace of Westphalia that sealed the end of the Thirty Years’ War was signed in the Peace Hall of the city hall. Another highlight is the Felix Nussbaum House in the museum quarter, designed by star architect Daniel Libeskind, which is home to works by the famous Jewish painter Felix Nussbaum and offers an in-depth insight into his life and art. The picturesque old town with its historical gabled buildings, independent shops and cosy cafés is perfect for relaxing and treating yourself.
Hamelin is located southwest of Hanover in the heart of the Weser Uplands and is known worldwide primarily for the legend of the Pied Piper. This story is brought to life every summer through open-air performances or guided tours with the Pied Piper. But the town has even more to offer: As a true gem of the Weser Renaissance, the Old Town has an enchanting atmosphere, with its stunning half-timbered houses and charming, narrow streets. Buildings such as the Hochzeitshaus (Marriage House) and the Rattenfängerhaus (Pied Piper House) are prime examples of this unique architectural style.
Celle uniquely combines history, culture, and modern art. The historic Old Town boasts one of the world’s largest ensembles of half-timbered buildings, while the picturesque Welf Castle with its castle theatre stands out as a cultural highlight. But Celle has more to offer: its Bauhaus heritage, shaped by architect Otto Haesler, gives the city a distinctive architectural character. For art lovers, the world’s first 24-hour art museum is a must-see. Here, visitors can experience modern and contemporary art around the clock – from paintings and sculptures by day to captivating light art after dark.
Since it was founded by Henry the Lion, Brunswick’s history has been shaped over the centuries by The Royal House of Hanover and the Hanseatic League. The city’s medieval flair is particularly apparent in the winding alleyways of the Magniviertel district and at Burgplatz with its historical buildings. Today, Niedersachsen’s second largest city is not only an attractive shopping destination, but also a lively cultural centre with lots of museums and galleries. Thanks to its location on the Oker River and the surrounding parks and green spaces, Brunswick offers the perfect combination of city break and nature retreat.
The city of Hanover impresses with its urban flair and is best explored along the “Red Thread”. This 4.2 km route takes you past the city’s most important landmarks, such as the impressive Marktkirche from the 14th century in the Old Town, the “Markthalle” with its culinary delights, the Leine Riverbank with its many cafés, and the New Town Hall, featuring a unique diagonal lift, which takes visitors to the dome, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. Another highlight is the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, one of the most significant Baroque garden ensembles in Europe.
A historic old town and proximity to the sea: the university and Hanseatic town of Greifswald already served as an inspiration for its most famous son, the romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Some of his paintings can be seen in the Pomeranian State Museum (Pommersches Landesmuseum). But the museum’s harbour with its more than 50 ships is also worth a visit. Architecturally interesting are especially the buildings of the university, the red town hall, and the brick churches.
In the footsteps of St. Robert Beeker: the Hanseatic city of Wismar impresses with its medieval charm. Patrician houses, warehouses and offices are reminiscent of times gone by. Their layout has remained virtually unchanged for many centuries. Guided tours of the city or boat trips are the best way to explore the historical significance of the city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
In Stralsund the feeling of the Hanseatic era can be felt at every turn. The so-called “Venice of the North” impresses with its architectural diversity and is also a proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ozeaneum is an attraction for young and old explorers. Located in the city’s harbour, it offers lots of exciting information about the sea, has huge aquariums and even a penguin facility. Stralsund is also an ideal starting point for excursions to the islands of Rügen and Hiddensee or the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula.
Once home to hearts, Schwerin is now the seat of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament. But the state’s oldest city has lost none of its stately splendor. The Schwerin Castle, the city’s landmark, stands in the middle of one of Germany’s largest lakes. Other impressive buildings from different eras are waiting to be discovered in the streets. And the state capital also has plenty to offer culturally.
When music floods through your whole body and takes your breath away, when art transports you beyond your own boundaries, when history becomes tangible and theatre whisks you away to imaginary worlds – that is happiness! In Lübeck, there’s culture on every street corner, behind walls old and new, in hidden locations and public spaces, and it’s a part of everyday life. Lübeck’s historic Old Town identified by UNESCO as a Heritage Site, is a true treasure chest of cultural highlights. Embark on a treasure hunt for your very own cultural happiness!
Bremen, the cosmopolitan city on the river Weser, is steeped in history. The locals are proud of their Hanseatic heritage, but it’s not something they would ever boast about. They enjoy having a coffee on the market square outside the magnificent UNESCO-listed town hall, or a refreshing beer on the bustling Schlachte Embankment. Here, it’s easy to imagine days gone by, when ships from all over the world were docked in the harbour. Even today, you can still see traditional sailing ships here, such as the Alexander von Humboldt. If you walk through the Schnoor quarter, Bremen’s oldest district, or the elegant Böttcherstrasse with its distinctive architecture, you experience history at every turn.
Hamburg’s historic areas are a major tourist attraction. Iconic landmarks include the Chilehaus and the Kontorhäuser on Burchardplatz, while other architectural highlights include the Sprinkenhof, Mohlenhof and Meßberghof. The Old Elbe Tunnel is also a must-see and continues to captivate visitors with its unique charm. Don’t miss Hamburg’s historic streets, such as Deichstraße with its beautifully preserved 17th and 18th century townhouses, which offer a glimpse of the city’s maritime past. The best way to experience the Old Town is on foot. Numerous daily guided tours offer fascinating insights into the historical heritage of this Hanseatic city from a variety of perspectives.
About 50 kilometres southeast of Hamburg in the middle of the Lüneburg Heath lies the old Hanseatic city of Lüneburg, a popular university town. Around the town’s oldest square, which owes its name “Am Sande” to a goods handling area strewn with sand, there is still a uniquely beautiful medieval ensemble of houses. It is the centre of numerous festivals in the salt and Hanseatic city and invites you to visit the old town with its cosy restaurants and shops.
