Lübeck
The former capital of the Hanseatic League is less than an hour away by regional train. Its old town, set on an island ringed by water, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of brick Gothic churches, merchants' houses and narrow alleys. The Holsten Gate, with its twin towers, is the city's emblem.
Lübeck is also famous for marzipan, and shops in the old town sell it in every shape imaginable. A slice of marzipan cake in a historic cafe is the traditional way to round off a visit.
Allow time to climb one of the church towers or walk along the river Trave, where old warehouses and sailing ships line the quays.
The Baltic coast
Beyond Lübeck, the Baltic Sea resort of Travemünde has a long sandy beach, a promenade and views of large ferries heading out towards Scandinavia. In summer, beach chairs with hoods, known as Strandkörbe, line the sand and can be rented by the day.
Other seaside towns along the bay offer a similar mix of beaches, piers and fish restaurants, and can be reached by train or car.
Altes Land
Just across the Elbe to the south-west of the city lies the Altes Land, one of the largest fruit-growing regions in northern Europe. In spring the orchards burst into blossom, and in late summer and autumn farm shops sell apples, cherries and homemade cakes.
Cycling is the best way to explore, along dykes and lanes lined with traditional half-timbered farmhouses. You can reach the area by ferry and bus, which makes the journey itself part of the fun.
Blossom season usually falls in late April or early May, depending on the weather, and is the most photogenic time to visit.
Lüneburg
To the south-east, Lüneburg grew rich on salt, and its well-preserved old town is full of crooked brick gables and lively squares. It has a large student population, so cafes and bars are plentiful. Nearby, the Lüneburg Heath turns purple when the heather blooms in late summer, attracting walkers and cyclists.
The heath is crossed by marked walking and cycling routes, and some villages offer horse-drawn carriage rides through the landscape. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant, with fewer visitors and mild weather.
Good to know
- Regional day tickets for northern Germany can be great value for groups.
- Bring a windproof layer for the Baltic coast, even in summer.
- A rental car makes it easier to combine several Altes Land villages.