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Tourist information for north-west Germany
North-Western Germany is composed of the states of Lower Saxony and
Schleswig-Holstein, which in turn contain the city-states of Hamburg and Bremen.
The landscape varies from the plains of northern Germany to the woods of
Luneberg Heath in the east and the rolling hills of the Harz mountains in the
south. The main cities are Hamburg, Hannover, Bremen, Lubeck and Kiel. Its
sparse population and good roads make this an ideal area for a motoring holiday,
perhaps centred on the cities in order to experience the pleasures of these
sophisticated centres.
Map of North Western Germany
Hamburg is a major city port 120 kms inland on the Elbe. Within the city
are innumerable trees, parks and lakes, giving it an open, green feel. The
citiy's wealth is apparent in the smart houses and appartments, especially
around the Alster lake, and in the smart shops in the Hanseviertel district.
Hamburg's nightlife is world-famous, and the infamous Reeperbahn red light
district is only a small part of this. Add to all this some superb architecture,
excellent museums, and a quality cultural scene to suit every taste, and Hamburg
is a city to spend some time in, armed with a good guide book.
In the far north, bordering Denmark, Germany is a land of marshes and bogs
squeezed between the North Sea and the Baltic. The beaches and islands of the
flat North Sea Coast make a popular holiday destination, especially the island
of Sylt and the working harbour town of Husum, from where ferries
cross the 70 kms of sea to the island of Heligoland. Among the many
seaside resorts on the undulating Baltic coast are smart Travemunde,
Laboe with its excellent beach and Eckernforde, while just inland are
the many lakes of Holstein Switzerland. Visit Lubeck, with its
magnificent architecture, its vibrant harbour, its gastronomic restaurants and
lively nightlife. The ancient town of Schleswig, situated on a beautiful
fjord, has some fascinating museums and buildings, especially the visually
superb Dom. Flensburg contains the unique geometric layout of its
Merchants' Courtyards.
Bremen is situated on the Weser river. Visit the Old Town, with its
marketplace and town hall (Rathaus). Shop on the Sogestrasse and take in the
glories of the Dom church. Stroll through the ancient fishermans' quarter, the
Schnoorviertel, and sample the nightlife in the Ostertorviertel quarter. Try one
of the many excellent fish restaurants, or listen to classical music at the
Stadhalle or jazz at the Tivoli, both close to the Hauptbahnhof (train station).
Bremerhaven is the port for Bremen, and worth a visit for its harbour. If
your heading east make sure you stop in Stade, a port on the Elbe which has
undergone a complete restoration of its beautiful Old Town.
The region between Bremen and the Dutch border is flat and often below sea
level. Along the North Sea coast and on the offshore East Friesan Islands are
many popular holiday resorts with long sandy beaches. Walking and cycling are
popular with two long-distance footpaths, nature reserves and a large and varied
bird population. Visit Oldenburg, with its moated Old Town; Osnabruck,
a lively university town with many interesting sights and buildings; Norden,
boasting a large and lovely marketplace dominated by its bell tower and
Ludgerikirche.
Hannover is a lively city with plenty of night life, good restaurants,
and a lively cultural scene and some excellent museums. Be sure to visit the
fine formal gardens at Herrenshausen. Hameln (Hamelin) is not only
worth visiting for the tale of the Pied Piper, but for its well-restored
buildings with their distinctive gables and overhanging windows. The town of
Hindeslheim is considered to be the prime example of German town
architecture and should not be missed. Braunschweig is another town with
many superb buildings, its Old Town surrounded by water. The rolling countryside
of Luneberg Heath is dotted with picturesque timbered villages. The
Naturchutzpark Luneberger Heide in the northwest is best explored by bike or on
foot, along the network of paths. In the south is the Vogelpark Walsrode, a
paradise containing over 5000 birds from all over the world in a beautifully
kept park. Further south is the Naturpark Sudheide, an area of woodland
criss-crossed by marked trails. Nearby are the moving remains of the infamous
Concentration Camp Bergen-Belsen. Visit the towns of Luneberg, formerly
famous for salt mining, with its streets lined by impressive brick buildings,
and Celle, a very beautiful town of half-timbered buildings.
The Harz Mountains are lovely rolling wooded hills offering undemanding
but beautiful walking. Climb the highest peak, the Brocken, by steam railway and
enjoy the easy walk down. Goslar, gateway to the Harz, is a lovely town
of half-timbered buildings, the Kaiserpfalz palace, and many nearby walks.
Einbeck also boasts hundreds of gorgeous half-timbered houses and some
imposing public buildings. Gottingen, with its university, is a lively
and cosmopolitan city with plenty to do and a small but attractive Old Town.
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