The 13 Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany
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Are you looking for inspiration on what to see in Northern Germany? Do you want a list of the best places to visit in Northern Germany?
Then you’re at the right place. Welcome to my home area. The place where I lived for over 20 years and call my home.
I might be a bit biased, but I believe that Northern Germany is a beautiful area. If you like the water, then you’ll love it here.
Additionally, I believe that Northern Germany is great for introverts. We don’t really approach people unless they come to us. We are quite reserved.
However, English skills are sometimes lacking, in my opinion. But you can get by in restaurants and hotels.
Which Bundesländer (federal States) are part of Northern Germany?
Northern Germany consists of 5 Bundesländer, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), and Schleswig-Holstein.
And some might say that those are the best ones – some biased people from the North 😉
Much of this area used to be part of the Hanseatic League in the 13th to 17th century.
So, what do these states have to offer?
The Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany
1. Hamburg
The most famous city in the North is probably Hamburg.
The place where the Beatles played and the Reeperbahn has its home.
Hamburg is a beautiful city, and Bundesland is right by the Elbe River. It is also the second largest city in all of Germany.
Hamburg is also known for its large port and the fact that it has more bridges than any other city except for Chongqing in China.
This city has a lot to offer. You can see incredible musicals, many arts and crafts exhibitions, a lovely concert hall overlooking the port, and maybe most importantly, the Miniatur Wunderland.
The Miniatur Wunderland (miniature wonderland) is the largest model railway system in the world and the number 1 visited attraction in all of Germany. It is located in the historic Speicherstadt.
It is an incredible exhibition, and you can spend days there – although after standing for a few hours, your feet might start to hurt (mine certainly did).
The railway system showcases scenes from Germany, the US, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and many more. It’s definitely worth a visit.
If you want to visit, then you should book a ticket in advance to avoid standing in line for hours and maybe not even being able to enter due to the huge demand.
Another must-see in Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie that I briefly mentioned before. It is a concert hall built in the HafenCity (harbour city) and stands 110m tall.
Even if you don’t like music, it’s well worth a visit because it offers a free viewing platform that overlooks the port and the city.
The Elbphilharmonie is probably my favourite place in all of Hamburg. You have to go!
And last but not least, the Reeperbahn. This is more if you’re into partying and nightlife. The Reeperbahn is the red light district of Hamburg.
It’s not too out there if you stick to the main area, but people go there to party.
2. Lübeck
Lübeck is another city that is close to my heart as I’ve done my apprenticeship and I always like to go back.
It’s a beautiful town by the river Trave and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to the largest historic old town in Germany.
During World War 2, Lübeck was protected by an influential person, so it wasn’t bombed and still has many buildings from its long history.
This gate is from the 15th century and can still be visited today.
If you’re into Marzipan, which you’re probably not, as it seems like almost only Germans like it, then Lübeck is the place for you.
An urban legend says Marzipan was invited here, and many stores sell it. The most famous brand is Niederegger, which has been operating since 1806.
Lübeck’s gothic architecture is beautiful, and walking around the town with its narrow alleyways is always a treat.
It is another Hanseatic city and used to be the informal capital of the Hanseatic League.
3. Bremen
Bremen is another city that is also a federal state (Bundesland). And some lovely areas are worth a visit.
You might have heard of the Town Musicians of Bremen, the donkey, dog, cat, and rooster. It’s a German fairy tale where the animals decide to run away and become the town musicians in Bremen.
There is a famous statue of the animals in the town centre.
The probably most famous area in Bremen is the Schnoor. It houses narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful houses and is near the historic centre and Bremen cathedral.
Not directly in Bremen, but part of Bremen Bundesland is Bremerhaven, where another attraction is a great place to visit, the Klimahaus (climate house).
The Klimahaus showcases the different climates on Earth. It guides us through nine places on five continents. It’s fun to visit. I especially like the Sahara desert room where you can relax in warm weather.
4. Schwerin
Part of former East Germany is Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and its federal state capital, Schwerin.
It’s located next to a lake and offers many beautiful views of historic buildings and its own castle.
The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which makes it a great place to visit.
There are several museums and galleries if you like the arts and history.
Schwerin also has its own cathedral, and you can even walk up to the top of the tower to enjoy the incredible views of the city.
5. Wismar
Another town within Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is Wismar. It’s located next to the Baltic Sea.
It is known for its history and old buildings that still stand from medieval times.
One amazing building in Wismar is the town hall on the North side of the main marketplace. A beautiful white building that looks very imposing.
Another building, or at least parts of it, is the tower of the Marienkirche. Only the church tower remains, but it was built around 1260 to 1270.
Being located by the water means that you can also the harbour of Wismar. The town used to be part of the Hanseatic League which is why so many harbours were and still are part of the town.
Wismar has one of the best conserved medieval town centres in all of Germany.
Not too far from Wismar is also Warnemünde which is another port city that offers sights for a nice day out.
6. Stralsund
We’re going further along the Baltic Sea coast to Stralsund.
I have a special, albeit short, relationship with Stralsund. I did my Master’s studies in Stralsund but only had to stay one semester during autumn and winter, so it was not the perfect time to get to know this lovely town.
Stralsund’s history also goes back to medieval times and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you like cobblestone streets, then you’re at the right place in Stralsund.
If you like aquariums and museums then the Ozeanum is the perfect attraction for you. It’s a mix of both highlighting the importance of conservation.
A stroll along the coast is wonderful, and there are many restaurants to choose from.
The bridge towards Rugen (the next best place to visit in Northern Germany) is quite a sight and fun to drive over.
7. Binz (Rügen Island)
Even though I have Binz as the best place to visit on this list, many parts of the island are worth a visit.
Binz is just one of the most stunning locations. Walking along the promenade, you’ll see some incredibly beautiful buildings. It is the largest seaside resort on the island.
While walking on the promenade, you also need to check out the pier. The views of the Baltic Sea and Binz are lovely.
If you’re not afraid of heights like I am, then I can also recommend going to the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Tower (a bit of a mouthful). It’s located on the outskirts of Binz and offers wonderful views over the surrounding area.
The steps up to that viewing platform are, however, made of cast iron with holes in them (that’s supposed to be like that), but you can see through them all the way up (or down) the staircase.
I could not walk up there after a few steps but a friend of mine went up and he said it was beautiful.
Other towns and places that are worth visiting on the island are Königsstuhl which are chalk cliffs, the Jasmund National Park, Cape Arkona, Prora, and Sellin, among others.
8. Heligoland
A destination that is actually still on my bucket list is Heligoland.
We’re now moving back from the East to the West. Heligoland is located in the North Sea, and it’s a small archipelago known for its red sandstone cliffs.
You can only get there by ferry and you can’t bring a car. Heligoland is unusual in that cars, except for a few exceptions, are not allowed on the island.
Due to it being an island, it developed its own culture which is still visible today.
You can go hiking or surfing here, and enjoy a rest from the hustle of city life (if that’s where you live).
9. Sylt
Another famous German island is Sylt.
In Germany, it has the reputation that the only rich and famous (of Germany) go on vacation there.
Also located in the North Sea, it provides sandy beaches, clear waters, and luxury. It is not a cheap location to visit in Germany.
It is a picturesque island where you can relax on the beaches or explore local museums and galleries.
Sylt is a bit too big to walk around but there are many lovely walks to take to see its beauty.
10. Harz Mountains
The North of Germany is pretty flat. Even though I love the sea and prefer it over the mountains, I sometimes miss some elevation.
But Northern Germany does have one mountain that can actually be called a mountain and not just a hill, the Brocken.
It stands 1142 m tall – doesn’t compare much to the Alpes but is still the highest mountain in the North and the Harz mountain range.
The Harz mountains cross over several federal states, not just Northern Germany, however.
There are still many lovely walks and cycling routes in the Lower Saxony part of the area.
11. Lübecker Bucht
My favourite place on this list, as my home town is part of this area, is the Lübecker Bucht.
This area consists of several villages and towns along the Baltic Coast, one more beautiful than the other – with my home town, Grömitz, obviously being the prettiest.
The white beaches with our signature Strandkörben invite you to a leisurely visit.
Some of the towns that are part of this area are:
- Scharbeutz
- Haffkrug
- Sierksdorf
- Travemünde
- Timmendorfer Strand
- Neustadt in Holstein
All of them are worth a visit for different reasons, but all of them offer the sea and relaxation.
I love going to the water and just looking over the waves. Every day offers different, beautiful views.
If you want some excitement for a day, then I can also recommend the Hansa Park. Germany’s only amusement park by the sea.
It’s a great theme park for a day with many exciting rides and it isn’t overpriced. Parts of it are built to resemble towns from the Hanseatic League.
12. Lüneburg
Another picturesque town in Lower Saxony is Lüneburg.
Even though it’s not by the sea, Lüneburg was part of the Hanseatic League because of its monopoly in the supply of salt.
A river runs through its old town which is a beautiful area with historic houses and narrow alleyways.
Lüneburg has an old water tower which is now being used as an observation tower and offers amazing views over the city.
Lüneburg is located in the Lüneburger Heide, a nature reserve and an area of heath, geest, and woodland which offers many great walks and cycling routes.
If you come at the right, beginning of August, you can see the heath (or heather) in bloom and it’s absolutely stunning.
13. Flensburg
One of my favourite towns in Germany is Flensburg. If only an airport was closer, I would already live there.
Flensburg might not be the prettiest town even though it has a beautiful harbour, including a museum harbour, but the atmosphere is great.
It also offers a great old town with cobblestone streets and colourful buildings.
If you like boats, then Flensburg also offers a maritime museum, and if you like alcohol a rum museum.
If you’re in Flensburg, then it might also be worthwhile checking out Glücksburg and Kappeln. Two other towns located by the Baltic Sea with their own unique charm.
The 13 Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany – Recap
Now, we’re at the end of the overview of the best places to visit in Northern Germany.
You’ll definitely get your sea fix if you visit the Baltic Sea, North Sea, or one of the rivers close by.
Old historic towns like Lübeck and Lüneburg offer history and picturesque alleyways, where coastal towns like Binz and Wismar invite you to relax.
Northern Germany has lots to offer and provides you with many different itineraries all year round.
Check out this 7-day road trip itinerary in Northern Germany for some more inspiration.
Or if you want to visit another country alltogether, look at this day trip itinerary for Copenhagen.
The Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany – FAQ
1. What are some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Northern Germany?
Northern Germany is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Old Town of Lübeck and the stunning brick Gothic architecture in cities like Stralsund and Wismar.
2. What are some hidden gems in Northern Germany worth discovering?
Exploring northern Germany also unveils hidden gems like Schwerin’s riverside charm, the Harz Mountains’ stunning views, and the medieval buildings in Rügen.
3. What is the significance of the Hanseatic League in Northern Germany?
The Hanseatic League played a vital role in the region’s history, influencing the architecture and culture of cities like Lübeck and Rostock, making them hubs of Germany’s maritime trade.
4. What is the most beautiful area in Germany?
Well, if it was up to me, a die-hard northerner, I would, of course, say Northern Germany. Especially the area around the Baltic Sea. But there are so many facets to Germany that you can’t see what the most beautiful area is. It depends on what you want now – but Germany has everything you’d want from a destination.
5. What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Germany?
The Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg has the most visitors every year. It is spectacular even if you don’t like trains, so it’s understandable.