Northern Germany From 1500 onwards, the former Saxon territories (except for Westphalia) were incorporated into the Lower Saxon Circle of the Holy Roman Empire. In fact, the beaches in the north of the country are a ton of fun in the summer and a famous destination among local tourists. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9. We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our personal experiences. But just so were on the same page, Northern Germany to me includes the states of Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommen, Berlin, and Brandenburg. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Walk across the locally-famous Sellin Pier for great views, a diving spot, and a tasty restaurant. This peaceful medieval town is built on Lake Schwerins bank and surrounded by several smaller lakes. Venture off the beaten path and you'll find Roman ruins, medieval villages and Baroque city centres. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-cities-and-towns-in-Germany-2038874. The natural beauty of this area is complemented by a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, an impressive range of culinary delights, and a superb accommodation offer. The restoration work after the war managed to bring back some of the citys lost charm. If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, you might just be in luck. It is also the most populous city in Germany after Berlin and has one of the largest . Three of the four clubs they played in most are still around in one form or another. From a linguistic and cultural perspective, Northern Germany is linked to the Netherlands, Scandinavia and England. It covers an area of 357,022 km2 (137,847 sq mi). This article may contain affiliate links. Looking at the map, you may be intimidated by the vast size of Northern Germany and all there is to see in this wonderful place. Bring the kids to the Wildpark Schwentinental, an animal park with trails and even a pool. When you purchase a product or book a reservation, we may earn a commission. The main attraction is definitely the Schwerin Castle, built on a tiny island in the lake and connected via a bridge. Get your shopping done at the fascinating shops of Holstenstrasse, the main pedestrianized commercial street. City Country Founded Population Coordinates Anklam Germany: 1296: 12,635 The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to give it its formal title is best known as a port city despite being some 65 miles from the open sea. What You Need to Know. Northern Germany is authentic and diverse. It will take you 5-6 hours to leisurely walk through all the sightseeing points; Or a little more if you want to have a meal in the castles restaurant or to have dinner in the city. Here, dozens of medieval cities in Northern Germany have preserved the atmosphere and grandeur of the Hanseatic League. Berlin For a first trip to the north of Germany or just an all-around good place to see, look no further than Berlin. Today it is a national park perfect for hiking, cycling, and horse riding with a safari park located nearby. Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. Traditional society in the western part of Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and some parts of North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt) until the early 20th century was based on well-off, literate and landowning yeoman farmers owning relatively large pieces of land, making a living growing grain crops and raising dairy cattle and pigs, and a large and educated middle class in the towns and cities working in the civil service, or as businessmen, artisans, blue-collar workers and skilled workers. Visit the U-995, a real German submarine that fought in World War II, which is now on the beach, and a museum for machine geeks. Northern Germany generally refers to the Sprachraum area north of the Uerdingen and Benrath line isoglosses, where Low German dialects are spoken. What is the best area to stay in Hamburg? In the vicinity of the castle, you can find the State Museum, the Siegeszoyle obelisk (German victory column), the Old Palace, the palace arena and stables, as well as the building of the State Chancellery, designed in the classical style. Walk the ruined old city walls in Wallanlagen Park, following the moat around the city and now dotted with sculptures. Ive visited Hamburg multiple times over the years since one of my best friends lives there. The region is called Slesvig-Holsten in Danish and pronounced [slesvi hlsten]. Read Reviews for these Sights:Volkerschlachtdenkmal |Panometer |Zeitgeschichtliches Forum. After World War II, Leipzig ended up in East Germany and suffered a decline as a result of the oppressive regime. The key terrain feature of Northern Germany is the North German Plain including the marshes along the coastline of the North and Baltic Seas, as well as the geest and heaths inland. It is the countrys largest city with an incredibly rich history and a top destination in Europe. Northern Germany (German: Norddeutschland) is a linguistic, geographic, socio-cultural and historic region in the northern part of Germany which includes the coastal states of Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Lower Saxony and the two city-states Hamburg and Bremen. There is no distinction between town and city in Germany; a Stadt is an independent municipality (see Municipalities of Germany) that has been given the right to use that title. Read Reviews for these Sights:Reichstag |Jewish Memorial |Sinti and Roma Memorial |Platform 17 |Musuem Island |Berliner Dom. Archaeologists have displayed the contents of the wreck of a 400-year-old Hanseatic trading ship found near the city of Lbeck in northern Germany. Imagine walking around the Throne Room with columns of Carrara marble and gilded cast-iron doors, the solemn Gallery of the ancestors, the Game Room and the round Tower Room in the style of the garden pavilion and gorgeous view of the lake. Head to Germany's north because you love the water. Hansa Rostock, 1. Regional specialties in Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Lower Saxony include Blutwurst or Blood sausage and a variety of Blood puddings commonly eaten for brunch. Guided tour - A wonderful way to learn of the history of Lbeck. The old town is compact and walkable, and I suggest spending at least one day exploring the little alleyways, that make this town so enchanting. Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey! Europeupclose.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. During the Cold War of the second half of the 20th century, a cultural division of northern Germany into an Eastern and a Western part has become more pronounced due to the 19491990 division of all of Germany into West Germany and East Germany, where identities based upon the former Iron Curtain and mutual prejudices regarding what once was the other side may still persist today. It was a real jewel, but unfortunately, its baroque and rococo city centre was destroyed by Allied bombers during the Second World war. Several cities in Northern Germany have hosted matches of the 1974 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 1988 and 2006 FIFA World Cup. Northern lights forecast for some US states July 13: How to see them Starting in the 14th century, Lbeck maintained a reputation as being the centre for maritime commerce up until the 16th century. Thus, the proportion of serfs, landless labourers, semi-skilled industrial workers and large landlords was relatively smaller, making for a more stable society than elsewhere in Germany like the Rhineland region and the region east of the Elbe river. Posted on Published: July 3, 2020- Last updated: May 11, 2023, 14 Best Things To Do in Barcelona Spain Recommended by a Local, Perfect Glasgow Itinerary Best Things to Do in Glasgow. Take a day trip to nearby Brunswick, less than 20 minutes by train, to see another wonderful little city with all its culture, identity, and restaurants. Your US drivers license is usually valid in Germany, and youll get to drive on their famed autobahns. Central and scenic, Hamburg is a major city in the north of Germany located just about in the middle of it all. We take a look at the most exciting destinations in this part of the country. But adult-only travelers, dont count it out these activities are super fun for everyone! 7 Most Romantic Cities in Northern Germany - Europe Up Close Today, it is the largest settlement in the region famous for its international maritime festival Hanseatic Regatta and one of the oldest universities in the world dating back to 1419. Nature and architecture have intertwined and made Goslar a fantastic place to relax. Known as the Florence of North due to its splendid architecture and rich history, Dresden is the capital city of the German land of Saxony. You can stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin for easy access. The unspoilt beauty and low-key atmosphere of . The streets of Wismar have preserved the splendor and grandeur of the flourishing Hanseatic League in the 14th century. And you know what? Heres What Tourists Should Know, 20 Pieces of Essential Baby Travel Gear: Top Picks for 2023, Admire the landmarks such as the concert hall and the French and German churches at Gendarmenmarkt, the citys market square, Take in views of the city from the Berlin Fernsehturm, an enormous TV tower and the highest structure in Germany, with an observation deck and restaurant up top. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is a list of major cities and towns around the Baltic Sea. newsletter your first port of call, and leave the rest to us. Festivals and concerts are regularly held in the castle and on its territory. Explore. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. As mentioned, Northern Germany is a quite developed place, and therefore the transportation infrastructure is excellent. Northern Germany corresponds to the territory of the North German Confederation in the 19th century. Check them out here! There is plenty to do in Lbeck, and here is what wed recommend you dont miss: Depending on the map you are looking at, you might also see the capital of Lower Saxony spelled Hannover. Schwerin is the state capital of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. The North Sea region is dotted with picture-perfect fine sand beaches, extensive wetlands and mudflats, and charming towns and villages. Besides, it is worth visiting the old part of Schwerin, which is called northern Florence and the city of seven lakes. Notable marathon races include the Berlin Marathon (one of the World Marathon Majors), Hamburg Marathon, Hannover Marathon. Its also home to one of the oldest science and technology universities in the country, so youll see lots of students downtown if you visit when schools in session. Although heavily damaged during World War II, Lbeck residences, public monuments, and churches still manage to resemble their 15th and 16th-century origins thanks to careful reconstruction and restoration. Newsletter Want to keep up with the latest German travel news and views? The boundary between the spheres of political influence of Prussia (Northern Germany) and Austria (Southern Germany) within the German Confederation (18151866) was known as the "Main line" (Mainlinie, after the river Main), Frankfurt am Main being the seat of the federal assembly. You really need just one full day to see the main sights in Wismar. Its twin pointed cylindrical, A treasure trove of art from the Renaissance to the present day, the Kunsthalle spans two buildings linked by an underground passage. Talk about history! Thanks to this fact, the historic city center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Along its eastern coast is the Baltic Sea, and along its western coast is the North Sea. 10. Its worth coming here, at least for the unusual Schwerin castle, standing in the middle of a picturesque lake. Eating brunch is very popular during weekends in the larger towns and cities. Browse the best deals on tours and activities in Berlin. If you have any questions about planning a road trip through Northern Germany, dont hesitate to drop me a comment below! 1 of 1 1 OF 12 Grlitz WHERE: Saxony Straddling the Polish border on the banks of the Lusatian Neisse River in Germany's far east, Grlitz may not be hugely well known but its charms have been on. Im not mad about it! Hello, Im planning a trip to Bremerhaven and Hamburg in July and was wondering if you have any suggestions for those areas or maybe quaint towns near or in between that would be must see destinations. The Most Beautiful Towns in Germany - Culture Trip Kiel has a reputation as a maritime center due to its strategic location and its famous Kiel Canal, the busiest man-made waterway in the world, connecting the North and Baltic Seas. Other notable competitions are the Kiel Week, EuroEyes Cyclassics and the Hanse Sail. The census for Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm includes the urban area. Take the kids to see animals you normally wouldnt find in Germany at the Tierpark Hagenbeck zoo. Trier was founded by . But it also makes for the perfect day trip from Berlin or Hamburg. Ferry service connects the island with Norddeich on the mainland, bringing you to this long and sandy stretch off the coast. ct intro final View All Trips 8 Great Places to Visit in Western Germany, 8 Great Places to Visit In Bavaria, Germany, Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in Germany. The 15 Best Water Shoes For All Adventures, 15 Fun & Best Things To Do on the San Antonio River Walk, Is San Diego Safe To Visit? In regions nearer to the coast, fish is very popular, with Pickled herring and salmon being delicacies. A breakfast specialty is the Crispbread or Knckebrot, eaten with a variety of toppings such as ham, soft cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, and liver paste. One piece of Rostocks pride is its university, founded all the way back in 1419. Sure, the weather isnt ideal, but the immense amount of things to do and see in this region more than makes up for it! Playing a crucial part in Germany's trade as a major seaport, Bremerhaven is a great place to recover from a demanding professional lifestyle and a welcoming escape from some of Europe's bigger cities. Torrington, CT. New Milford, CT. Bordering Polands side of the island, Ahlbeck provides the perfect base to explore either side of Usedom and witness the intermingling of Polish and German culture. Here are some of the top attractions in this lake town: See Related: Best Castles in Germany to Visit. Northern lights update: Some US states could see aurora borealis this week, latest forecast says. Although the city center itself is very small and easily explored on foot, theres lots to do and see in the area, especially in the summer. Northern Germany is often overlooked by international tourists, which is a real shame. You can start the city tour from the central university building on Universittsplatz. Kiel is one of the main cities of the Schleswig Holstein region and is home to a very large German naval base. Stralsund is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its Gothic red brick buildings. Done correctly, self-driving doesnt have to be an expensive idea. Looking for more great places to visit in Germany? These comprise the Low Saxon dialects in the west (including the Westphalian language area up to the Rhineland), the East Low German region along the Baltic coast with Western Pomerania, the Altmark and northern Brandenburg, as well as the North Low German dialects. Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image! Six hundred fifty-three halls of the palace are decorated with inlaid parquet, exquisite wood carvings, gilding, and stucco molding. (See also city and urban planning.). If you are really looking to get away from the typical continent and do something unique, Heligoland is a very cool experience. Shoot for the stars at the Planetarium Wolfsburg, which also has great childrens programs. The iconic symbol of Lbeck is the Holstentor, its red-brick city gate which stood in defense of the Alstadt (old town). Every 5 years, Sail Bremerhaven is held, and upwards of 300 vessels sail into the port to join the fun and 2015 stands to be the biggest . The Heligoland archipelago has been a strategic possession for centuries and has changed hands as a war prize over time. Besides the mountain trails and natural wonders, youll find castles, old towns, and those beautiful half-timbered houses throughout this wild region. Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year. A region named Germania was documented before AD 100. German shipwreck's 400-year-old treasures uncovered - DW Notable handball teams include GWD Minden, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, TuS Nettelstedt-Lbbecke, THW Kiel, Handball Hamburg, SC Magdeburg, Buxtehuder SV, VfL Oldenburg and HSG Blomberg-Lippe. They can enjoy wonderful trips along the many unspoilt stretches of river, while the 7,000 kilometres of paved cycle paths are calling out for trips through towns, cities and the countryside on two wheels. Scroll down the page to find a list of big cities if you're booking a flight between airports, or a list of smaller surrounding towns if you're doing a road trip. Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. Bremen has a reputation as one of the safest cities in Germany and is also our pick for budget travelers. For an off-the-path German island, hop on the ferry and do a few of these island activities: Here we have another member of the ancient Hanseatic League and, therefore, a coastal city of Northern Germany. The Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Northern Germany Germany January 24, 2022 Snowy Northern Germany attracts tourists with its amazing diversity - futuristic cities with a rich past, such as Berlin and Hamburg, as well as a multitude of beautifully preserved historic towns. Hamburg | Germany, History, Population, Climate, & Facts The Nordderby (Northern derby) is played between Hamburger SV and SV Werder Bremen, whereas the Hamburg derby is played between Hamburger SV and FC St. Pauli. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Find Cheap Flights Where to stay in Rostock Most romantic Hotels in Rostock: Trihotel Wellnesshotel am Schweizer Wald. Pay attention to the elegantly decorated houses of wealthy citizens, shop buildings, the old town hall, and half-timbered houses with carvings. Commonly eaten desserts include waffles with ice cream, pancakes, the sweet bun roll with cream known as Heiwecke, and Heidelbeerkuchen or blueberry pie with vanilla cream. But Rostock, and its seaside satellite resort Warnamunde, are also lovely laid-back places to relax for 2 or 3 days. In the center is a low tower in the style of the Dutch Renaissance Wasserkunst, built in the 17th century. Since moving to Berlin in 2019, Ive fallen head over heels in love with Northern Germany. Notable tennis tournaments include the Halle Open, International German Open and Sparkassen Open. In 1878, a hotel opened here and gave such a funny name to this structure. The two northernmost provinces of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony have the highest proportion of self-reported Lutherans in Germany. Introduction to the attractions of northern Germany, its coast, and its key cities, Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen. The "Main line" did not follow the course of the river Main upstream of Frankfurt, rather corresponding to the northern border of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The iconic Berlin Wall, the site of the last major battle of the war, and the place of Hitlers death can all be seen here. 8 Great Places to Visit in Northern and Eastern Germany | One Trip at a Time From seaside resorts with beautiful white sand beaches to modern, bustling cities full of rich history - a visit to Northern and Eastern Germany offers visitors looking for diversity all of this and much more. After being laid off from my corporate job in NYC, I packed up my bags and moved to Berlin in 2019. My home since 2019, Berlin is Germanys vibrant capital city. German North Sea Coast - tourism.de Learn how your comment data is processed. Where to stay in Wismar most romantic hotels: Just 40 minutes away from Wismar, there is another romantic German city Schwerin. Many traditional meat-based lunch dishes are served with boiled or mashed potatoes and brown sauce. It is nestled on top of Mount Broken the highest point in northern Germany. Built on Elba river it was the royal residence for the Kings of Saxony and the family seat of Polish monarchs. The North has a slightly stronger tradition of hard liquor, such as Korn, vodka, and schnapps. This neo-Renaissance palace is a sight to behold, with its beautiful backdrop and manicured gardens, and is today home to the state parliament. Not just a spa town, Ahlbecks gardens and nature parks provide stunning settings for strolls, bike rides, and picnics. If youre planning a weekend in Schwerin, heres what I recommend: Stralsund is a gorgeous town near the island of Rgen, which is a popular beach getaway for Germans. But, the city is not necessarily one to just stop for lunch before crossing the bridge: it is another historically and culturally significant place on the Baltic Coast with impressive sights to see. Besides which, Frisian is spoken in East and North Frisia, as well as Danish (Standard and South Jutlandic) in parts of Schleswig. Corrections? If you are looking to get out of the city or just prefer a beach destination in general, youll be pleased with Rgen Island and nearby Hiddensee Island. Today Berlin is a modern cosmopolitan city with plenty to appeal to tourists of all kinds. Cities Near Me - North Germantown, New York Defined by their finite geography, they inspire a romanticised sense of . 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany (with Map) - Touropia To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. The Harz Mountains is made up of mostly spruce and beech forests on mountainous terrain. Please follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. It is located on the Baltic Seaside, not far from the border with Denmark. The Olympiastadion in Berlin has hosted the 1936 Summer Olympics, 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics and Internationales Stadionfest. Visit them one by one, or make a road trip of it! For example, the German word for butcher is Fleischer or Metzger in the middle, east or south of Germany but is called a Schlachter in Northern Germany, resembling the Scandinavian terms for butcher, slagter/slakter. Swim in the Baltic Sea at a beach like Thiessow, where you can also camp nearby if youd like. ), but here are some highlights to look forward to: Like I said before, there are many more cities in Northern Germany that are worth visiting theyre on my bucket list! Lunch at workplaces and educational institutions in Northern Germany begins very early usually between 11:45 am and 12:15 pm, and dinner is usually eaten between 7 and 8 in the evening. Therefore, Lbeck is home to the European museum of this League; along with plenty more relics from the past: so many that the old town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The North - Germany is Wunderbar Admire St. Michaels Church, an iconic landmark of the city with a great view at the top of the tower; which you can even take an elevator to. You're awesome for doing it! Geography [ edit] The key terrain feature of Northern Germany is the North German Plain including the marshes along the coastline of the North and Baltic Seas, as well as the geest and heaths inland. Browse the best deals on tours and activities in Northern Germany. The highlight of Wernigerode is the Harzquerbahn steam narrow-gauge railway, which was built a hundred years ago. One day in Rostock will allow you to take in the top sights in this university town. Get your. For 600 years, city states in northern, Even the worst cynics are quickly transformed into fans of this vast miniature world that goes on and on. Also prominent are the low hills of the Baltic Uplands, the ground moraines, end moraines, sandur, glacial valleys, bogs and Luch. For a first trip to the north of Germany or just an all-around good place to see, look no further than Berlin. The term Northern Germany describes not just a geographically defined territory. You'll find detailed guides on my favorite European cities as well as my top tips and resources for living abroad. Tell me: Which of these cities had you NOT heard of before? Overall, Germany is famous for its lakes and its always nice to visit a city thats so close to nature. Aside from the dining scene (which is out of this world ensure you add these top Berlin restaurants to your itinerary), here are some of the top attractions in this fantastic place, among many: A port city surrounded by the rich farmland of the Lower Saxony region, Bremen is a wonderful place to visit in general but especially our pick for budget travelers. The Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Northern Germany Hamburg is a pretty large city, and most visitors prefer staying close to the center. Discover the Best Travel Tools There are plenty of nautical-themed things to do around Kiel as well as historical and cultural sights to see like some of these; See Related: Best Places to Visit in Germany. Experts say the contents of the . Climb the tower of St. Petri Dom, just across the street from the above, to get views of the city and a look at this amazing 11th Century basilica. Northern Germany attracts tourists with its amazing diversity - futuristic cities with a rich past, such as Berlin and Hamburg, as well as a multitude of beautifully preserved historic towns. Some of the places that must be included on your itinerary are the Reichstag building, Berliner Dom, Pergamon Museum, East Side Gallery, Charlottenburg Palace, and Holocaust Memorial, but you'll literally find dozens of things to do in Berlin. However, since World War II and the immigration of expellees from the former eastern territories of Germany, its prevalence has steadily reduced. It is also famous for being the inspiration for the Hamburger, though Hamburg Steaks, as they were originally known, came without the bun that makes them such an easy fast food to eat nowadays. This rich history, plus the old towns medieval buildings and gothic architecture, plus the new towns modern feel makes Hamburg a really great place to base yourself here. The citys love of music can be seen most clearly today with the 110-metre-high (361-foot) Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Cafs usually offer medium-fat milk and sugar cubes along with filter coffee. Coffee is frequently drunk four times a day: with breakfast, after lunch, in the evening at around 4, and after dinner. Schenectady, NY. One Trip at a Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The whole city of Wernigerode is under UNESCOs protection thanks to the abundance of unique architectural monuments. The term "Northern Germany" describes not just a geographically defined territory. Recommended by Dhara ofNot About the Miles, Read Reviews for these Sights:Marienkirche. The Free and Hanseatic City (Freie und Hansestadt) of Hamburg is the second smallest of the 16 Lnder of Germany, with a territory of only 292 square miles (755 square km). Many working people also drink a coffee at the workstation with the start of the day's work, and/or a coffee break with colleagues around an hour before or after lunch. Additionally, Northern cities like Hamburg, Bremen and Rostock have always been economic powerhouses of trade and commerce and have had a long tradition of innovation and creativity in business and industry. The fountain with bronze sculptures of people, animals, and birds is a popular meeting place. Browse the best deals on tours and activities in Hamburg. Whether you do day-trips from Hamburg, or, drive a loop and stay at several of the cities mentioned, these are 5 Northern Germany destinations not to miss. On the streets with half-timbered houses, you can find fascinating shops and restaurants, as well as experience the atmosphere of a small romantic city. Recommended by Carina ofAnother Milestone, Read Reviews for these Sights:Zwinger Palace |Frauenkirche |Green Vault Museum. List of cities and towns in Germany
