Finally an Itinerary - Northern Germany

Looks like a nice trip.
I don't remember Lüneburg well - too many years ago - only that I liked it. I regret not having made time for it last May when we were in Hamburg. Hope I can get back there someday.
Here's a nice day trip guide for Lüneburg

"What areas should I look in in Hamburg for lodging?"

We used the Terminus in Hamburg last year - nothing fancy but an easy walk to the station, very clean and quiet room, nice breakfast, helpful management - I recall that we snagged a double at €50/night for a non-refundable reservation.

Hi,

This itinerary sounds like a very comprehensive trip. Except for Stade, I 've been to and stayed in every one of these places listed more than once....Hamburg, Lüneburg (by far my favourite, one of my few favourites in all of Germany), Kiel, Bremen, Lübeck.

I would suggest hotels in Hamburg Hbf area those on Kirchenallee, (across the street from the Hbf), some very good ones there, 3 and 4 stars. . Europäsischer Hof ( a bit pricey), Fürst Bismarck, Graf Moltke, ( a bit pricey too). You don't need a car for visiting Lüneburg, a real walking town, as is Lübeck. Lüneburg is absolutely worth it for various reasons, I've been there numerous times over the years as day trips as well as spending 3-4 nights at a time. Depending on your interest in history, some esoteric historical museums and sites in Kiel, Lüneburg, Lübeck and Hamburg. What is your interest in history?

Kiel, Hamburg, Lübeck were plastered by Allied bombing, the Zentrum and Altstade areas first, instead of military targets. Lüneburg was unscathed, survived the war intact, quickly occupied by the British when they reached and crossed lower Elbe at Lauenburg/Holstein.

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate your recommendations! I will post a review when we get back. I am so excited!

Thank you for the tip on the Focke Museum. We will be there with the German part of the family and the family has been good in the past about helping translate the important stuff for us.

Hi,

If you have no set plans for the day trip to Kiel, one activity is a river cruise in the greater Kiel area including going through the Kiel Canal which the Germans call, the "Nord-Ostsee Kanal."

The ferry station is down from the main train station, Kiel Hbf, ca 25 min walk or so. I rather doubt you'll see any US tourists, totally off their tourist radar, I never did. One time in 2009 I was there on a day trip the last week in June, which is Kieler Woche, (Kiel Week) with the regatta (if you're into sailing), lots of activities, well attended. If you're interested in North Germany, you'll find Kiel enjoyable. I'll be there three weeks after you.

We are staying in Hamburg on our trip this fall. One of my top things to see there is Wunderland, I love models but the automation of this place takes it to the next level!

Northern Germany is is really wonderful - different from the touristy south. How very cool to be treated to tours by family members! Enjoy!

"Northern Germany is really wonderful - different from the touristy south." So very true. My first introduction to Germany was north Germany, I found it fascinating historically, geographically, ie getting from place to place, culturally, and most of all, linguistically. I'll be there mid-June, using Hamburg as a base (had to decide which was better, Hamburg or Kiel), but spending the time in Kiel and nearby towns.