Guten Tag! I'll be travelling from Copenhagen to Berlin and was looking for a place to visit between the two cities. Is Hamburg worth it? I've read Rick Steves guidebook and the piece doesn't seem all that wonderful. Thoughts to travelers who have visited?
Thanks!
It depends on what you are interested in and what you are looking to see. Hamburg is a large, modern city.
How are you travelling, how much time do you have and what are you interested in?
Depends on what you are looking for. But the Miniatur Wunderland is probably worth a visit. https://www.miniatur-wunderland.de
All very good questions. I'm running in the Berlin Marathon so I'm not looking to do a lot of walking or activity. I'm also a solo traveler so safety is of concern. I'm not a party going kind of gal but do enjoy the nature, water, and castles. Minaturewunderland looks very cool.
I'm open to other cities that makes sense as a one or two day stop over from Copenhagen to Berlin.
Thanks!
First off I found Hamburg to be safe and would not suggest a solo woman traveler avoid it for that reason. But it doesn’t seem to be calling you. So perhaps you’re better off spending more time in Berlin? Or nearby Potsdam?
Well Lübeck is on the train line between Copenhagen and Hamburg(where you will have to change for the train to Berlin). It’s surrounded by water and while it doesnt have castle it has a medieval city wall, impressive city gates and churches.
It's worth it just for Minutur Wonderland, with the extra bonus of the newly redeveloped Warehouse district, new concert hall and the harbor area.
Much of Hamburg was leveled in WWII, so you're unlikely to find 'Disney-Germany' anywhere near central Hamburg. There's a lot to do in Hamburg, depending on your interests. Last time I was there I stayed in the Schanzenviertel & enjoyed the atmosphere. As for safety, check here. It might be worth checking for any special events in towns you're considering before you decide.
Hope you planned enough days for Berlin. Normally tourists need 4-5 days, also with prep for Marathon the city will have a lot of visitors.
Hamburg is worth a trip and has a different culture to Berlin.
Special tip: fully off beaten track and a little but very safe adventure would be to take the ferry from Sweden's Malmö to Travemünde and spend your time in lovely Lübeck which is worth to spend 1-2 full days. Old town of Lübeck was less damaged in WWII than Hamburg, also Holstentor and really interesting Hanse Museum. Try also Lübecker Marzipan from Niederegger.
By the way: last year we had a runner from Lübeck with Holstentor costume at Berlin marathon. He received also a Guinness book record entry.
After Lübeck you can get by train to Berlin.
Hi,
Hamburg is the cultural center of North Germany. In that sense it is absolutely "worth it." I made it a point to visit Hamburg on my first trip to Germany. Disregard what RS has to say about Hamburg, over the various trips I've been there several times, some shorter, some longer. If you're into history, good, bad and the ugly, you can see these places site, museums, etc) too in Hamburg, as well as cultural sights.
If you take the early train from Copenhagen to Hamburg, logistically you can get to Schwerin if your interested in seeing that marvelous Schloss.
Basically, you're skipping Hamburg, (I know this isn't exactly what you asked), but in case you wanted a replacement for Hamburg. There are several other smaller places in North Germany with which to replace Hamburg.
