Planning a visit to Germany? Drum up the excitement and explore the north for a change! Edwin D’Souza shares his top ten locations when exploring the northern region of Germany.
Binz
Binz is the largest seaside resort city on the German island of Rügen. The city has steadily built a reputation for creating memorable holidays and is one of the most popular seaside resorts. It has gained its high reputation because of its long sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters which make it a perfect place to relax, unwind and sunbathe.
Kiel
Kiel is the city to be in if you prefer spending your vacation scouring natural beauty. You can explore beautiful beaches and castles built during the ancient times on leisurely walks. Alternatively, you can witness boats passing by on the busiest artificial waterway in the world or even be a part of the boat ride and experience a different side to the city. If you love life out on the water, plan your trip around the annual Kiel week which is the largest sailing event in the world, and gives tourists a beautiful experience of the city’s atmosphere and cultural variety.
Wismar
Wismar being a small and quaint city located on the Baltic Sea Coast in northern Germany presents itself as an ideal destination for tourists. Despite its smaller size of 41.36 km², it is known for its history, culture and natural beauty. The most phenomenal aspect of this quaint destination is its Gothic architecture which attracts visitors for its uniquely ancient vibe – a sharp contrast to modern day aesthetics. Wismar is home to the stunning St. Mary’s Church and the Wassertor Gate. Its natural beauty, museums like the Phantechnikum museum make it a must-visit destination.
Lübeck
This is for everyone with a specific love for visiting and exploring medieval towns. Being surrounded by historic buildings and cobblestone streets, this city was once the capital of the Hanseatic League. The most highly recommended site to visit in the area is Holstentor which is a giant brick gate that was built in the 15th century. It is known to be a great spot for Instagram-worthy pictures. Besides, one can only imagine the fascinating feeling of entering a town through a giant brick gate!
Berlin
When people speak of Germany and its nightlife, the first state that comes to mind is Berlin. Being Germany’s most populous city, it possesses the country’s most definitive museums (170 of them to be specific!), dining venues, art and above all memorable nightlife. Despite its city life, Berlin is also famed for its cultural highlights like the Museum Island located in the historic heart of Berlin. If you love a bit of sightseeing you must visit the Brandenburg Gate, which was built in 1791 and remains one of Berlin’s signature attractions, or the Berlin Television Tower which is known to locals as Fernsehturm and stands at 368m in height.
Hiddensee
This charming island, located just 26.9km ride away from Stralsund, is known for being an immaculate natural attraction with beaches extending for miles and luxuriant forests making it the perfect destination for an outdoor trip. One of the most famous tourist attractions of the Island is the Leuchtturm Dornbusch an ancient lighthouse that provides a breath-taking view of the island and its scenery. Make note of this destination if you’re in need of a perfect escape from the busy city life.
Insel Poel
A perfect island for those on the hunt for a photogenic location, Insel Poel allows you to enjoy a spectacular view given that it’s one of the most picturesque locations in north Germany. It is known for its popular attraction, The Kirchdorf, a Village with an extravagant harbour surrounded by historic buildings. The local shops and the restaurants give tourists the true feel of Germany’s roots. The Charming Villages like Timmendor, with calming sandy beaches makes it a must-visit spot in the off season.
Hamburg
Without a doubt, Hamburg is a must-visit when in Germany. It is a vibrant city with a fantastic blend of history, modernity and cultural backgrounds. Visitors get the opportunity to explore some of the best museums, historical landmarks like the St. Nikolai Main Church as well as the galleries. It is a city well known for its diversity expressed in historic and modern forms.
Müritz National Park
Nestled in north-eastern Germany is one of the most exciting outdoor experiences known to visitors, the Müritz National Park, which boasts 130 lakes. Being home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region it also holds the largest and most stunning lake in Germany known as Lake Müritz. Visitors get the opportunity to rent a boat and explore the lake on their own or go on a guided tour that educates them on the destination’s flora and fauna.
Bremen
Bremen is a renowned port city situated in northwest Germany. What really brings the city to life is the olden days charm and modernised surrounding. It also has one of the most famous landmarks known as the ‘Bremen Town Musician Statue’, that depicts a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster stacked on top of each other. The Kunsthalle Museum and the Bremen Museum are the best places for visitors who love to get in touch with the cultural history of a city.
