The 13 Best Cities in Northern Germany You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

What Regions Make Up “Northern Germany?” 

Just so we’re on the same page, when I say “Northern Germany” I’m talking about the following core five states: 

• Bremen
• Hamburg
• Schleswig-Holstein
• Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) 
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommen)

Claire’s Tip: When I initially wrote this post in 2021, I’d included destinations in both Berlin and northern Brandenburg because geographically they lie in the north of Germany. However, after speaking to my northern friends it became clear that the “true” north is restricted to the coastal German states — just goes to show there’s always more to learn about the place you live! 

Hamburg

Suggested length of stay: 3 to 4 days

Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg is a beautiful port city with a rich trading history. I’ve visited Hamburg multiple times over the years since one of my best friends lives there. You can easily spend a few days in the city center alone just museum hopping, eating at local cafes, and enjoying the sights.

A few of the top things to do in Hamburg are:

• Take a walking tour — I recommend the free Sandemann’s tour since it’s so comprehensive. 
• Explore Planten un Blomen — It’s a free park / botanical garden in the city center and is one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Hamburg. 
• Wander around the Speicherstadt — The largest warehouse district in the world! The historic buildings are all built of red brick, so even though you’d think a warehouse district wouldn’t be fun or beautiful to walk around, you’d be so wrong! You can sign up for a 2-hour tour of the Speicherstadt and HafenCity area or a 1.5-hour boat tour of the Speicherstadt and harbor, or explore solo. 
• Visit Miniatur Wunderland — Is this sprawling miniature railway system a tourist magnet? Yes. Do I wish I’d gone the first time I visited Hamburg instead of waiting 5+ years to do so? YES. I don’t even like trains, but this place is so cool. 

I suggest spending at least 2 full days in Hamburg itself, then another day or two taking day trips throughout the area. 

⚓️What to Do and See in Old Town Hamburg 🚂

Stralsund

Suggested length of stay: 1 to 2 days

Stralsund is a gorgeous town near the island of Rügen, which is a popular beach getaway for Germans. Stralsund is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its Gothic red brick buildings. Although the city center itself is very small and easily explored on foot, there’s lots to do and see in the area, especially in the summer.

I don’t have a full blog post about Stralsund (yet!), but here are some highlights to look forward to:

• Take a day trip to Rügen — If you’re looking for gorgeous white sand beaches in Northern Germany, Rügen is the place to go! 
• Admire the gabled townhouses — Just set out on foot and walk around the city center; it’s effortlessly beautiful. 
• Visit St. Nicholas’ Church — This is the oldest church in the city. 

Rostock

Suggested length of stay: 1 day (2 if you’re pairing it with a trip to Warnemünde) 

Rostock has a fascinating history! Until the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was East Germany’s largest port and played a vital role in trade between East and West. 

Today, it’s a bustling university city with easy access to the beach, lots of cute churches worth popping into, and some beautiful public parks perfect for picnicking.

Here are some of the top things to do in Rostock:

• Walk along the old city wall — Rostock’s fortifications used to circle the city center in a 1-kilometer loop. Only part of the wall still stands, but there are a couple gorgeous parks that have been added where it used to be. 
• See the astronomical clock inside St. Mary’s Church — The clock was built in 1472, and it’s hand wound twice per day to keep it running. Try to get to the church a little before noon, because that’s when Jesus and the Apostles dance around the top! 
• Dine al fresco at the Neuer Markt — This is a pretty square in the Old Town with restaurants and outdoor seating. It’s just a nice place to come after being on your feet all day. 

🛳️ The Top Things to Do and See in Rostock, Germany 🛳️

Warnemünde 

Suggested length of stay: 1 day (2 if you’re pairing it with a visit to Rostock or you want to enjoy more time at the beach) 

Warnemünde is one of the busiest cruise ports in the country, but despite that it’s never felt overly crowded all the times that I’ve visited. It’s just 20 minutes from Rostock by train, so you can either overnight in Warnemünde to snag one of the coveted Strandkörbe (wicker beach chairs with a covering) early in the morning or make Rostock your home base for exploring the region. 

Warnemünde is famous for its 5-kilometer white sand beach, so I suggest spending most of your visit soaking up some Vitamin D. Other favorite things to do include: 

• Shop along the Alter Strom — Once the shipping passage that led straight to Rostock’s harbor, the Alter Strom has been transformed into a promenade lined with boutiques and cafes. 
• Admire the view from the old lighthouse — For just a few Euros, you can climb to the top of the town’s 19th century lighthouse for a panoramic view of Warnemünde and the Baltic Sea. 
• Visit the weekend fish market — A large fish market takes place each Saturday and Sunday at the Mittelmole, on the opposite bank of the Alter Strom as the shopping street. There’s fresh and smoked fish for sale, as well as ready made seafood dishes to enjoy on the spot.  

☀️ Warnemünde Travel Guide: What to Do, See & Eat ⛱️

Wismar

Suggested length of stay: 1 day

Wismar is the definition of “postcard perfect.” This is one of the smallest towns in Northern Germany on this list, but it’s not to be overlooked. 

It boasts one of the largest preserved ancient town centers in the Baltic region and the city as a whole dates back to 1229. Talk about history! Oh, and did I mention it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

You really need just one full day to see the main sights in Wismar. My favorites are:

• Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit — This isn’t your average German church. There’s no central aisle, and the wooden ceiling beams are covered in frescoes that date back to the late 1600s. 
• Eat a Fischbrötchen at the Old Harbor — This is one of the classic foods of Northern Germany! It’s your choice of fish between a soft white bun, with a little remoulade smeared on top. It’s nothing fancy, but in Wismar you can order Fischbrötchen straight from the fishermen who caught the fish that day. 
• Window shop inside the original Karstadt — This German department store chain was founded in Wismar in 1881. I’d equate it to being like Macy’s in the USA; there’s a little of everything for sale, and nothing’s too pricey. 
• Take photos in front of the quaint Gewölbe building — This is THE postcard shot of Wismar. It’s a crooked, pink-painted half-timbered building that was originally part of the city’s fortifications and now tourists like me just love snapping photos of it. 

⚓️ What to Do & See in Quaint Wismar, Germany ⚓️

Schwerin

Suggested length of stay: 1 to 2 days

I know I shouldn’t pick favorites but … Schwerin is probably my favorite place on this list. 

It’s another small city, but what sets it apart from the other places on this list is the GIANT CASTLE in the middle of the Old Town. The Schwerin Castle and gardens will undoubtedly be the highlight of your visit. 

There are also some great cafes in the Old Town, so between the good food and the castle you’re all set!

If you’re planning a weekend in Schwerin, here’s what I recommend:

• Tour the castle — There’s been a castle on this site since the 10th century, but the current structure dates back to 1843. It’s an elaborate Neorenaissance castle that overlooks Lake Schwerin. 
• Relax in the castle gardens — If touring the castle isn’t in your budget or the timing doesn’t work out, I still highly recommend exploring the park and gardens which are free to enter and are stunning. 
• Explore the Old Town — Of note is the cathedral, which is the tallest in all of Mecklenburg-Vorpommen! 

👑 The Best Things to Do in Fairytale Schwerin, Germany 👑

Ludwigslust

Suggested length of stay: Half day to 1 day 

Ludwigslust is a hidden gem in Northern Germany that’s often overlooked in favor of neighboring Schwerin. Ludwigslust is a very small town with three main things to do: 

• Tour the Baroque castle — The last time I visited Ludwigslust Castle, it was undergoing lengthy renovations to revive its deteriorating interior. Much of the castle is decorated in a special kind of papier mâché, called Ludwigslust Board, which as you can imagine hasn’t stood the test of time all that well. 
• Explore the castle grounds — The parkland behind the castle is free to enter and is a beautiful place to picnic, relax, and read in the sunshine. 
• Visit the Town Church (Stadtkirche) — There’s a huge fresco behind the altar that’s made entirely of Ludwigslust Board. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before! 

Since the main draw of Ludwigslust is the castle and its grounds, I suggest visiting when the weather is fair enough to enjoy quality time outdoors. Trust me, you’ll get more out of your visit if you can relax and go at a slower pace! 

Lübeck

Suggested length of stay: 1 to 2 days

Lübeck is small but mighty! For many years, it served as the capital of the Hanseatic Trading League, one of the most important trade networks in the Baltic region to date. 

Lübeck is one of the smaller cities in Northern Germany, but there’s plenty to see and do here. Marzipan lovers will be especially excited to hear that Lübeck marzipan is world-famous (yes, really!) and there are plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth in the Old Town.

Below are just a few of my favorite things to do in Lübeck:

• Visit St. Mary’s Church — aka “The Mother of Gothic Brick Churches.” I realize church architecture is more of a niche interest, but I’ve been to Lübeck a couple times and each time I pay to enter St. Mary’s because it’s just that beautiful. 
• Window shop in the Old Town — My favorite shopping streets are Fleischhauerstraße and Hüxstraße, both of which are lined with local boutiques and cafes. I wish I’d given myself more time during my last visit to read my book and people watch from one of the cafes here, it’s so picturesque.  
• Stock up on marzipan — Niederegger marzipan is the most famous in Germany, and you can purchase it in grocery stores across the country. Their flagship store is located on the main market square, and it’s always decorated for the seasons. It’s not expensive and it packs well, so definitely buy some as a souvenir! 

✨ The Can’t-Miss Attractions in Lübeck, Germany ✨

Travemünde 

Suggested length of stay: 1 to 2 days 

One of my favorite day trips from both Hamburg and Lübeck is the sleepy seaside town of Travemünde. Known as Lübeck’s “Little Sister,” these two cities were critical trading hubs in Northern Germany between the 12th and 15th centuries. 

Travemünde is very small, and I recommend visiting only if you plan on relaxing by the beach. Although there are some local attractions within the city center, Travemünde has been known as a seaside resort since the early 1800s and doesn’t have much else to offer. 

Bremen 

Suggested length of stay: 1 day 

The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen was once one of Germany’s busiest ports, and although it still sees a fair bit of maritime trade the real draw these days is its gorgeous 11th century cathedral, market square surrounded by gabled houses, and its feature in the beloved Grimms’ fairytale “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” 

My personal favorite attractions in Bremen are: 

• St. Peter’s Cathedral — The vaulted ceiling is brightly painted and coats of arms hang around the cathedral. It’s a light, airy, and uplifting space (unlike many of the other centuries-old cathedrals around the country).  
• Glockenspiel House — Located within the 1920s Böttcherstraße, this unique house has a carillon made from Meissen porcelain that rings thrice daily. 
• Schnoor Quarter — This is the oldest neighborhood in Bremen, and as such the buildings are all a bit higgedly-piggedly and the alleyways extremely narrow. This is a shopping and dining area with all local businesses, which I loved experiencing in a world that’s become increasingly commercial. 

⚓️ What to Do & See in Bremen, Germany ⚓️

Hannover

Suggested length of stay: 2 days

Hannover (sometimes spelled Hanover) is perhaps the most underrated city in Northern Germany. 

It was mostly destroyed during WWII and is subsequently one of Germany’s more modern, industrialized cities today. It’s also home to one of the oldest science and technology universities in the country, so you’ll see lots of students downtown if you visit when school’s in session.

My favorite activities in Hannover include:

• Visit Herrenhausen Palace & Gardens — The museum within the palace is interesting, but the real draw is the Baroque gardens. Six English monarchs had ties to the House of Hannover, so this is a fantastic place to visit if you have an interest in royal history.  
• Explore the Old Town — I suggest following the “Red Thread” around the city center to see the main sights. It’s a literal red line on the ground that helps you navigate to the old market hall, Town Hall, the half-timbered Kramerstraße, and more. 
• Enjoy the view from the New Town Hall — To see the epic view of Hannover from above, you have to ride an elevator that’s set at a 17-degree angle. The entire visit is an adventure from start to finish, and the view from the top is gorgeous!  

🇩🇪 The Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany 🇩🇪

Braunschweig (Brunswick) 

Suggested length of stay: 1 day 

My German friends think I’m crazy for loving Braunschweig as much as I do, and I get it (sort of) — it’s not the prettiest of cities, but it’s steeped in history and is off the beaten path of where most tourists travel within Northern Germany. 

The main draw of Braunschweig is that it’s the final resting place of Henry the Lion, one of the most powerful German princes of all time. He’s credited for founding (or heavily developing) many of Germany’s most prosperous cities, including Munich, Lübeck, Augsburg, Kassel, and more. 

While in Braunschweig, I highly recommend the following places of interest: 

• St. Blasii Cathedral — Where Henry the Lion’s tomb is located. 
• Dankwarderode Castle — Henry the Lion’s primary residence, now open as a museum. 2026 update: the castle is currently closed for renovations.
• Duke Anton Ulrich Museum — A shockingly great art museum (shocking because the major cities nearby, like Hamburg and Berlin, are known for their museum scene but I genuinely think this one in Braunschweig is just as fantastic yet the tickets are far cheaper!). 

Wolfenbüttel

Suggested length of stay: Half day 

Just 30 minutes from Braunschweig is the half-timbered oasis of Wolfenbüttel. There are 1,000+ half-timbered buildings within the Old Town, and even if you don’t want to pay to enter the local museums or the castle it’s still worth visiting just to walk around and admire the architecture. 

But while you’re here, you might as well visit the following: 

• Tour Wolfenbüttel Castle — Half of the four-wing Baroque castle is now used as a high school (those kids are SO lucky), and the other half has been preserved as a museum. The rooms are decorated to reflect what the castle would have looked like during its heyday, and like most small town attractions the entry fee is a stunningly low 5 Euros. What a bargain! 
• Visit St. Mary’s Church — Believed to be the first major Protestant church in Germany. It’s got a beautiful, white-washed vaulted ceiling. 
• Explore the Old Town — The town center has some nice cafes as well as everyday stores. Wolfenbüttel isn’t a tourist magnet, so despite its slew of half-timbered houses it remains more of a “local’s town,” so don’t expect tons of souvenir stores or anything like that. 

Excited to Visit Northern Germany?

Like I said before, there are many more cities in Northern Germany that are worth visiting —they’re on my bucket list! However, I’ve already visited plenty of gems up north and I wanted to pass along the recommendations.

If you have any questions about planning a road trip through Northern Germany, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below!

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