7 Days in North Germany: Hamburg, Lübeck and Travemünde

Northern Germany offers an abundance of cultural, architectural and culinary highlights. 7 days in Hamburg, Lübeck and Travemünde offer a wonderful weeklong German getaway, especially during warmer months. It’s the ideal time to visit a Baltic Sea beach, enjoy delicious fresh seafood on a picturesque restaurant terrace and marvel at unique Germanic architecture.

Lübeck, Germany: A UNESCO Gem

Beautiful Lübeck (Luebeck), Germany is a UNESCO World Heritage surrounded by the Trave and Wakenitz rivers. It’s located 42 miles (67 km) northeast of Hamburg, and 12 miles (19 km) from the Baltic Sea beach town of Travemünde.

Founded in 1143, Lübeck was nicknamed “the Queen of the Hanseatic League” during the 14th century. The Hanseatic League was a trade network of Northern European towns. Its impressive gothic brick architecture towers into the sky, along with nestling alongside its waterways.

Great Places to Visit in Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich. Its historical center, punctuated by Kaiserberg Castle, where German kings were once crowned by the Holy Roman Emperor, resembles setting foot in a fairy tale. Grab a table at a beer garden and enjoy traditional Nuremberg bratwurst. Their hometown pork sausages have maintained the same recipe since 1313. It’s easy to see why Albrecht Durer, one of Germany’s most famous Renaissance painters, was inspired by the picturesque setting of his hometown from 1471-1528.

Alex drinking a beer in Tiergartnertorplatz in Nuremberg, Germany

How to Spend 2 Days in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt is nicknamed “Mainhattan,” as the Main River flows through Germany’s financial capital, featuring one of Europe’s most impressive skylines. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest train station and Frankfurt Airport is the fourth busiest on the continent. This makes Frankfurt a gateway to Germany for many visitors. Travelers can easily enjoy 2 days in Frankfurt before moving on to explore elsewhere. Frankfurt is also a great base for day trips to beautiful Heidelberg, Mainz (home to the Gutenberg Museum) or the nearby spa town of Bad Vilbel.