Hamburg: Day Trips

German Immigration Center in Bremerhaven Maritime Bremerhaven is home to Europe’s largest emigration museum, where visitors can learn about the trials and tribulations endured by the 7 million people who set sail from this very spot to Ellis Island between 1830 and 1974. About 110 miles west of Hamburg; www.dah-bremerhaven.de
museum | history

Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park Migrating birds and seals inhabit the pristine dune-backed beaches in this beautiful national park on Germany’s north sea coast. Stroll along the sand, climb the dunes or explore the area with a horse and carriage tour. About 140 miles northwest of Hamburg; www.nationalpark-wattenmeer.niedersachsen.de
beach | family | national park | outdoors | park | daytrip

Helgoland The tall red cliffs on Germany’s only high sea island are like no place else in the country. Here, the gulf stream maintains a temperate climate and what is touted as Germany’s freshest air. Boats make daily departures from the Landungsbrucken ferry docks (www.frs.de). 44 miles off the coast west of Hamburg; accessible by boat from April-Nov; www.helgoland.de/en
beach | island | smart splurge | outdoors | daytrip

Lubeck This fairytale-esque 12th-century city has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site thanks to the area’s 1,000 well-preserved buildings. The favorite local treat, marzipan, seems to be for sale in nearly every shop in the old city. About 41 miles northeast of Hamburg; www.luebeck-tourism.de
historic | daytrip