5 Northern Germany Destinations Not to Miss

Northern Germany is known for being an industrial hub, while the country itself is acclaimed for its beers, castles and cars. We wanted to know more about Northern Germany, so we asked the most road tripped man in the world, Mike of MikesRoadTrip, to share some of his favorite destinations of the region.

Hamburg is the most well known city in Northern Germany, especially for foreigners. It also makes a great home base to visit the region, and, the destinations I feature below. Whether you do day-trips from Hamburg, or, drive a loop and stay at several of the cities mentioned, these are 5 Northern Germany destinations not to miss.

Lübeck in Northern Germany

Lübeck is a fascinating Northern Germany destination surrounded by two rivers, which makes the historic part of town a natural moat. Unlike many other areas of Germany, Lübeck survived the war relatively unscathed. More than 80% of the buildings are original. It’s a fascinating place to explore, but don’t try doing it by car. Dropping the car is a nightmare. I would recommend parking on either side of the rivers and taking transportation to the historic center. There are a few car parks (parking lots) on the island, but during busier times of the year, they fill up quickly.

Don’t Miss:

• Guided tour – A wonderful way to learn of the history of Lübeck.
• Miera Restaurant – A fantastic Italian bistro located on one of the narrow cobblestone streets.
• Europaisches Hansemuseum – If you don’t go on a tour, at least check out this high tech museum, it will provide a fascinating look at the history of the city in a very engaging way.
• Niedregger Stammhaus – A beautiful candy shop with an upstairs café overlooking the famous Rathaus steps.
• Staying at Lübecker Krönchen – A luxuriously boutique inn with lots of amenities and wonderful hosts.

Lüneburg in Northern Germany

Don’t miss Lüneburg’s most beautiful square, Am Sande, which is where medieval merchants laid out their wares. Am Sande is framed by a host of tall ornate brick houses, which at the time, showed off Lüneburg’s wealth and status. Somehow, centuries later, these buildings look like they were just recently constructed. The oldest house actually dates to around 1400.

Bremen in Northern Germany

Bremen is known for its role in maritime trade, represented by Hanseatic buildings on the Market Square. The ornate and Gothic town hall has a Renaissance facade, and nearby, the Roland statue symbolizes free trade. St. Peter’s Cathedral features medieval crypts and twin spires and her church bells echo through the labyrinth of paths jetting out in all directions. The area near the city center of Bremen is called Marktplatz—this is where you should spent most of your time. This is an enchanting part of town with narrow cobblestone walkways that lead to fascinating shops and cafes.

Don’t Miss:

• Bremen Ratskeller – Located underneath the Town Hall this wine cellar and restaurant has been serving guests since 1405. Wonderful place to get some authentic German cuisine.
• Staying at the Radisson Blu – Great location within the Marktplatz (main square).
• Bremerhaven – The sister city of Bremen is just 50 km north and worth a visit if you have the time. Liberty Hotel is a fantastic place to stay, right next to a wonderful attraction, the German Emigration Center.

Celle in Northern Germany

The lavishly restored half-timbered houses of Celle make up the greatest ensemble in all of Europe. From the picturesque backdrop of the 700-year-old royal residence, to the Hoppener Haus, one of the most magnificent half-timbered houses in the city. There is also a colorful mix of museums, theaters, music festivals, concerts, galleries and city festivals that showcase the culture of Celle.

Brunswick (Braunschweig) in Northern Germany

Brunswick is a delightful destination, with fascinating facades and magnificent monuments surrounding the city. Despite widespread bombing suffered during the Second World War, many of Braunschweig’s monuments were fully restored. A rich history has led to centuries of unique construction; from Baroque ornamentation to the modern, such as the colorful Happy Rizzi House. The photos you may see online of the Happy Houses are impressive, but seeing them up close lets the details come alive. The artist/creator/builders have created a scene that I have no doubt will begin attracting Instagramers the world over. If Braunschweig sounds familiar, that’s because there is a New Brunswick in eastern Canada.

Don’t Miss:

• Staying at the Vienna House – A fun and lively place a bit outside of downtown.
• Petite Creperi – A charming little bistro with fantastic crepes, teas and coffees. They’re also open on Sunday, which I discovered was one of the few places.

If you have any questions about visiting Northern Germany, please leave a comment below. Or, if you have any additional suggestions, please share them as well.

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