A Journey into the German Hanseatic League - 7 days

The Hanseatic League was one of the most important alliances of merchants and cities in the Middle Ages. At times, it had up to 200 members. This association was mostly made up of historic coastal and harbour towns that had achieved great prosperity through trade. In the heyday of the Hanseatic League, wonderful, valuable cultural and architectural monuments were created that can still be visited today, some of which are protected by UNESCO. Join us on a city trip with history!

Day 1: Arrival Bremen - A
Bremen – the old Hanseatic city at the Weser river, has a history of 1200 years to look back on.
It‘s located 50 km from the North Sea coast and lives on and by the sea. Bremen is known as the smallest federal state in Germany and also includes its port Bremerhaven. Today Bremen offers a variety in all sectors of culture: from music, exhibitions and theater, to adventure centers and events. A city of tradition and cosmopolitanism, a city with a distinctive ambience and a very special charm. During the city tour you‘ll discover the beautiful old town with its unique town hall and the traditional Schnoorquarter. Next to the culture – Bremen has also many culinary specialties to offer. Visit Schuettinger‘s first brewery in Bremen and enjoy traditional food at the long wooden tables or visit the Ratskeller with its huge wine offer (extra charge).

Day 2: Bremen - Hamburg - F
Today you travel from Bremen to Hamburg. After your arrival you will do a discovery tour of the Hanseatic city. First you will drive through the warehouse district and learn about the things that were stored in the buildings back in the days and what they are now used for. Of course your tour will lead you past the Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity/PortCity as well. Afterwards you are expected at the harbor for a boat trip through the harbor. If you are lucky and the timing is right you can marvel at a cruise ship or even admire it when leaving the harbor. During your boat trip your captain will tell you all sorts of interesting things, stories and also some anecdotes which will be translated by your guide.
In the evening you can explore the Reeperbahn on your own. We are happy to organize a guided tour of the Reeperbahn as well (supplement). Learn interesting facts about the past and present of Hamburg‘s most famous mile.

Day 3: Exploring Luebeck - F
Today you get to know Luebeck. The former Free Hanseatic City of Luebeck is today a lively port and industrial city. The old city center still shows the medieval image. On your guided tour you visit the Holstentor, the cathedral, Church St. Catheryn and the Buddenbrook House (from the outside). Luebeck is also known for Luebeck Marzipan, a sweet sugary mass made of almonds. We recommend the visit of a Marzipan Museum. In the afternoon, you will visit the European Hansa Museum, where Hanseatic history comes to life in a variety of ways.

Day 4: Hamburg - Schwerin - Wismar - F
Lavish richness of water and forest, traditional treasures of culture as well as a fascinating architecture characterize the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - Schwerin. During your guided tour city, you get a first impression of the city. The older parts of the city can be explored on foot. In the afternoon you will continue to the Hanseatic city of Wismar, which you will also discover during a guided city tour. The old town still represents the ideal Hanseatic city. The „brick city“ has kept its medieval layouts with road network and the district and parcel structure almost unchanged.

Day 5: Wismar - Rostock - Stralsund - F
Rostock, a young city of 800 years, was once an important member of the Hanseatic League. The city retained much of its original charm, yet never closed up to new things. That leads also back to the students: the Rostock alma mater, founded in 1419, is the oldest university in the Baltic region. The Baltic Sea owes its importance to Rostock, the name of Warnow. "Roztoc" is Slavic and, with its translation of "flowing apart", points to the wide course of the river Warnow between the city harbor and Warnemuende. The sailing ships still find there a weatherproof harbor with only a short journey to the open sea. After the city tour we recommend a visit of Warnemuende - once a small fishing village, now part of Rostock, where you can stroll wonderfully on the Old River and the beach promenade or walk on the fine white sandy beach. Afterwards you drive on to Stralsund.

Day 6: Hanseatic City Stralsund and Island of Ruegen - F/A
Your tour guide awaits you for a varied full day tour. The Hanseatic city of Stralsund, which has been ennobled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight in the northern German region with its history, unique waterfront location and many historic buildings. The term UNESCO World Heritage puts it in a nutshell: a city with extraordinary cultural value. Lovingly restored town houses, imposing brick churches and a variety of valuable evidence of the Hanseatic period make up the charm of this city. The unique location of Stralsund giving guests an overlooking of the coast of the island of Ruegen complement the cultural offer with a maritime experience. In addition, today you can expect the largest German island with 574 kilometers of coastline and a total of 976 square kilometers. The island of Ruegen offers unforgettable views. Mile-long fine-grained sandy beaches, silent, extensive beech forests and the pretty seaside resorts with their piers are among the island's most charming faces.

Day 7: Homeward journey - F
After some very exciting days, your journey has come to an end. You will be returning home with some fascinating memories and a variety of Hanseatic stories to tell. Safe travels!