Hikes in Hamburg

The most beautiful circular walks are to be found in Hamburg's Hügel and Heide.

Just 20 kilometres from the centre of Hamburg lies the Fischbeker Heide nature reserve. It is a heath landscape that only the north has to offer, with a profile that in places is even reminiscent of Germany's low mountain ranges. The highest point of the heath is the 116-metre Hasselbrack. With its 773 hectares, Fischbeker Heide is one of the largest nature reserves in the region and invites visitors to take long tours.

In terms of landscape, the region is comparable to the Lüneburger Heide. Wide expanses of heath and many groups of trees and small forests characterise the landscape. A diverse flora and fauna with more than 2000 species of small animals make their home here. The broom heather with its purple flowers also plays its part in making the area unmistakable to hikers.

In addition to Fischbeker Heide, the Wittmoor nature reserve is also worth a visit as it is ideal for walks in idyllic natural surroundings. The area is characterised by a mixture of woodland, moorland, heath and pasture. It is also easily accessible by bus.

The first stage of the Heidschnuckenweg also starts in Fischbek. If you want to hike for several days, you can start the 223-kilometre tour through the Lüneburger Heath all the way to Celle. The route takes you through unique nature, through forest and moorland, idyllic villages, past the odd lake or pond, over the Wilseder Berg – the highest elevation on the heath – to the destination: the town of Celle. If you dare to take on the entire route, you definitely need to be in good shape, otherwise you can also just master individual stages.

Hiking in and around Hamburg also includes hiking tours along the Elbe. Those who value a unique panoramic landscape should hike down the Elbe and will come across a particularly beautiful stretch of Elbe bank in the district of Blankenese. Hikes along the Falkenstein bank not only offer a magnificent panorama, but also beautifully landscaped parks and long, white sandy beaches.

A hike through the Boberger Dünen, which are the last shifting sand dunes in Hamburg, is also nice. The starting point for the excursion is the car park at the Boberger Furt, which can be reached by car from the city centre in about 20 minutes, or via the S-Bahn stop Mittlerer Landweg.

But besides the countryside around Hamburg, it is also worth exploring beautiful corners directly in the city. A tour along the Alsterwanderweg is almost a must.

How long is the Alsterwanderweg?

The Alsterwanderweg is 37 kilometres long in total. On the southern section, which leads to the centre of Hamburg, to the port of Hamburg, hikers cover a distance of 22 kilometres.

A round through the Stadtpark, Hamburg's green lung, is also highly recommended. The park is perfect to relax after a day full of city bustle and to enjoy the view of old trees and wide meadows – just don't look at the clock and forget everyday life for a few hours. With the Stadtparksee lake, small woods, wetland biotopes, rose gardens and sculptures, the walk is full of variety. If you like, you can include a romantic pedal boat trip or a visit to the planetarium in your walking tour.

Of course, a city walk is also worthwhile to discover Hamburg's sights: On a tour of the city starting at the Landungsbrücken, you can see the Elbphilharmonie, the Michaeliskirche (also affectionately known as the Michel), the fish market and the historic Speicherstadt. If a glance at the clock shows that you have less time, the city can also be explored by bus or train.