FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

The first stop is Edinburgh, which you will explore from its port at Rosyth. The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open book of cultural and architectural history. Winding streets, ancient and neoclassical architecture, society and monarchy: a walking tour with a castle visit¹ reveals many facets, Edinburgh Castle being the crowning glory. You would hardly believe it: in the middle of the city, you can really walk up- and downhill through the lively streets. Enjoy the atmosphere and visit a pub or stop for some typical British afternoon tea. Off Scotland’s north coast, the 70 or so Orkney Islands bid you welcome with their delightful contrasting landscape. Grassy hills, steep cliffs and Caribbean-like white sandy beaches with turquoise waters characterise the archipelago. The inhabitants have always been ahead of their time: 5,000 years ago, they were already creating monumental structures. Today, they are pioneers of the energy transition because they use only green electricity from wind turbines.

Explore the early history of the islands, starting in Kirkwall with the historical treasures of Orkney¹. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the sensational Skara Brae is the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. The Ring of Brodgar, which dates back to around 2700 BC, is another stone reminder of times gone by. A hike along the coastal cliffs¹ takes you past Iron Age towers and offers breathtaking panoramas. Explore nature with your experts on the small, untouched island of Westray and look out for puffins, common murres and northern gannets. Wide, vast and full of wonders – the Shetland Islands welcome you even further north. Views of endless coastal landscapes, insights into Viking history: the more than 100 isles are an insider’s tip amidst exciting nature adventures and contemplative silence.

Lerwick’s typical architecture is rich in granite. From here, visit the archaeological site Jarlshof¹, which bears witness to the everyday life of Stone Age people and the Vikings, or the ruins of Scalloway Castle¹, which was built by Earl Patrick Stewart in the 16th century. Alternatively, on a coastal hike along the cliffs of Eshaness¹, you will be amazed by enormous rock formations in the sea and countless seabirds. A rarely visited natural destination is the uninhabited Isle of Mousa, where you will land with the Zodiacs. A hike with your experts leads to the Broch of Mousa – the windowless, massive Iron Age tower is one of the best preserved of its kind in the whole of Scotland. The island treasures of the Isle of Noss are a chapter in themselves. Large colonies of birds have taken possession of the rugged coastline – and it’s off in the Zodiacs again, depending on the weather. The same is true on Fair Isle: the spectacular narrow cliffs are home to countless birds such as northern gannets and puffins. Take a hike in the fresh, clear air here as well. One of Great Britain’s most remote inhabited islands, it once again underlines the northern beauty that wild and rugged Scotland has shown on this expedition.

You have probably heard a lot about this island and perhaps even visited it – but you won’t yet have explored it with the pioneering spirit of the HANSEATIC spirit: Helgoland, Germany’s only deep-sea island. If the weather allows, the Zodiacs will be put to use and you will marvel at Lange Anna, one of northern Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks, on a hike along the cliffs. With fantastic views of the North Sea, enjoy one last impressive mosaic piece in a contrasting kaleidoscope of spring in northern climates.