FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

Portsmouth on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire has a seafaring history stretching back over 800 years. The city has been an important marine base in England since the Middle Ages and today it is a symbol of maritime tradition – visitors to the Royal Marines Museum can learn some interesting facts about its eventful history. After the Second World War, many historic buildings, including both cathedrals, were lovingly restored. The Spinnaker Tower in the harbour dominates the city’s skyline: at 170 m (558 ft) tall, the tower offers amazing views over the bay and has been a proud landmark of the port city since it was opened in 2005.

Named after the River Fal, Falmouth was already an important port in the 17th century and is now a popular fishing and holiday destination. With Bronze Age stone circles, holy wells, romantic manor houses and quaint pubs, it offers a cinematic backdrop in the heart of the Cornish countryside. The Gulf Stream ensures the region has a mild, subtropical climate, which is reflected in the lush vegetation. Particularly appealing places to explore include Bodmin Moor, the surrounding beaches and picturesque bays and the Coastal Path – at 430 km (267 miles) long, one of the most beautiful coastal paths in Europe.

Picturesque Cobh on the south coast of Ireland boasts slopes of colourful houses and the neo-Gothic St. Colman’s Cathedral. Known as the “gateway to the world”, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic set out from here in 1838. Between 1848 and 1850, more than 2.5 million emigrants set out from Cobh to try their luck in the New World. The Titanic also called at Cobh before beginning its last voyage. Today, the quaint streets and pubs are a great place to enjoy Cobh’s maritime charm. A walk along the Titanic Trail allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Irish emigrants and admire the historic buildings, which have a tale to tell of the town’s eventful past.

Galway on the west coast of Ireland is an unconventional place full of charm and cultural variety. The capital city of County Galway in the province of Connacht is enchanting with its cobbled streets, colourful houses and quaint pubs, where you can enjoy traditional Irish live music. Particularly popular are the many festivals, including the Galway Races or the Galway International Arts Festival, which really bring the city to life. Galway is also the gateway to the breathtaking natural scenery of Connemara: the region is shaped by boggy landscapes, shimmering lakes and rugged coastlines, while old stone walls, white sandy beaches and luminous green fields turn it into a picturesque paradise, enchanting visitors with its unspoilt beauty.

Killybegs is a beautiful and bustling fishing port set in the middle of Ireland’s magnificent green scenery. Despite the hustle and bustle of the port and the many large fishing boats, Killybegs has managed to preserve its quaint tranquillity. A particular highlight is the annual street festival, which celebrates the fishing industry and keeps old traditions alive with the blessing of the boats. The famous Donegal carpets, which are made on the world’s largest loom at the Donegal Carpet Factory, are now exported all over the world. Killybegs is a very special place, with its own blend of traditional craftsmanship and maritime charm.

At the estuary of the River Foyle in County Donegal lies the fishing village of Greencastle, which takes its name from its medieval castle. A visit to the ruined castle provides a fascinating insight into the history of the region, while the Inishowen Maritime Museum brings its maritime history to life. The impressive green coastal scenery around the village makes it a great place for a long walk to work up an appetite for some fresh seafood served in one of the local restaurants. Greencastle offers an unforgettable combination of history, natural scenery and culinary delights.

Oban welcomes visitors with its dramatic Scottish coastal scenery. Situated in a protected bay behind the Isle of Kerrara, the town is the ideal starting point for exploring the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. Once a small fishing village, Oban now has numerous places worth a visit, including McCaig’s Tower, a decorative replica of Rome’s Colosseum, and the ruins of Dunollie Castle, the former seat of the MacDougall clan. The fish restaurants at the port are a great place for gourmets to try fresh seafood, while the granite cliffs and bays attract tourists and anglers in equal measure. Queen Victoria named Oban “one of the finest spots we have seen”.

The Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, reveals a wild beauty that is second to none. The island is made up of rugged landscape and fishing villages, with a glimpse of medieval castles in the distance. The iconic Old Man of Storr, a pinnacle of basalt rock that stands around 50 m (164 ft) tall, is an impressive landmark on the island. The main town of Portree, with its picturesque houses and colourful harbour, is an inviting place to while away some time – a place that takes its visitors on a picturesque journey between the land and the sea.

Invergordon is situated on the banks of Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Islands. This charming little coastal town has developed over time from an industrial centre to a place steeped in history and culture. The High Street with its little shops and historic post office is charming, and along the seafront promenade you will be able to see some colourful murals that bring the town’s past to life. The heaths and moors of the Highlands are full of myths and legends, including the mysterious sea monster Nessie in nearby Loch Ness. A special highlight for connoisseurs is the Invergordon Distillery, where you can try some of their finest whisky.

Between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh offers a fascinating mix of history and modernity. The impressive Scottish capital looks back over a long history and is famous for Edinburgh Castle, which sits proudly on top of Castle Rock where you can enjoy the wonderful views. Princes Street Gardens are a great place to wander around in the city centre, while the many pubs in the narrow, winding streets will tempt you to make a detour – Edinburgh has more pubs than almost anywhere else in Europe. However, the city is also a literary centre and home to some famous authors: J.K. Rowling and Robert Louis Stevenson found inspiration in the uniquely special atmosphere of the city.