from hamburg to Hamburg

Hamburg, the “pearl of the north”, has a lively atmosphere and rich history. From the vibrant harbour with its majestic ships to the historic red-brick warehouse district, the city features a highly distinctive flair. The Alster, surrounded by green banks, invites you to take relaxing boat trips. With its charming streets and imposing City Hall, the historic old town exudes a sense of tradition. Culturally, Hamburg offers a variety of museums, theatres and concert halls that inspire visitors with art and music in abundance. The famous Reeperbahn in the St. Pauli district attracts visitors with its diverse nightlife. Hamburg is a city that manages to combine tradition and modernity in a fascinating way.

A diamond-shaped island full of history and charm – the Isle of Wight lies off the south coast of England and attracts visitors with its unique shape and impressive nature. Once part of Hampshire, it has been independent since 1974, with Newport as its capital. The striking chalk hills stretch across the centre of the island and plunge dramatically into the sea in the west. In Cowes, one of the largest towns on the island, nature lovers meet sailing enthusiasts, as Cowes is particularly known for the Admiral’s Cup. Hikers can enjoy the well-signposted trails with breathtaking views of the steep coast and imposing chalk cliffs.

Picturesquely situated on the “English Riviera”, Dartmouth in the south of England boasts a wonderful maritime atmosphere. The natural harbour is lined with historic houses, and elegant yachts are moored at anchor while the cadets of the Royal Naval College proudly walk along the promenade. Even the arrival via the River Dart, flanked by Kingswear Castle and Dartmouth Castle, is impressive. The first defences were built as early as 1388 – and the historic fortifications still give the coastal town its special charm today. The nearby St Petrox Church also tells of times gone by and blends harmoniously into the idyllic landscape.

Turquoise water, golden beaches and subtropical flora – the enchanting Isles of Scilly comprise around 140 islets, only five of which are inhabited. St Mary’s, the largest of the islands, features a unique and impressive mixture of granite formations and heathland. Charming Hugh Town, the main settlement, invites you to experience local culture. On Tresco, Abbey Gardens enchant visitors with a magical world of exotic plants, medieval pointed arches and historical figureheads salvaged from sunken ships.

Picturesque Cobh on the south coast of Ireland features 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.

An unspoilt fishing village with unforgettable charm, Dingle on the peninsula of the same name in the south-west of Ireland offers visitors a spectacular mix of dramatic cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches and majestic mountains. The locals love to share stories about their culture and traditions in the cosy pubs with their inviting atmosphere. The nearby Blasket Islands boast pristine, unspoilt landscapes, while walks along the beaches and cliffs provide wonderful views of the rugged beauty of the coast. Fungie, the dolphin that inhabited Dingle Bay until 2020, is particularly memorable as a symbol of the region’s wildlife.

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 mangaed 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.

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.

The small town of Ullapool lies in the north-west of Scotland amidst the majestic mountains of the Highlands. Founded in 1788 as a harbour for herring fishing, the town has retained its romantic charm to this day – the reflections of white houses shine on the water and fishing boats as well as yachts bob on the water in the harbour. With only around 1,500 inhabitants, Ullapool is nevertheless the gateway to the wilderness of the northern Highlands. Hikers and mountaineers in particular are drawn to this region, with Stac Pollaidh as well as the Munros An Teallach and Sgurr Mor offering dramatic views of the unspoilt landscape.

Kirkwall, the main town on the Orkney Islands, boasts historical charm and a rich history dating back to the eleventh century. Back then, it was still called Kirkjuvagr – “church in the bay” – and today the cityscape is still characterised by the impressive St Magnus Cathedral. The Orkney Islands, which stretch along the northern tip of Scotland, have a magical atmosphere that can be felt as you approach the harbour, when dozens of little green islands emerge out of the fog. Archaeological wonders such as the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, the mystical Ring of Brodgar or the Maeshowe chambered cairn provide deep insights into the historical heart of Scotland and draw history lovers under their spell.

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: Joanne K. Rowling and Robert Louis Stevenson found inspiration in the uniquely special atmosphere of the city.

Hamburg, the “pearl of the north”, has a lively atmosphere and rich history. From the vibrant harbour with its majestic ships to the historic red-brick warehouse district, the city features a highly distinctive flair. The Alster, surrounded by green banks, invites you to take relaxing boat trips. With its charming streets and imposing City Hall, the historic old town exudes a sense of tradition. Culturally, Hamburg offers a variety of museums, theatres and concert halls that inspire visitors with art and music in abundance. The famous Reeperbahn in the St. Pauli district attracts visitors with its diverse nightlife. Hamburg is a city that manages to combine tradition and modernity in a fascinating way.