Things to do in Hamburg
Escape the city for a day
If you’ve had enough of the urban sprawl, then put a visit to the stunning Duvenstedter Brook Nature Reserve (hamburg.nabu.de/natur-und-landschaft/infohaus-duvenstedter-brook/index.html) on your to-do list. Located just outside the city’s northern suburbs, this protected 800-hectare (1,977-acre) area is comprised of marshlands, forests and heath, all equally stunning.
Sail a sloop on Alster Lake
What could be more pleasant than sailing a boat across the broad tract of Alster Lake on a clear sunny day? Sailing boats such as Skippi 650s, big enough for the whole family, can be hired by the hour or for a full day. The Hamburg Tourist Office (tel: +49 40-300 51 701; www.hamburg-travel.com) has plenty of rental options.
Take a go-kart out onto the streets
If you have a full driving license, then you’ll be able to take a go-kart that’s fully road legal out onto the Hamburg’s highways and byways. Karts have a top speed of 85kph (53mph), and rules of the road obviously still apply – other than that, the whole world’s a kart track. Karts4You (www.kart4you.de) will get you the wheels.
Take a walk through medicine’s history
The Medical History Museum at Hamburg University (www.uke.de/english/index.html) is a fascinating journey through modern medicine, from the 19th-century to modern day. As well a large collection of moulages (wax work models of bodies suffering from disease and affliction), it also has kept the university’s dissection hall in mint condition.
Take to the pool
The moment you catch sight of the Holthusen Baths' (www.baederland.de/bad/holthusenbad.html) gorgeous 19th century facade, it is clear that this is not just any old pool complex. The exclusive swimming pool offers waves generated every half hour, an outdoor pool heated year-round, Turkish baths, steam rooms and, for those who can stand the heat, a traditional Finnish sauna.
