Ute Kreitz (1976)

With its first tree planted in 1821, this green sanctuary currently comprises 47 hectares of Hamburg’s city center. Magnificent flowerbeds, well-tended lawns, and idyllic creeks provide a place of tranquility. Every section of the park offers different floral themes.

The Japanese gardens and tea house invite you to interrupt your stroll for a moment of relaxation. Families like to visit the enormous playground that may even have some fun in store for the ‘kid in you’, and some locals come here to play mini-golf, or with the over-sized chess game. 

While flora and fauna are slowly wakening from hibernation, “Planten un Blomen” has something special to offer at the conservatory of the University of Hamburg. Experience the arid desert climate at the cacti house, admire a great variety of fern, and tour the tropical house for some colorful blossoms of banana and cocoa plants; maybe you’ll spot some of the terrapins too!

“Hasenschaukel” is a true gem among the St. Pauli bars! Located on a side street away from all the hustle and bustle on Reeperbahn, local ‘characters’ and tourists alike enjoy the quaint atmosphere at the ‘bunny swing’.

The interior is a blend of art nouveau and Gothic style combined with playful decorations such as dolls for lights, a fake fireplace, and a display cabinet with knitted bunny-shaped egg-warmers! The booths in the main room add a touch of American diner, but without the atmosphere. The former ‘Golden Backroom’ now serves as a smoking room.

Everything in this venue reflects a loving and thoughtful attention to detail providing a cozy atmosphere and intimate setting for the various acoustic shows put on by independent international artists. In addition, rotating DJs spin music such as Beat, Glamrock, and German classics.

The menu offers a great selection of daily vegetarian specials – handcrafted by the owner – such as quiches, enchiladas, and pasta, to name but a few. Specials on shots and long drinks, locally brewed beers, and the house special ‘Störtebeker‘ are available on a regular basis.

For the more athletic adventurer, Hamburg has something fun in store: discover the city on inline skates! Come out on a Sunday afternoon to join a weekly group skate for a 2-hour tour of some beautiful spots in Hamburg. Regardless of whether you’re just visiting or new in town, this group of fun loving locals is always happy to welcome newbies. The only requirement for participation is that you have some experience and know how to brake!

Meeting point for this year-round activity is the ice rink at Planten un Blomen, and from there you’re off to Fleethof, Jungfernstieg, Mönckebergstrasse, Speicherstadt, Hafencity, Landungsbrücken, and Reeperbahn. The tour usually concludes with a nice dinner at a restaurant in Schanze. A decent, comfortable pace and frequent stops will allow you to keep up with the group, and give you the opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow skaters. I bet you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the various spots.

The annual highlight of this recreational skate is the celebration of both the beginning and the end of the skating season (spring and fall). This tradition involves skating around town in costumes, which always attracts quite a lot of attention. So what are you waiting for?!

The “Alsterwanderweg” is a hiking trail that runs along the Alster River for about 56km. The southern section of the trail (22km) leads through the ‘Alstertal’ (Alster valley) with wonderful parks and villas, along the outer and the inner Alster, and terminates directly in the heart of Hamburg: at the harbor where the Alster runs into the Elbe River. The trail is very popular with locals year-round as every season brings its own charm to this scenic route.

Take the public transport up north to Poppenbüttel to begin your 5-hour adventure either on foot or by bicycle. As you head south you’ll sometimes follow the meandering river on its right then on its left again.

There are some sections where you’ll need to cross or walk along a street. Some of the many rowing clubs and locks on your way down to Winterhude have restaurants with a gorgeous view of the river.

After passing through Eppendorf, you’ll reach the spacious Alsterpark on the outer Alster, a very wide section of the river with a beautiful view of the inner city’s skyline. Finally, you’ll know you’re on the last stretch of the path when you pass under Kennedy- and Lombardsbrücke to arrive at the inner Alster and the city center.

Leave the Alsterarkaden behind you and terminate this exciting hike at the “Baumwall” or “Landungsbrücken” metro stop. Although the direction of trail is marked by signs, be sure to bring a map with you!

Gluttony is not a sin…when you’re feasting at the Friesenkeller. This wonderful restaurant, centrally located at the corner of Alsterarkaden between Jungfernstieg and City Hall, is Hanseatic cuisine and culture at its best. As you enter this culinary oasis via a winding staircase, you’ll find yourself immersed in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The rustic and timeless style of the location is rich in warm woods, glass tiles, earth tones, and maritime decorative elements.

The menu is presented in form of a newspaper – the “Friesenzeitung” – which is also available in English. Northern German specialties such as “Fischerfrühstück” with Matjes (variations of herring), or Labskaus (all you can eat!) An interesting selection of lunch specials is also available.

The cost of food is not cheap, but the good-sized meals are definitely a value for money, and include a very friendly and attentive service. I once got a little carried away: after having a Grünkohl meal, I couldn’t resist ordering some warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. After that I was absolutely stuffed, but happy!