Camping in Hamburg: beach, musicals & sights of the port city

Camping Hamburg – idyllic nature, exciting adventures and a break from stressful everyday life!
Think you can’t do all that in a big city like Hamburg?
Then you’re wrong!
Whether it’s an exciting city trip from other places in Schleswig-Holstein, adventurous nightlife, charming sights or picturesque nature.
Hamburg combines everything you would expect from a good travel destination, which is why camping in Hamburg is becoming increasingly popular, according to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Simply set off with your car and a roof tent on top or a tent trailer in the back and enjoy the city and its surroundings.
If you are now interested in a nature vacation in one of Germany’s largest cities, I have summarized everything you need to know about this popular destination, which top spots you should definitely head for and why you should definitely go camping here.

Hamburg: metropolis on the Elbe – between city trip & nature

Hamburg is one of the most important cities in northern Germany.
From musicals and comedy to sightseeing and shopping tours – everything reminds us of the lively port city.
But walks at sunset, delicious traditional food as far as the eye can see and relaxing on the Elbe beach are also part of a vacation in Hamburg.
The multi-faceted city impresses with a mixture of exciting architecture, interesting attractions and fabulous landscapes with a charming flair.
In any case, Hamburg is definitely worth a visit and guarantees an exciting, eventful and adventurous time for the whole family.

From sights to nature: Hamburg’s diversity

Hamburg offers you:

  • Exciting city trips
  • Adventurous nightlife
  • Interesting sights
  • Picturesque landscapes
  • Traditional food

Discover Hamburg on the map: with Elbe travel companion

The River Elbe runs from the North Sea down to Hamburg.
Here you can see the Hanseatic city of Hamburg in Germany on the map:

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Explore the port city from above: Hamburg in video

Here you have an all-round view of the popular port city of Hamburg from above.
You can see a lot of the popular port region.
Get a first impression of Hamburg now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TJ5SVQfl8Q

Top highlights: sights & attractions

Everyone gets their money’s worth on a vacation in this versatile cosmopolitan city, because Hamburg impresses with an all-round package that makes the hearts of young and old beat faster.
From sightseeing and shopping in the lively city center, to walks and relaxation in nature.
Hamburg has a lot to offer, which is why I have summarized the most popular highlights and attractions that are definitely worth a visit during your visit to Hamburg and should therefore be on your bucket list.
Bucket list: what you should definitely do in Hamburg

  • Relaxation on the beach
  • Walks in the dunes
  • Harbor tour by boat
  • Visit famous musicals
  • Shopping in the city center

The Elbe is one of the largest rivers in Europe and offers several beaches in Hamburg and the surrounding area.

Landscape: Beach, water & relaxation

Although Hamburg is usually associated with busy streets, a bustling city center and the hustle and bustle of the big city, the port city also offers numerous natural highlights.
Due to its location on the Elbe, the city is practically completely surrounded by water, making it a wonderful place for a long walk, sunbathing on the Elbe beach, swimming in the natural pool or hiking in the dunes.
Hamburg impresses with an appealing natural panorama and charming little highlights such as the typical red and white lighthouse.
So even nature lovers will be happy here!
If you feel like relaxing, you can treat yourself to a relaxing day on the beach.
With a cool drink in your hand and an exciting book, you can make the most of your time in the sun and get to know the other side of the otherwise bustling, noisy city.
The top spots and attractions in Hamburg’s nature:

  • Relaxing on the Elbe beach
  • Swimming in the Stadtparksee natural pool
  • Hiking in the Boberg dunes
  • Walking by the lake & in nature

Italy?
No, Hamburg!
That’s how beautiful it is on the Elbe beach:

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Harbor tour: natural panorama & famous sights

Another popular attraction in Hamburg is a harbor cruise.
Not only will you be offered a unique and impressive view of the Elbe, but you will also encounter other highlights worth seeing and unknown corners.
You can choose between a short tour, an extensive harbor tour or a hop-on hop-off tour and plan your day accordingly.
This is particularly suitable for families with children.
You can spend a relaxing time on the boat and enjoy the picturesque flair of the port city.
So if you want to see and get to know as much of the bustling metropolis as possible, then you should definitely plan a round trip on the Elbe on one day of your vacation.

  • Discover highlights worth seeing & unknown corners
  • Tour options: short or extensive tour & hop-on/off
  • Suitable for families with children: relaxing time
  • Ideal for exploring the bustling metropolis in a short time

Here you can see a drone flight over the harbor district and take a look at the most beautiful corners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHHGD2muZ6Y

Musicals: Entertainment, fun & leisure

If you want to get to know a bit of Hamburg as well as the nature at the campsite, then perhaps a musical is an idea alongside a harbor tour.
Hamburg is the place for the great classics.
Whether it’s The Lion King, Aladdin, Tarzan or Mamma Mia – every year more than two million spectators fill the halls in Hamburg to see the most popular musicals.
In addition to a gripping story, a unique atmosphere is created, which is conveyed by the impressive backdrop, rousing songs and gripping emotions.
A musical in Hamburg is therefore a must-do when visiting the city and should be at the top of your list!
Nowadays, musicals are one of the most popular entertainment programs for young and old and have become indispensable, especially in Hamburg.
No matter which musical you choose, you’re sure to be treated to an authentic show that will make for an unforgettable day out for the whole family.
I have listed the best-known and most popular musicals in Hamburg for you here:

  1. Disney’s Lion King
  2. Disney’s Aladdin
  3. Mary Poppins
  4. Pretty Woman
  5. Mamma Mia
  6. Dance of the Vampires

Nearby!
Sea breeze, shopping and harbor

The city-state of Hamburg is located in the north of Germany.
The Elbe flows through the state from the North Sea.
There are good connections to the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
To get there, you have to travel through Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, making Hamburg the perfect day trip from one of the two federal states.
Hamburg is an exciting and colorful city with lots to discover.
But once you leave the hustle and bustle of the city, outdoor vacationers will also find their dream vacation in the more rural surroundings.
And for all bathing fans?
Hamburg is located directly on the Elbe and very close to both German coastal regions.
From Hamburg, a short trip to the North Sea or Baltic Sea is certainly no problem.

North Sea: Beach, sun & mudflats – camping tips

Hamburg is not far from the North Sea coast!
Whether it’s sunbathing on the beach, walks in nature or exciting mudflat hikes – the North Sea has a lot to offer and impresses with its diverse range of amazing landscapes and breathtaking beaches, so that everyone gets their money’s worth here.
Tip: Top beaches on the North Sea.
A few quick vacation tips for your trip to the North Sea:

  • Explore diverse landscapes & breathtaking beaches
  • Attractions for everyone: sunbathing, walks, & mudflat hikes

Here I have summarized for you everything there is to know about a vacation on the beautiful North Sea, which are the top sights you absolutely must visit and why you should choose camping as your accommodation!

The North Sea is located directly on the west coast of Germany:

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As Hamburg is very close to the sea, seagulls are constant visitors to the city.

Baltic Sea: island, hiking & relaxation

Blue sea, white sandy beaches and breathtaking nature await you on a vacation at the Baltic Sea.
So if you’re longing for relaxation, peace and fresh air by the sea, you don’t have to go too far away.
Whether you are on vacation on the Baltic Sea islands, the German or Polish part of the Baltic Sea – the popular vacation region has plenty to offer, from picturesque beaches and exciting sights to nature trails.
These things await you at the Baltic Sea:

  • Blue sea, white sandy beach & unmistakable nature
  • Relaxation, peace & fresh sea air within easy reach
  • Diverse possibilities: Islands, German & Polish part
  • Picturesque beaches, exciting sights & hiking trails

Read our tips for a camping vacation with the whole family including children and dog here.

In the east, just before the border with Poland, you will find the Baltic Sea coast:

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Once you are there, these dream beaches are waiting for you:

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Activities: Sports & fishing, swimming

If you choose camping as your accommodation in Hamburg, you will be surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities.
The fascinating city of Hamburg is not only a paradise for sightseeing and shopping, but also offers fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
Here I have picked out some interesting attractions for you that await you in Hamburg outside the hustle and bustle of the big city and provide adventure, fun and excitement:

  • Fishing
  • Relax
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Water sports

Hamburg offers you both nature and the experience of a big city.

Camping in Hamburg: recommendations & tips

Many people prefer camping for a short weekend trip or a few days in Hamburg.
This allows maximum flexibility in planning your day and customizing your stay.
As most campsites are centrally located, you can make the most of your vacation!
You can explore the city, go shopping and see the sights during the day and relax in nature in the evening.
You can swap old stories and make new friends around the campfire before an exciting program awaits you in the city the next day.
So you can enjoy the best of both worlds: peace and relaxation in the idyllic countryside and exciting adventures, fun and leisure activities in the bustling city center of Hamburg.
The advantages of camping in Hamburg:

  • Flexible and individual daily organization
  • Peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle
  • Close to nature in idyllic corners of Hamburg
  • Short journey to lively events

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

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Comfortable camping: packing list for the beach

More extensive equipment is now common for a camping trip.
Instead of a small roof tent for two people, it is more comfortable to travel with a spacious roof tent.
In addition, important outdoor furniture such as chairs, a table and loungers should not be missing on the campsite.
If tidiness is important to you, there are also practical solutions for camping.
Below you will find a checklist to make sure you have all the essentials for your camping vacation, especially if you are visiting a beach.
You can’t go wrong with these things:

Campsite in the Hanseatic city

If you’ve now acquired a taste for camping, I’ve picked out the most beautiful and popular campsites in Hamburg for you here.

Camping site Buchholz

4.6 / 5 (632 ratings)

KNAUS Campingpark Hamburg

3.8 / 5 (1,091 ratings)

Climate and temperatures in Hamburg

Camping in Hamburg with the family and a rooftop tent is a great way to experience the natural beauty and fascinating culture of this city on the Elbe.
Hamburg offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from walks in the park to boat trips on the Elbe.
July, with average summer temperatures of around 18.5 °C and plenty of sunshine (2252.18 hours of sunshine a year), is an ideal time for this outdoor excursion.
Everything you need to know at a glance:

  • Warmest month: July
  • Ø summer temperature: 18.5 °C
  • Average hours of sunshine per year: 2252.18 h

Are you planning a city trip to Hamburg in the next few days?
Here you will find the current weather and a forecast for the next three days.

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Hamburg: Questions & Answers

Here you will find the answers to your most important questions:

Where is the city of Hamburg located?

The federal state of Hamburg (official name: Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) is a city state in northern Germany and has an area of 755.26 km².

How many inhabitants does Hamburg have?

With around 1,751,700 inhabitants, Hamburg is the second largest city in the Federal Republic of Germany after Berlin

How long is the fish market open in Hamburg?

In the summer months, the traders open their stalls from 5.00 am to 9.30 am.
The Altona fish market in Hamburg attracts around 70,000 visitors every Sunday.
Whether fruit, fish, flowers, clothes or souvenirs, there is something for everyone at the 300-year-old Hamburg fish market.

How did the name Hamburg come about?

Hamburg takes its name from Hammaburg Castle, which was first mentioned in documents in the 9th century AD.
The name of the castle probably goes back to the Old Saxon word “hamme”, which means something “curved”.
This could refer to a forest (curved trees) or a river, such as the curved course of the Alster.

Why is it called the Hanseatic City of Hamburg?

Hanseatic cities are cities that joined the medieval Hanseatic League of merchants and cities.
They mainly included port cities in the coastal regions, but also cities inland, especially on important rivers.
Thanks to free trade and an enterprising bourgeoisie, many Hanseatic cities achieved great prosperity and still have valuable cultural and architectural monuments.

How many districts and boroughs does Hamburg have?

Hamburg is divided into 7 districts and has 181 neighborhoods.
You can view all seven districts here:

  1. Altona
  2. Eimsbüttel
  3. Hamburg-Center
  4. Hamburg-North
  5. Harburg
  6. Bergedorf
  7. Wandsbek

Only 5 minutes by car!
Schleswig-Holstein & Lower Saxony

Just over the border from Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony await you.
You can find the best places for a northern Germany vacation that you will always remember here.

Schleswig-Holstein: Baltic Sea, North Sea & more

If you want to travel from Hamburg to the Baltic Sea or North Sea, you will inevitably have to drive through Schleswig-Holstein.
This is because the federal state not only surrounds Hamburg, but also offers you the beautiful coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Plus great islands such as Fehmarn and Sylt and beautiful vacation resorts such as Scharbeutz and Sankt-Peter-Ording.
Read more about the best tips for your vacation in Germany’s northernmost federal state here:

Lower Saxony: More Elbe, North Sea & islands

If you want to take a trip further west from Hamburg, you can also head to Lower Saxony.
The federal state is located on the Baltic Sea and one of the largest rivers in Europe, just like Hamburg – the Elbe.
It is therefore perfect for a seaside and beach vacation.
Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will also get their money’s worth.
You can find this and much more here:

Vacations in Germany: freedom & adventure

A colorful variety awaits you in Germany: deep blue lakes, blooming nature and the sweet smell of freedom.
You can also experience the vibrant cities of Munich, Berlin and Hamburg with their night-time adventures.
Escape the monotonous, stressful everyday life and enjoy the freedom – whether in untouched nature or on the most picturesque dream beaches.
Here we show you the most fascinating cities, islands, lakes and regions that Germany has to offer.
Let us inspire you to plan your trip to Germany and make the most of the country’s diversity:

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