Oostzee en Hanzesteden

About the destination: Bremen is a city in northern Germany, population 500,000. Bremen was once a member of the medieval Hanseatic League and is still one of the most important cities in northern Germany. Bremen has more than 1200 years of history, and was, for most of its existence, an independent city-state. Bremen is a rather long and narrow city, lined along both sides of the river Weser. The entire city is located on flat plains. The most important sites to visit in Bremen are: • Rathaus this is one of the finest in Europe and as such has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. • Dom St Petri (Cathedral of St Peter) is over 1200 years old, and its huge towered façade dominates the main square. the interior is impressive with some fine painted details on the ceilings. There is a treasury displaying the collection of the cathedral. • Roland this statue on the main square is of the Knight Roland who was a protector of trade. It appears in many European cities especially those involved in the Hanseatic league. Bremen's is considered one of the finest and is included with Town Hall on the World Heritage List. • Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen) perhaps the most well known figures associated with Bremen are the characters from the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale, their image adorns many of the souvenirs in the city • Böttcherstrasse, is the incredible Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) street that runs from the main square towards the river. There are many fine façades and courtyards all with large amounts of design detail. There is an impressive Glockenspiel that chimes at regular intervals. There are lots of shops and several Museums, including the impressive Paula Modersohn-Becker Museumg Himmelssaal (unfortunately it is not normally open to the public). • Am Wall is a lovely park next to the former defensive moat which offers a nice place to sit and relax. • Schnoor this area of twisting lanes is a lovely place to wander aimlessly looking at in the many shops and also at the world smallest hotel.

About the destination: Hamburg, centuries-old trading city, is a busy mixture of Hanseatic commercialism and cosmopolitanism. A very handsome city, though badly damaged during WWII, much of the copper-roofed brick architecture so characteristic of northern Germany survives, while lovely parks and lakes give rise to Hamburg’s claim that it is the Venice of the north. An active cultural life lends further vitality to this sprawling port city. Hamburg’s old town is filtered with wonderful canals running from the Alster to the Elbe. The richly ornamented Rathaus dominates the city centre. Close by is the equally imposing St. Michaeliskirche. Climb the massive spire of this lovely baroque church for a splendid view. Near the Rathaus are the Börse, appropriately grand for this city of commerce, and the devastated St Nikolai church. Its remains are considered an anti-war memorial. Shopping lovers should head towards Pöseldrof, a charming quarter of ritzy homes, small cafes, boutiques and antique shops. The night birds will have a blast at the infamous St. Pauli district. Hamburg will surprise visitors with its dynamic and cool atmosphere. In this city absolutely everyone can find a good place to fit one’s taste. Its multiple parks, canals, bridges and beautiful lakes formed by the river Alster, will make you forget its apparent austerity.

About the destination: Rostock is the largest city in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and on the Warnow River. It is the major port complex in the Baltic Sea. Rostock is the only member of the Historic Highlights of Germany that is situated on the coast. The gabled houses dominating the skyline attest to this, as well as the imposing brick warehouses, massive gates and fortifications, and awe-inspiring churches. St Mary's Church is an imposing Basilica in the shape of a cross, is the result of the transformation in the 15C of a church dating back to the previous century. The massive tower was only completed in the late 18C and gives you a panoramic view over the city. You have also to visit the Kröpeliner Straße. This pedestrian street, which crosses the city centre from Kröpelin Gate to the town hall, is the main shopping drag. It is lined by numerous gabled houses, mostly Gothic, with Renaissance and Baroque façades.

About the destination: Rügen is the longest island in Germany, with an extension of approximately 40 kilometers wide by 50 kilometers long, and a total area of ​​926 square kilometers, with 73,000 inhabitants. The district of Rügen belongs to the province of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, and its administrative head is Bergen auf Rügen.