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Hamburg
Nicknamed « The Door to the World » by its inhabitants, Hamburg is not only the second largest city in Germany but also the most important port in the country. An international and dynamic city, Hamburg is a town of traditions born of its rich sea-faring past. Built around a castle dating back to the 9th century, it has unique historic, cultural and artistic sites. From the famous St. Pauli quarter to the magnificent banks of the Elbe and the Alster, from its traditional Fish Market and the fair of the DOM and from walks in its parks and visits to its museums, a thousand and one surprises await the whole family. Wait no more and open up « The Door to the World »…
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Hamburg!
Novotel Hamburg Alster
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A real cosmopolitan town, Hamburg is number one of the 16 Länder composing Germany. Berlin, the capital, is the only other town to have this status.
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53 kms long, the Alster crosses Hamburg and feeds two lakes, the Außenalster and the Binnenalster, and offers the opportunity to take a walk and practise nautical sports right in town.
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Hamburg, situated close to the North Sea, is the largest port in Germany. It’s also the second largest in Europe, after Rotterdam in Holland, and the ninth in the world.
Museums & Exhibitions
The wonderful world of miniatures (Miniatur Wunderland)
Enter an enchanting world that depicts the railways in Germany, America and Scandinavia. The children will be particularly delighted by the trains (more than 1000!) that travel over almost 15 kilometres of rails. These circuits form one of the largest miniature railway sets in the world. Figurines, trees, cars, bridges and houses complete these unique landscapes. A fascinating world not to be missed!
Kehrwieder 2 Block D, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 3006800
Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, Saturdays from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm and Sundays from 9.30 am to 8.00 pm.
Hamburg Planetarium
Situated in the city park, all the family will have stars in their eyes after leaving this planetarium, one of the most important in the world. This large installation benefits from the most modern technologies and in addition to unforgettable opportunities to observe the stars, it offers simulations and workshops, theatre shows and music specially suited to children. Young and old can find the answers to all their questions on space while having amazing experiences.
Hindenburgstraße 1b, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 4288652-0
Tuesday to Friday from 9.00 am, Saturdays from 12.30 pm to 9.30 pm and Sundays from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.
The Panoptikum
Welcome to the largest and oldest wax museum in Germany. The Panoptikum is the opportunity to come face-to-face with all the biggest celebrities in the world from history, culture, science, show biz or sport. Children get to take unforgettable photos with their favourite stars from Julia Roberts to Harry Potter and from Elvis Presley to Michael Schumacher. And it’s a fascinating visit thanks to the many explanations about the manufacturing secrets of these larger-than-life statues. It’s a visit not to be missed. Spielbudenplatz 3, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 310317
Every day from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Hagenbeck Zoo of Hamburg
A magnificent zoological garden of 27 hectares, Hamburg Zoo takes visitors on an unforgettable journey among animals from all five continents. Exploring ocean treasures, tropical forests, caverns and mysterious caves, young and old can cross paths with more than 2500 animals from about 360 different species, living in semi-freedom. The high point of this adventure: the huge elephant reserve where the children can feed the elephants.
Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 5400010
Open every day from 9.00am to 4.30 pm, until 6.00 pm (March to June and September to October), and 9.00 pm in the summer.
Planten und Blomen Park
It’s in the very heart of Hamburg that we find the ancient ramparts of the town and this famous park. The whole family can walk through it and admire the botanical garden with its tropical greenhouse and particularly the largest Japanese garden in Europe, an impressive floral wonder. The water course leads to the park’s lake and its display of water and light that gives a fairyland spectacle after nightfall. There are also play areas for the children. A wonderful breath of fresh air in the middle of the town.
Klosterwall 8, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 42854 4723
Open every day from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm (May to September) and from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm (October to April).
The Butterfly Garden (Garten der Schmetterlinge)
Take a magical stroll among thousands of little multi-coloured wings. This park is an enchanting place for all the family to admire hundreds of species, some of which are very rare, from all parts of the planet. This visit is also the opportunity for the youngest to observe chameleons or feed the rabbits and other animals, while their parents can relax surrounded by the superb flower beds of this incomparable garden.
Schlossteich 8, Aumühle-Friedrichsruh – Tel.: (+49) 40 4104 6037
Every day from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (March to October).
Kids’voyage’s special treats
The Game Town XXL (Spielstadt Hamburg XXL)
A dream place for kids! The different attractions of this immense play area are accessible to children of all ages. Giant ball pits, toboggans, slides…there’s no shortage of discoveries and surprises! And don’t forget there’s a special area set aside for toddlers too. The guest services and structure of this very original « town » are of a quality not to be missed under any circumstance!
Papenreye 26, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 55449884
From Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm and week-ends from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Heide Park
Set out over more than 85 hectares, Heide Park, just a few kilometres from Hamburg, is the biggest theme park in Germany and it attracts more than two million of visitors a year. It’s a magical world that delights young and old alike. The Russian mountains are incredible, especially the Colossus, the highest in Europe. For the youngest, there are the classical fairground rides, water attractions and unforgettable shows, like the dolphin show. And plenty of other surprises are in store. Thrills, laughs, discovery… the doors of Heide Park are open to you!
Heidenhof, Soltau – Tel.: (+49) 180 591 9101
Every day from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Hamburg from the sky
You can discover the beauties of Hamburg even better from the sky! Take the family on board a hot air balloon for a magical and unforgettable experience. Flights last about an hour and each departure takes place at sunrise. The only advice from the organisers of these trips is to bundle up warmly as if you were going on a hike in the mountains It’s a unique adventure that’s bound to thrill!
For further information, call (+40) 40 422 88 07
Good places for a family meal:
Rickmer Rickmers
This fabulous sailing ship moored in Hamburg’s harbour is first and foremost a museum. But it also houses an exquisitely child-friendly restaurant for all your little sailors.
Landungsbrücken, Ponton 1a, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 319 63 73
Every day from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Geelhaus
An excellent place for tasting creative traditional fare in the beautiful Saint-Georges quarter, it’s also the perfect place for sharing a meal with the children.
Koppel 76, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 280 36 60
Every day from 6.00 pm.
Erikas-Eck
If you want to sample meat of excellent quality, here’s the ideal restaurant where the family can enjoy a traditional meal together…with big plates of fries for the children.
Sternstrasse 98, Hamburg – Tel.: (+49) 40 433545
Every day at noon and evenings.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Hamburg.