Discover Why Hamburg, Germany, is Great for Families

When thinking of family travel to Germany, Munich and Berlin are likely two cities that come to mind. But these cities draw many tourists, meaning more crowds. Why not instead head to Hamburg? This underrated city is rich with culture, history, parks and art, great for families.

For starters, most families travel in the summer when schools are out, but this means the inevitable warm weather that has become increasingly problematic for European destinations. Fear not in Hamburg, as this city has lower summer temperatures than other popular European cities like Rome, Paris and Madrid.

© Hamburg Tourism

Hamburg teems with family-friendly attractions, too. Head to Miniatur Wunderland, a model railway world immersing visitors in the world of trains. The city is also home to Hagenbeck Zoo, a planetarium and a museum solely dedicated to chocolate. The Hamburg Police Museum, meanwhile, showcases 200 years of policing in the city, a great way to educate the kids on forensic methods and criminal cases.

For your dose of art, Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of the largest art museums in Germany, spans seven centuries of European art, with permanent collections highlighting North German paintings. If your kids like spooky things, Hamburg Dungeon delves into the city’s dark history through an actor-led, interactive experience.

Sandtorpark © Hamburg Tourism

In addition to these many attractions, Hamburg also boasts plenty of green space for kids to get their energy out. In fact, Hamburg is the greenest metropolis in Germany. And, for a day out on the water, Lake Alster offers boating and other experiences to soak up the summer sun.

Where to stay? The Fontenay, a 5-star hotel, is a family-friendly property that even offers a family package with a discounted second room, complimentary baby cots or extra beds, arrival gifts for kids and more. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant serving creative children’s dishes, as well as a library including a selection of children’s books.