Explore Hamburg: 6 parks and nature spots to visit
Looking for the best spots to relax on the Elbe? Or maybe you’re looking for more nature-based activities. Or perhaps the best Hamburg park to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon!
Loki Schmidt gardens, Hamburg.
Spring is upon us and so is the highly-anticipated BVG €49 ticket which means it’s time to explore the blossoming landscapes of Germany, and more specifically: Hamburg. Last year we spotlighted our favorite essential nature spots in Berlin to visit. This year we’re bringing to you the best of Hamburg parks, day trips from Hamburg, and more to explore.
There’s so many natural attractions to see around this port town and with the BVG ticket allowing almost unlimited travel Germany-wide, it’s easier than ever to get out and see the outdoors.
Hamburg parks and gardens
1. Jenischpark & Flottbeckal Nature Reserve
Discover Hamburg through its parks! Situated right on the River Elbe, Jenischpark is a green oasis where Hamburgers can find a little nature retreat away from the downtown hustle and bustle. Originally constructed as an English garden, Jenischpark is home to hilly meadows, hiking trails, streams, and the historic Jenisch House and the Ernst Barlach Museum where visitors can find a collection of sculptures and views of the Elbe. The Flottbeckal Nature Reserve also runs through the park where rare flora and fauna are kept under protection.
You may be lucky and spot some owls and woodpeckers at Jenischpark.
2. The Loki Schmidt Botanical Gardens
Maintained by Hamburg University, this botanical garden showcases indigenous species from ecosystems found all over the world from Mediterranean to wetland. While you stroll along the ponds and wander through colorful flower blooms, remember to check out the Chinese temple donated by the city of Shanghai and the various Japanese architectural features. Tours of the garden can also be arranged for those interested in more information.
Flowers in full-bloom at the Loki Schmidt botanical gardens.
3. Hirschpark
Hamburg has its very own Nara Park! This picturesque park is not only known for its wide meadows, French gardens, and historical attractions but also for the deer that wander its grounds. With views of the Elbe and the enchanting, almost fairytale-like, feature of the deer, it’s a hard attraction to miss if you’re visiting Hamburg!
Deer-spotting at Hirschpark is a great activity for the kids!
Hamburg Beaches
4. Elbe Beach
A brisk walk from Jenischpark will take you to Elbstrand, a popular spot for Hamburgers to dip their feet in the Elbe and enjoy a day out in the sun. Watch those famous Hamburg shipping containers float by and maybe take a visit to “the Old Sweden”, a boulder brought from Sweden to Germany in the Stone Age. Spend the afternoon at this sandy beach and stick around after the sun sets to see the magic of the harbor lights glowing reflection in the water.
Finding a beach spot along the Elbe beach is a popular activity in the summer.
Fruit Picking and Day Trips from Hamburg
5. Strawberry Picking in Hamburg
If you’re planning a Summer day trip from Hamburg, strawberry picking is a must. There are many farms to visit for this “Erdbeerzeit” or strawberry season, just be sure to check out harvest opportunities before the end of June. This outdoor activity is great for taking kids out of the city and into nature for the day, so be sure not to miss out! Recommended farms to visit include Erdbeerhof Glantz in Delingsdorf and Gut Wulksfelde in Tangstedt.
Bring a basket to the strawberry fields and see how many you can collect!
6. Altes Land - Apple Picking
Another sweet day trip from Hamburg: the Old Country (Altes Land) for apple picking and nature excursions. Altes Land, located right outside of Hamburg, is known for its expansive fruit-growing land, historical sights, and seasonal events. Check out the Obstlehrpfad Jork, a 1.5 km long fruit trail lined with cherry and apple trees near the Altes Land museum. Take bike tours through orchards or along the canals, there’s so much to explore.
Altes Land is a picturesque visit not far from central Hamburg.
Whether you’re visiting with the BVG ticket this summer or you already live in Hamburg, there’s so many ways to explore the nature the city and its surrounding towns have to offer. All you have to do is step outside!
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