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Germany
Lower Saxony Discovery: From Harz Peaks to North Sea Shores
≈ 14
Days
910
Km
13
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Explore the Medieval Historic Town of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that ranks among Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with over 1,500 half-timbered houses spanning five centuries, and discover the Imperial Palace where German emperors once held court. This architectural treasure trove offers an authentic glimpse into medieval Germanic life.
2
Descend into the legendary Rammelsberg Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of continuous mining history. This extraordinary site, once a source of copper, zinc, silver, and lead, features fascinating underground galleries and innovative mining technology that shaped the region's prosperity. The museum showcases the remarkable engineering achievements of medieval miners.
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Discover the Upper Harz Water Management System, an ingenious UNESCO-listed network of dams, reservoirs, and channels built to power the historic mines. This 800-year-old hydraulic engineering marvel stretches across the Harz mountains, demonstrating how medieval miners harnessed water power with remarkable sophistication.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Trek the famous Harz Witches' Trail through Germany's northernmost highland region, where stunning panoramic views reward every climb. This legendary trail winds through ancient forests steeped in folklore, offering spectacular vistas across valleys and peaks that have inspired myths for centuries. The Harz mountains combine natural beauty with mystical atmosphere like nowhere else in Germany.
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Experience the Harz National Park's 3,000 kilometers of trails perfect for mountain biking adventures through pristine wilderness. From gentle forest paths to challenging alpine routes, the varied terrain caters to all skill levels while showcasing the region's diverse landscapes of rocky outcrops, dense woodlands, and crystal-clear mountain streams.
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In winter, glide through the white snowy countryside on cross-country skis across the Harz's well-maintained trails. The region transforms into a winter wonderland offering downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and toboggan runs amidst snow-dusted pine forests and frozen waterfalls.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
1h
3
Day
4 photos
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1
Marvel at St. Mary's Cathedral in Hildesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the pinnacle of Romanesque architecture in Germany. This 11th-century masterpiece houses the famous bronze doors and the thousand-year-old rose bush, considered the oldest living rose in the world. The cathedral's treasures include exceptional medieval artworks and the renowned Bernward Column.
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Visit the magnificent St. Michael's Church, another UNESCO-listed Romanesque gem that showcases exceptional early medieval craftsmanship. This architectural wonder features a unique painted wooden ceiling depicting the Tree of Jesse and perfectly proportioned double choir design. The church stands as one of the finest examples of Ottonian architecture in Europe.
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Explore the Fagus Factory in nearby Alfeld, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pioneering example of modern industrial architecture. Designed by Walter Gropius in 1911, this revolutionary building with its innovative glass curtain walls became a cornerstone of Bauhaus design principles. The factory remains operational while offering fascinating tours of its groundbreaking architecture.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
4
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Discover Hanover, the vibrant regional capital of Lower Saxony, where modern urban life meets rich historical heritage. The city boasts magnificent royal gardens, world-class museums, and a dynamic cultural scene that hosts the world's largest shooting competition and the spectacular International Fireworks Competition. From the elegant Herrenhausen Gardens to the bustling city center, Hanover offers endless discoveries.
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Visit the enchanting Marienburg Castle, a fairy-tale Gothic Revival palace rising majestically near Hanover. Built in the 19th century for Queen Marie of Hanover, this romantic castle features ornate towers, grand halls, and stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The castle museum showcases royal treasures and offers glimpses into aristocratic life.
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Stroll through the magnificent Herrenhausen Gardens, one of Europe's most impressive baroque garden ensembles. The Great Garden features geometric precision with fountains, sculptures, and the famous Grand Fountain reaching 80 meters high, while the surrounding botanical collections offer year-round floral displays.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pied Piper through the charming streets of Hamelin. This picturesque Weser Renaissance town brings the famous 13th-century legend to life with rat-themed decorations, colorful half-timbered buildings, and regular theatrical performances of the tale. The historic old town showcases some of Germany's finest Renaissance architecture.
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Enjoy the stunning views of the Weser Valley from the romantic ruins of Polle Castle, the legendary home of Cinderella according to German folklore. Perched above the Weser River, these atmospheric castle remains offer panoramic vistas across the rolling hills and forests of the Weserbergland, where fairy tales come alive.
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Explore the Weser Upland hills, a landscape of gentle mountains, dense forests, and winding river valleys that inspired the Brothers Grimm. This scenic region offers excellent hiking trails through beech forests, past castle ruins, and along the picturesque Weser River with its traditional ferry crossings.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h15
6
Day
4 photos
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1
Experience Osnabrück, the historic university city where the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648, ending the Thirty Years' War. This cultural hub seamlessly blends medieval heritage with youthful energy, featuring impressive Gothic architecture, the magnificent Town Hall, and a vibrant pedestrian zone. The city's 1,200-year history unfolds through its stunning churches and well-preserved old town.
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Explore the surrounding Osnabrücker Land, ideal for mountain hiking with routes ranging from short day walks to multi-day treks. The rolling hills and ancient forests offer scenic trails through the Teutoburg Forest and peaceful countryside dotted with traditional farms and historic villages.
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Cycle through the Braunschweig and Osnabrück regions on well-marked paths suitable for both racing and leisure cycling. The flat sections offer smooth riding through meadows and along rivers, while the surrounding hills provide challenging climbs rewarded with sweeping panoramic views.
Next stop
Distance:
140 km
Travel time:
1h40
7
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Emden, a historic seaport and sailing paradise on the North Sea coast. This maritime city at the mouth of the Ems River has been a center of seafaring for centuries, offering excellent conditions for sailing enthusiasts and water sports. The harbor atmosphere, maritime museums, and Dutch-influenced architecture reflect its rich trading heritage.
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Set sail from Emden's harbor to explore the stunning East Frisian coastline and nearby islands. The protected waters and steady North Sea breezes create ideal sailing conditions for both beginners and experienced sailors, with opportunities to spot seals and seabirds along the way.
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Explore the unique East Frisian culture with its distinctive language, tea traditions, and windmill-dotted landscape. The flat polder lands stretching to the horizon offer superb cycling routes along historic dikes and through charming villages where time seems to stand still.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h10
8
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore the German Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as a natural wonder of global significance. This unique tidal ecosystem stretches along Lower Saxony's North Sea coast, hosting millions of migratory birds and remarkable marine life. The dramatic interplay of ebb and flow creates ever-changing landscapes of mudflats, sandbanks, and salt marshes.
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Discover the seven East Frisian Islands, one of Germany's most beautiful coastal treasures offering pristine beaches and unique island atmospheres. These car-free havens feature sandy shores, towering dunes, and endless skies where the rhythm of life follows the tides. Each island has its own distinct character, from bustling resorts to tranquil nature reserves.
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Embark on a guided mudflat walking tour across the exposed seabed during low tide, an experience unique to the Wadden Sea. Wade through this lunar-like landscape teeming with shellfish, crabs, and marine worms while expert guides reveal the secrets of this extraordinary ecosystem. The sensation of walking on the ocean floor as seabirds wheel overhead is truly unforgettable.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h30
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Experience Stade, a jewel among Germany's Hanseatic cities boasting remarkable maritime charm on the banks of the Schwinge River. This 1,000-year-old trading port features a beautifully preserved old town with half-timbered houses, historic merchant buildings, and the iconic wooden harbor crane. The atmospheric harbor quarter and winding lanes transport visitors back to the glory days of Hanseatic trade.
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Cycle along the North Sea Cycle Path that winds along the embankments between grazing sheep and the vast coastal landscape. This scenic route offers peaceful riding through traditional fishing villages, past historic lighthouses, and along dikes with panoramic views of the North Sea and Elbe estuary.
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Explore Stade's maritime heritage at the harbor where traditional sailing vessels still moor alongside the historic quays. The town's museum in the Swedish Storage House tells the story of centuries of trade, fishing, and seafaring that shaped this Hanseatic gem.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
10
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Wander through Lüneburg, one of Germany's most charming Hanseatic cities built on a foundation of salt. The medieval salt trade brought immense wealth, evident in the ornate brick Gothic architecture, crooked historic buildings, and grand merchant houses. The leaning facades-caused by underground salt mining-give the town a uniquely quirky character found nowhere else.
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Discover the German Salt Museum housed in a historic saltworks, revealing how 'white gold' shaped Lüneburg's destiny for over 1,000 years. Interactive exhibits and preserved salt production facilities tell the story of the commodity that made this city one of the wealthiest in medieval Northern Europe.
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Stroll through the atmospheric Am Sande square, surrounded by magnificent gabled houses showcasing the finest examples of North German brick architecture. The lively student atmosphere-Lüneburg is a university town-adds vibrant energy to the historic streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and cultural venues.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
50min
11
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Experience the breathtaking Lüneburg Heath, one of Germany's most enchanting natural landscapes. This vast expanse of purple heather moorland, dotted with ancient juniper bushes and grazing Heidschnucken sheep, creates a magical atmosphere especially during the August-September flowering season. The heath's peaceful beauty has inspired poets and painters for centuries.
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Get your adrenaline pumping at Heide-Park Soltau, home to the largest wooden roller coaster in the world. This premier theme park combines heart-stopping rides with themed lands, live entertainment, and family attractions spread across a beautifully landscaped setting. Thrill-seekers and families alike find endless excitement in Germany's second-largest amusement park.
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Marvel at exotic species from around the globe at Walsrode Bird Park, one of the world's largest bird parks. Over 4,000 birds from 650 species inhabit this spectacular 24-hectare garden featuring stunning aviaries, tropical houses, and interactive feeding experiences. From tiny hummingbirds to majestic eagles, the diversity of birdlife creates a colorful paradise.
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
45min
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Step back in time in Celle, home to one of Germany's most remarkable ensembles of half-timbered architecture. Over 400 meticulously preserved timber-framed houses dating from the 16th to 19th centuries line the charming streets of the old town. The romantic atmosphere, flower-bedecked facades, and ornate carved decorations make Celle a living museum of traditional German craftsmanship.
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Explore Celle Castle, an elegant Renaissance palace that served as the residence of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg for centuries. The castle features a beautifully preserved baroque theatre-one of the oldest in Germany still in use-and magnificent state apartments showcasing royal splendor. The surrounding gardens offer peaceful strolls through manicured lawns and ancient trees.
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Discover Lower Saxony's famous horse breeding tradition at one of the region's renowned stud farms. The area boasts some of Germany's finest equestrian facilities, with opportunities to watch training sessions, attend horse shows, and learn about the centuries-old traditions of Hanoverian horse breeding.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
55min
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Immerse yourself in the Autostadt, Volkswagen's extraordinary automotive theme park and one of Germany's most-visited attractions. This 25-hectare complex celebrates car culture through interactive exhibitions, brand pavilions, and the iconic car towers where new vehicles await collection. Visitors can test-drive various models, explore automotive history, and discover cutting-edge design and technology.
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Ignite your curiosity at Phaeno, one of Germany's most innovative science centers housed in a spectacular futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid. Over 350 interactive stations invite visitors to experiment with physics, technology, and natural phenomena through hands-on exploration. The striking architecture alone-seemingly defying gravity with its angular concrete forms-makes this a must-see destination.
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Explore the state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing at Volkswagen's headquarters through fascinating factory tours. Witness robots and humans working in harmony on one of the world's largest production lines, creating vehicles from raw materials to finished cars ready for the road.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, ideal touring, mild conditions, beautiful scenery.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, long daylight hours, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, autumn colors, Oktoberfest, harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful photography, wine season.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, winter sports, lowest prices, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions, cultural focus, festive season, snow activities.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Germany?
Rich history, cultural contributions, and efficient modern society from Bavaria to Berlin. Experience Oktoberfest, medieval towns, and world-class museums with excellent transportation infrastructure. The country offers diverse landscapes, outstanding cuisine, and important historical sites. Germany provides cultural depth, historical significance, and modern efficiency in heart of Europe.