Ponant Cruises Germany Itinerary: A Hanseatic Journey from Hamburg to Rostock
Embark on a 7-day German adventure, beginning in the vibrant port city of Hamburg, venturing to the historic Hanseatic city of Lübeck, and continuing along the Baltic coast to Kiel and Rostock. This itinerary combines city exploration with scenic train journeys, offering a deep dive into Northern Germany's rich maritime heritage and culture.
- 1Hamburg
- 2Kiel
- 3Rostock
Day 1: Arrive in Hamburg, Germany's Gateway to the World
Begin your German exploration in Hamburg, arriving at the bustling Port of Hamburg. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the city's iconic harbor district and historic warehouse complex.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, a vast red-brick warehouse district famed for its canals and striking architecture.
- Visit the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s landmark concert hall, and enjoy sweeping harbor views from its public plaza.
- Wander through the Landungsbrücken harborfront district, a lively area for boat trips and classic port views.
Day 2: Discover Hamburg's Art, Culture, and City Centre
Dedicate a full day to Hamburg's diverse cultural offerings, from world-class museums to intricate miniature worlds and grand civic architecture.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, an internationally respected art museum showcasing works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters.
- Experience the enchanting Miniatur Wunderland, a large railway model world with intricate miniature cities and landscapes.
- Admire the ornate façade and grand interiors of the Neo-Renaissance Hamburg Town Hall, a key symbol of the city's history.
Day 3: Day Trip to Historic Lübeck
Take a scenic train journey from Hamburg Hbf to Lübeck Hbf for a day immersed in the Hanseatic history and marzipan delights of Lübeck, returning to Hamburg in the evening.
Highlights
- Journey by train from Hamburg to Lübeck, with services running from 00:10 and the latest return from Lübeck at 23:33.
- Step back in time at the Holstentor Museum, located inside Lübeck's famous gate, to learn about the city's Hanseatic past.
- Indulge in Lübecker Marzipan, the city's renowned sweet almond specialty, protected by PGI status.
Day 4: Travel to Kiel, Germany's Maritime City
Relocate by train from Hamburg to Kiel, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, and spend the afternoon exploring Kiel's deep connection to the sea.
Highlights
- Board a Deutsche Bahn train from Hamburg Hbf to Kiel Hbf, with tickets starting from €7.
- Stroll along the Kiellinie, Kiel's central waterfront promenade, perfect for harbor walks and ferry watching.
- Visit the Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, a maritime museum housed in a former fish auction hall, highlighting Kiel's naval history.
Day 5: Journey to Hanseatic Rostock
Continue your journey along the Baltic coast with a train trip from Kiel to Rostock, arriving to explore the city's impressive Hanseatic architecture and historic gates.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Kiel Hbf to Rostock Hbf, a journey taking around 3 hours and 8 minutes, with tickets starting from €25.
- Discover the Kröpeliner Tor, a historic city gate from medieval fortifications, noted for its seven decorative towers.
- Explore Rostock Town Hall, combining Gothic origins with a Baroque facade, a key symbol of the city's market square.
Day 6: Explore Rostock's Baltic Charm and Coastal Delights
Devote a full day to uncovering Rostock's rich history, from its Brick Gothic churches to its popular coastal promenade and local culinary traditions.
Highlights
- Admire St. Mary's Church, a Brick Gothic parish church featuring a huge astronomical clock and significant Hanseatic history.
- Wander along the Warnemünde Promenade, a popular beach district offering sea views and resort architecture.
- Savour local delicacies like Brathering (fried Baltic herring) or Räucheraal (smoked eel), reflecting Rostock's maritime food culture.
Day 7: Depart from Rostock
Enjoy a final morning in Rostock, perhaps revisiting a favourite spot or picking up souvenirs, before departing from Rostock Port.
Highlights
- Take a last stroll through Neuer Markt, the central square with the town hall, before your departure.
- Depart from Rostock Port, which includes the Warnemünde Cruise Center and the Überseehafen Ferry Terminal.
- For air travel, consider Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG), or the alternative international airports of Hamburg Airport (HAM) or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), both less than four hours away by train.
