Hamburg - Hamburg Expedition Wild Scotland: inspiring island treasures as a midsummer night's dream

At the start of your journey, tradition and modernity converge in the northeast of Scotland at the mouths of the Dee and Don rivers: Aberdeen, the floral and granite city, fascinates from the tropical winter garden in Duthie Park to the medieval old town. Your excursion to the summer residence of the British royal family takes you to Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle¹, while the castle and gardens of Crathes¹ tell the story of the Burnett family and horticultural artistry.

Off Scotland’s north coast, around 70 islands of the Orkney archipelago welcome you. Grass-covered hills, steep cliffs and Caribbean-like white beaches with turquoise waters characterise this island group. From Kirkwall, explore its early history with the historic treasures of Orkney¹. In 1850, a storm revealed a sensation here: Skara Brae, the best-preserved prehistoric village in Northern Europe. Other stone witnesses to the past include the Ring of Brodgar, dating from around 2700 BC. Passing Iron Age round towers, a hike along the cliff coast¹ offers breathtaking panoramas. Puffins, guillemots and gannets set the tone for extensive nature explorations with your experts on the small, unspoilt island of Westray.

Wide, wild, wonderful – even farther north, the Shetland Islands welcome you. Views over endless coastal landscapes and insights into Viking history: the more than 100 islands are a hidden gem between thrilling nature adventures and contemplative tranquillity. Richly endowed with granite, Lerwick’s typical architecture reflects the islands’ character. From here, visit the archaeological site of Jarlshof¹, which bears witness to the everyday life of Stone Age people and Vikings, or the ruins of Scalloway Castle¹, built in the 16th century by Earl Patrick Stewart. Alternatively, marvel at dramatic rock formations rising from the sea and countless seabirds on a coastal walk along the Eshaness Cliffs¹. A rarely visited natural destination is the uninhabited Isle of Mousa, where you land by Zodiac. A walk with your experts leads to the Broch of Mousa – the windowless, massive Iron Age tower is one of the best preserved of its kind in all of Scotland. A chapter of its own are the island treasures of the Isle of Noss. Large bird colonies have taken possession of the rugged coastline, and weather permitting, you head out once more in the Zodiacs. The same applies to Fair Isle: spectacular, narrow cliffs are home to countless birds such as gannets and puffins. Here too, set off on a walk in the fresh, clear air. One of the most remote inhabited islands in Great Britain once again underscores the Nordic beauty that wild Scotland has revealed on this expedition.

Often heard of, perhaps visited before, but surely never explored with the pioneering spirit of the HANSEATIC spirit: Helgoland, Germany’s only high-sea island. Weather permitting, the Zodiacs are deployed, and on a walk along the cliff-top path you admire one of northern Germany’s most impressive natural landmarks, the Lange Anna. With magnificent views over the North Sea, you enjoy one final, striking mosaic piece in the richly contrasting kaleidoscope of the Nordic summer.