Why travel to distant lands when there’s so much to see close by? This short cruise along the German North Sea coast will show you the gems on Europe’s doorstep. Discover the special atmosphere of the HANSEATIC inspiration along with North and East Frisian island landscapes with fine sandy beaches, nature reserves surrounded by mudflats and wild, romantic dunes.

The typical North German greeting of “Moin” awaits you on Sylt, one of Germany’s most popular islands. List, its most northerly community, is also well worth a visit. Experience the inimitable character of this natural paradise, a living artwork of lush green salt flats, heathland and dunes as far as the eye can see. A walk on the mudflats of Blidsel Bay* offers a panoramic view of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s incredible to think that thousands of mussels, snails and worms live in each square metre (10.7 square feet) of mud! Marvel at the area’s biodiversity and be astounded by an island tour of Sylt*. Your journey will take you through a wandering dune landscape and the North Frisian villages of Keitum and Tinnum, where the views are filled with thatched-roof houses. A bicycle tour of “Listland”* offers another truly moving way to explore: discover not only List itself, but also the famous “elbow”. Stunning views along the northerly peninsula will bring peace to your soul before your mouth waters at the freshly baked speciality cakes in one of Kampen’s traditional cafes.

On Borkum, the golden autumn season is the perfect time to experience the intensity and beauty of nature. The rough wind will feel invigorating, while the last rays of the sun warm your face. Breathe deeply – the iodine in the air will revive your pioneering spirit. If the weather turns during your Ostland hike*, don’t let it dampen your spirits. Nature lovers ignore the weather and focus on the diversity of the landscape instead: beach grass, heather and other plants radiate the charm of the East Frisian Islands, while the salt flats and dunes provide a natural habitat for a fascinating variety of birds. This excursion offers both diverse flora and fauna and views of the water on Borkum. How exactly do salvage operations work in the North Sea? The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) will provide expert answers to this and many other questions on a visit to a DGzRS sea rescue cruiser*. Take a look behind the scenes with a small group of like-minded “seafarers”. When else will you get the chance to explore an engine room from the inside or learn more about operational planning on the ship’s flying bridge? After this fascinating insight into rescues at sea, you will return to nature in the mudflats and tidal creeks. An expert national park guide will be waiting to take you on a hike through the mudflats of the national park in Borkum*. Dive in – quite literally: wade through the soft sediment of the Wadden Sea and get to the bottom of the fine sand deposits.

Discover one of North Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks: “Lange Anna” on Helgoland. This red stack of rock rises 47 m (154 ft) off the island’s coast and is a breeding ground for northern gannets and many other species of bird. Germany’s smallest nature reserve is close enough to see and touch: common murres hunt for crabs and small fish on the Lummenfelsen. You, meanwhile, will hunt for spectacular panoramas on a 2.8 km (1.74 mi.) walk along the edge of the cliffs.

The last leg of your explorations will take you to the small bird island of Scharhoern before the mouth of the Elbe comes into view at Cuxhaven. Say goodbye to the North Sea and head upriver to Hamburg, the metropolis on the Elbe. When the HANSEATIC inspiration passes Brunsbuettel and Glueckstadt, your day will come to an end. Houses from Blankenese to Altona and the bustling harbour will illuminate the city with beams of light reflected in the water. This impressive sight concludes your unforgettable short cruise on board the HANSEATIC inspiration.