Head into spring with a great spirit of discovery. The HANSEATIC inspiration blends grand Baltic classics with Frisian coastal gems and invites you to take your time as you relax and explore ahead of the peak season. At the end of the 19th century, Rugen enchanted its visitors with romantic coastal cliffs, long sandy beaches and fabulous forests. The splendid architecture in the resort of Binz dates from this period. The white art nouveau villas stand to attention along the promenade with their carved ornamental lattice work and decorative metal balconies. Discover the chic charm of the age of German kaisers and classical architecture in an active way with a bicycle tour through the seaside resorts*. Soak up the nostalgia on a train ride to Putbus on the “Rasender Roland”*. Germany’s oldest narrow-gauge railway has been traversing this route for over 100 years. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich with a walk in Jasmund National Park* and see the famous chalk cliffs for yourself.

Relax and recharge surrounded by the picturesque sandy beach and maritime harbour atmosphere of Boltenhagen on the Baltic Sea. Enjoy an independent stroll along the promenade or through the spa gardens and imagine what this seaside health resort would have once been like amongst the old architecture. Travel back to the time of the Hanseatic League in Wismar with one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval town centres, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. A walking tour of the Hanseatic city* will paint a picture of the merchants, traders, sailors and fishermen at work.

See the modern art of construction with a daytime passage through the Kiel Canal, where you’ll pass under one of Germany’s most important monuments to engineering – the Rendsburg High Bridge. Your experienced experts on board will provide extensive information about how it was created and the beautiful landscapes of northern Germany.

Say hello to the North Sea! Discover Cuxhaven, the largest seaside health resort in Germany, and witness the power of the North Sea for yourself. The area between the heather and the sea is home to extraordinary animal and plant life, including more than 200 different species. On a hike through the mudflats of the Wadden Sea National Park*, you will experience a unique and beautiful natural environment. Take a stroll through the historic Hapag halls*, tracing the trail of our over-130-year company history. You can rely on the knowledgeable guides to share in-depth information about the coastal town, its history and the diverse landscape.

One of northern Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks awaits you on Helgoland in the form of Lange Anna, a fiery-red stack of rock that towers over 45 m (148 ft) high. The island is a breeding ground for northern gannets and many other species of bird. One of Germany’s smallest nature reserves is close enough to see and touch, as common murres hunt for crabs and small fish on the Lummenfelsen. You, meanwhile, will hunt for spectacular panoramas on a 2.8 km (1.7 mi.) walk along the edge of the cliffs or with a Zodiac ride.

One of Germany’s most popular islands, Sylt, welcomes you to a dream landscape out in the sea. Wooden groynes amid breaking waves and dazzling dunes under an endless sky – the “queen of the North Sea” is a chic holiday paradise with natural grace. See its most beautiful side with a vintage bus trip* through a wandering dune landscape, past Kampen and Hornum to Keitum with its thatched-roof houses. Or go wading with a walk on the mudflats of Blidsel Bay* in search of the abundance of species in the seabed. An e-bike ride across the island* is a truly moving way to explore. Splendid views of the long stretch known as the “elbow” will bring peace to your soul. Looking back on your multifaceted adventure on Europe’s doorstep, you’ll have captured the Baltic coast and North Sea islands in an open book full of stories.