Lower Saxony, Hamburg And Bremen

By FPFai on September 2, 2011 in Activities / no comments

Three federal states – Lower Saxony and the independent city states of Hamburg and Bremen – cover an enormous terrain, embracing the whole of northwestern Germany. For the visitor they provide a series of memorable snapshots: the mighty cosmopolitan port of Hamburg, enchanting towns and villages with halftimbered houses and the blooming heather of the Luneburger Heide.

Lower Saxony was formed in the 19th century through the merging of the kingdom of Hannover with the duchy of Brunswick, Oldenburg and Schaumburg-Lippe and other parts of northern Germany.

The second-largest German state after Bavaria, it only ranks fourth in terms of the number of its inhabitants, being less densely populated than other states.

Lower Saxony is characterized by lowlands that become hillier in the south, culminating in the Harz Mountains. The only large cities are Hannover, a modern centre renowned for its trade fairs and for hosting Expo 2000, and Braunschweig, a venerable town that cherishes its link with the Saxon king Heinrich der Lowe, its first important ruler. The Romanesque splendour of Hildesheim is a magnet for visitors, as are the Renaissance centres along the Weser River including Hameln, the charming towns of Celle, Luneburg and Einbeck, and Wolfenbuttel, Stadthagen and Buckeburg which contain some remarkable Mannerist works of art.

Nature lovers will enjoy excursions to the Luneburger Heide or paddling in the endless expanses of mud-flats in the North Sea. Tourists are also attracted by the sandy beaches of the East Frisian islands, as well as the solitary rock of the island of Helgoland.

The “free and Hanseatic” towns of Hamburg and Bremen rejoice in a different atmosphere, urban and urbane, tolerant and multicultural, based on centuries of trade with the world.

Exploring Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen

Hamburg and Bremen, the region’s largest cities, are also the most convenient bases for tourists, offering accommodation in every price category.

The most attractive area in this region is the southeastern section, extending to the foothills of the Harz Mountains with picturesque towns, such as the university town of Gottingen, Romanesque Hildesheim or the stunningly beautiful merchant town of Goslar.

A visit to the seaside and an excursion to the islands are also enjoyable.

Getting Around

There are international airports in Hamburg, Bremen and Hannover. A network of motorways links Lower Saxony with Scandinavia (via Schleswig-Holstein), and with the rest of western Europe (via the Netherlands or southern Germany). There are good ferry connections between Hamburg and Harwich (England). An extensive rail network makes the entire state accessible, although bus connections are limited.

SIGHTS AT A GLANCE