Bewuste keuze-Hamburg, Kopenhagen en Bremen

About the destination: Hamburg, centuries-old trading city, is a busy mixture of Hanseatic commercialism and cosmopolitanism. A very handsome city, though badly damaged during WWII, much of the copper-roofed brick architecture so characteristic of northern Germany survives, while lovely parks and lakes give rise to Hamburg’s claim that it is the Venice of the north. An active cultural life lends further vitality to this sprawling port city. Hamburg’s old town is filtered with wonderful canals running from the Alster to the Elbe. The richly ornamented Rathaus dominates the city centre. Close by is the equally imposing St. Michaeliskirche. Climb the massive spire of this lovely baroque church for a splendid view. Near the Rathaus are the Börse, appropriately grand for this city of commerce, and the devastated St Nikolai church. Its remains are considered an anti-war memorial. Shopping lovers should head towards Pöseldrof, a charming quarter of ritzy homes, small cafes, boutiques and antique shops. The night birds will have a blast at the infamous St. Pauli district. Hamburg will surprise visitors with its dynamic and cool atmosphere. In this city absolutely everyone can find a good place to fit one’s taste. Its multiple parks, canals, bridges and beautiful lakes formed by the river Alster, will make you forget its apparent austerity.

About the destination: A decade ago, visitors came to Copenhagen just for its canals, cobbled squares, charming streets and pastel painted houses. Now this city is most known for its innovative design, cutting edge architecture and its top-rated restaurants. This historic city of canals has become trendy, cosmopolitan and exciting, without losing its old charms. The fairytalelike port of Nyhavn, the city’s legendary waterfront, is the most traditional sight of Copenhagen, where visitors enjoy the cobbled streets and colorful houses that contrasts with Langelinje quay, where the city’s most famous attraction, The Little Mermaid, is located. Walking along the Langelinje quay, the modern opera house appears on the horizon bringing tourists back into the 21st century. Another of the city’s new waterfront landmarks is the Black Diamond entertainment complex, an additional reason to travel beyond the tiny tourist-focussed centre. The building itself is stunning and provides a unique opportunity to lounge in a deckchair overlooking the water. Two of the coolest areas of the city are Veesterbro and Norrebro, away from the herds of tourists. These vibrant neighbourhoods will allow the most adventurous travelers to mix with the locals and experience the buzzing atmosphere of places like the Norrebro Food Hall, a covered foodie market, or the Ralea, the restaurant where local chefs go to get food after work. Copenhagen’s coolest borough of trendy bars, design stores and eateries, where visitors can experience the culinary revolution the city has to offer, it's just a metro ride from the city centre. The less-travelled island neighbourhood of Christianshavn offers a tranquil glimpse of residential life and canal-side strolls. It’s also home to the “free town” of Christiana, a colourful alternative community built by hippies in the 1970s, which shines with galleries and cafés, and has its own, strict set of rules. Copenhagen is clean, safe and easy to get to know. It is also one of Europe’s greenest cities and its public transport would make New York green with envy. Its centre is reserved for pedestrians and strict anti-pollution laws enforced. It’s an environmentally idyllic spot with plenty of green space and bicycles often outnumber cars, so be careful of stepping out into bike lanes. Wander carefree to the world-famous Tivoli amusement park and the city’s delightful botanical garden, or take to the pavement cafés and restaurants in the summer alongside the locals. Whatever you decide to do in the Danish capital, whether you dig design and dine, or wander in wonder, Copenhagen will keep calling you back like a siren.

About the destination: Bremen is a city in northern Germany, population 500,000. Bremen was once a member of the medieval Hanseatic League and is still one of the most important cities in northern Germany. Bremen has more than 1200 years of history, and was, for most of its existence, an independent city-state. Bremen is a rather long and narrow city, lined along both sides of the river Weser. The entire city is located on flat plains. The most important sites to visit in Bremen are: • Rathaus this is one of the finest in Europe and as such has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. • Dom St Petri (Cathedral of St Peter) is over 1200 years old, and its huge towered façade dominates the main square. the interior is impressive with some fine painted details on the ceilings. There is a treasury displaying the collection of the cathedral. • Roland this statue on the main square is of the Knight Roland who was a protector of trade. It appears in many European cities especially those involved in the Hanseatic league. Bremen's is considered one of the finest and is included with Town Hall on the World Heritage List. • Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen) perhaps the most well known figures associated with Bremen are the characters from the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale, their image adorns many of the souvenirs in the city • Böttcherstrasse, is the incredible Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) street that runs from the main square towards the river. There are many fine façades and courtyards all with large amounts of design detail. There is an impressive Glockenspiel that chimes at regular intervals. There are lots of shops and several Museums, including the impressive Paula Modersohn-Becker Museumg Himmelssaal (unfortunately it is not normally open to the public). • Am Wall is a lovely park next to the former defensive moat which offers a nice place to sit and relax. • Schnoor this area of twisting lanes is a lovely place to wander aimlessly looking at in the many shops and also at the world smallest hotel.