Camping Guide | Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, is located in the north of the country, at the mouth of the Elbe River into the North Sea. The city forms its own federal state and is thus both a city and a state at the same time. Traveling to Hamburg is very easy, as the city has excellent transport links. By car, you can reach Hamburg via various motorways. Coming from the south, the A7 is the best option, leading directly through the city. Travelers from the north also use the A7, while the A24 leads from the east and the A1 from the west to Hamburg. Please note that there are environmental zones in Hamburg for which an environmental badge is required. Toll fees in Germany only apply to trucks over 7.5 tons. No toll fees apply to cars and motorhomes. Those arriving by train reach Hamburg via Hamburg Central Station, one of the largest train stations in Germany. From here, there are regular connections to all major cities in Germany and Europe. For example, you can reach Hamburg from Munich in about 6 hours by ICE. From Frankfurt, the travel time is around 4 hours. From Vienna, you should expect a travel time of about 10 hours. Hamburg Airport (HAM) is an international airport with numerous connections to national and international destinations. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center with the S-Bahn line S1 in about 25 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and rental cars are available. Within Hamburg, it is best to move around using the well-developed public transport network, consisting of the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and ferries. The Hamburg Card is a good option if you want to use public transport and benefit from discounts at many sights at the same time. Cycling is also a great option for exploring the city, as there are many bike paths. The Elbe ferries are not only a practical means of transport but also a great way to experience the city from the water.

Hamburg can be roughly divided into various sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Each of these zones offers different experiences and is suitable for different target groups. The city center is the pulsating heart of Hamburg. Numerous sights such as the City Hall, the Speicherstadt, and the Elbphilharmonie are located here. The city center is ideal for culture lovers, shopping enthusiasts, and everyone who wants to enjoy urban life. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and cafes invite you to linger. St. Pauli, known for the Reeperbahn, is Hamburg's entertainment district. Life pulsates here around the clock. St. Pauli is ideal for night owls and everyone looking for entertainment. In addition to the numerous bars and clubs, there are also theaters, musicals, and concerts. Altona, located west of the city center, is a district with multicultural flair. Here you will find numerous small shops, cafes, and restaurants with international cuisine. Altona is ideal for everyone who wants to get to know the alternative Hamburg. The Altona Fish Market is a popular excursion destination. The east of Hamburg, with districts like Wandsbek and Bergedorf, offers a mix of urban life and green oases. There are numerous parks, lakes, and forests that invite you to relax and unwind. The east of Hamburg is ideal for families and nature lovers. Bergedorf Castle is a worthwhile excursion destination. North of the Alster, districts like Winterhude and Uhlenhorst extend. This area is characterized by its elegant villas, green parks, and proximity to the water. Here you will find numerous cafes and restaurants with a view of the Alster. The area is ideal for couples and everyone who wants to enjoy stylish Hamburg. In the south of Hamburg, across the Elbe, lies Harburg. This district is characterized by industry and port facilities but also offers green areas and historical buildings. Harburg is ideal for everyone who wants to experience authentic Hamburg.

The camping landscape in Hamburg is diverse and offers the right pitch for every taste and budget. There are both large resort sites with extensive infrastructure and smaller, nature-oriented sites that are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Pitches for motorhomes are also sufficiently available. The larger campsites in Hamburg often offer extensive facilities with pools, animation, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. These sites are particularly popular with families as they offer a varied leisure program. Smaller, nature-oriented sites, on the other hand, are characterized by their quiet location and proximity to nature. Here you can unwind and enjoy Hamburg's nature. Agriturismo or farm camping is rather rare in Hamburg. Prices for a pitch in Hamburg vary depending on the season, location, and facilities. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 25 and 45 euros per night. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper, ranging between 18 and 35 euros per night. Prices are usually per pitch including two people. Additional costs may apply for extra people, electricity, and other services. The size of typical pitches also varies. On larger sites, the plots are often parceled and offer enough space for caravans, motorhomes, and awnings. On smaller sites, the pitches are often more open and offer more privacy. Many pitches offer both shady and sunny spots, so you can choose according to your needs. The sanitary facilities on campsites in Hamburg are generally well-maintained and clean. However, the standard varies depending on the site. On larger sites, there are often modern sanitary buildings with showers, toilets, sinks, and washing machines. On smaller sites, the sanitary facilities are often simpler but still clean and functional. Wi-Fi quality is good on many campsites, although bottlenecks can occur in the high season. The power supply is usually sufficient, with most sites having 6 to 16 amps. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. However, there are always last-minute chances, especially on smaller sites. Some sites also offer online reservations.

For campers in Hamburg, there are some practical pieces of information that can make the stay easier. Here is an overview of important aspects such as toll fees, gas stations, shopping, gas supply, disposal, mobile network, medical care, rules, and drinking water. Toll fees in Germany generally only apply to trucks over 7.5 tons. Cars and motorhomes are exempt from tolls. Gas station prices in Germany are generally slightly higher than in other European countries. Diesel usually costs between 1.60 and 1.80 euros per liter. Opening hours of gas stations vary, but many are open around the clock. Shopping opportunities are plentiful in Hamburg. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Rewe, and Edeka are available everywhere and offer a large selection of food and daily necessities. Opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm. Some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. Gas supply can be easily ensured in Hamburg. German gas cylinders can usually be exchanged without problems. Adapters are not required. For the disposal of wastewater and chemical toilets, there are disposal stations at many campsites. Some rest areas and gas stations also offer disposal facilities. The costs for disposal are usually low. Mobile network coverage in Hamburg is very good. All major mobile providers (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) offer comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage. Roaming is no problem within the EU, as roaming charges have been abolished. Medical care in Hamburg is excellent. There are numerous hospitals, medical practices, and pharmacies. In an emergency, you can reach the rescue service at 112. Pharmacies are usually open from Monday to Saturday. Outside regular opening hours, there is a pharmacy emergency service. When camping in Hamburg, there are some rules to follow. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Hamburg. There are environmental zones in the city center for which an environmental badge is required. Applicable noise protection regulations must be observed. Tap water in Hamburg is of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation.

In addition to the well-known sights, Hamburg also has some secret tips to offer that you as a camper should definitely discover. Here are some insider tips that will make your stay in Hamburg unforgettable. The low season (May/June and September/October) is ideal for a camping holiday in Hamburg. Temperatures are mild, campsites are less crowded, and prices are cheaper. In addition, many interesting events take place in the low season. Off the beaten path, there are some lesser-known places in Hamburg that are worth a visit. The Blankenese district with its picturesque alleys and stair quarters is a real secret tip. You can easily reach Blankenese with the S-Bahn line S1. Ohlsdorf Cemetery, one of the largest park cemeteries in the world, is also worth a visit. Here you can find peace in the middle of a green oasis. At the weekly markets in Hamburg, you can buy regional specialties and fresh products directly from the producer. The Isemarkt in Eppendorf is one of the largest and most beautiful weekly markets in Hamburg. Here you will find everything your heart desires. The Fish Market in Altona is also a must for every Hamburg visitor. Numerous festivals and events take place in Hamburg throughout the year. The Hamburger Dom, a huge fair, takes place three times a year (spring, summer, winter). The Harbor Birthday festival in May is another highlight. This is where the birthday of the Hamburg port is celebrated. Culinary-wise, Hamburg has a lot to offer. Be sure to try the Franzbrötchen, a sweet pastry with cinnamon and sugar. Labskaus, a traditional seaman's dish, is also worth a try. In the numerous restaurants and bars in St. Pauli and Altona, locals and tourists meet alike. For a day trip, the Lüneburg Heath is a great option. The driving time from Hamburg is about 1 hour. Here you can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy nature. A visit to the Hanseatic city of Lübeck is also recommended. The driving time is also about 1 hour.