Buxtehuder Hafen with kids

At Buxtehuder Hafen, families can stroll through the historic old town along the Old Harbor and Fleth canal, pass small traditional ships and pleasure boats, and cross the tidal harbor basin over pedestrian bridges. All around are cafes, benches and small shops; the Petriplatz and the half-timbered lanes are good for a break with ice cream or coffee. The old town area is largely car-free, making for relaxed strolling with kids.

For families from Hamburg, the harbor is especially appealing as a destination for launch boat trips: Barkassen-Meyer and other operators run boats in the warm season from Landungsbrücken or Überseebrücke through Hamburg's harbor upriver and on through the Alte Süderelbe all the way here. The multi-hour trip with its changing scenery becomes an adventure in itself.

Nearby, the city museum and marketplace are worth a look — the fable of the Hare and the Hedgehog is set in Buxtehude. The region is known for the Altes Land with its orchards, especially beautiful during apple and cherry blossom season.