Car hire Hamburg Airport

The inviting city centre of Hamburg is only around a half hour drive away from the airport via the B433 south.

With more than 2,000 bridges in the city of Hamburg alone, driving in the city will have you travelling over canals and waterways to reach your destinations – offering a truly unique feel to every journey. If you’re staying in Hamburg, many hotels offer complimentary or discounted parking, but if not, there are plenty of spots to find in and around the centre.

Of course, car hire from Hamburg Airport also gives you the perfect opportunity to venture further afield and soak up the wider culture of northern Germany.

Once the capital of the Hanseatic League, the medieval city of Lübeck is just an hour or so’s drive away via the A1. The romantic ambiance of Schwerin, meanwhile, lies around 120km east, featuring a fairy-tale castle and twelve stunning lakes.

In Germany, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Everyone in the car must be wearing their seatbelts, and you should ensure you have your driving license and proof of ID with you when you are driving.

Unless otherwise stated, speed limits in Germany are typically 130km/h on motorways – known as ‘autobahns’ – 100km/h on other major out of town roads, and 50km/h when driving in towns and cities.

Some autobahn stretches famously have no limit, but a top speed of 130km/h is still advised, and drivers are urged to be mindful of road and weather conditions. Always ensure you check the signs for the route that you are on.

With more bridges than Amsterdam or Venice, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Hamburg. Soak up the culture inside the old district, wander the canals, or seek out the city’s artistic vibe. Hamburg is truly a feast for the senses, and the imagination.

Canal-side attractions

Nestled against the River Elbe, which weaves through the city, there’s a wealth of events and attractions to discover on the water in Hamburg.

Visit Cap San Diego, a floating museum housed inside a former cargo ship along the canal. Known as the ‘White Swan of the South Atlantic’, climb aboard to explore its history and peruse its quarters. Just up the canal sits the Soviet submarine B-515, offering an eye-opening insight into the cramped living conditions the crew bravely endured during the Cold War.

Venture outside the city centre to the district of Blankenese to spot the remains of two eerie shipwrecks. Stand on the beach to see them peeping out of the water or, when the tide is low, walk out to the wrecks for a closer look. 

After dark entertainment

Though perhaps less famed for its night-life than the likes of Barcelona or Amsterdam, Hamburg’s energetic evening atmosphere nonetheless offers an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in music from across the globe, and venture underground for the trendiest clubs and bars.

To witness world-class entertainment and celebrations which fill the streets, head to the neon lights of Reeperbahn. At the heart of this dynamic street, Spielbudenplatz square comes out with something new and exciting every night – from farmers markets to carnival stands.

If you prefer to watch the entertainment, rather than become it, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg concert hall offers a magical evening of acoustics.

A work of art in itself, the converted warehouse is especially striking at night when the sunset glints in the mosaic of glass panels. Check out the events calendar ahead of time for your pick of the best musical melodies, from classical masterpieces to innovative sounds.

Fairy-tale settings

Less than two hour’s drive from Hamburg you’ll find the dreamy city of Schwerin. Nestled amidst twelve serene lakes and a 19^th century castle plucked straight out of a fairy-tale, Schwerin is a beauty to behold.

The castle itself sits upon its own island, accessible by its bridges, surrounded by luscious greenery and winding paths. Venture inside to discover each uniquely decorated room, beautifully adorned with lavish furnishings and golden embellishments.

Back in the centre of Schwerin, you can spend an afternoon in the city’s zoo. More than 150 unique animal species, of all shapes and sizes, roam the atmospheric enclosures. Learn more about their personalities and quirks through a guided tour and hear expert insights during feeding times as the zookeepers share their animal secrets.

With all this and more to discover in northern Germany, ensure you don’t miss a thing with Hertz car hire at Hamburg Airport.