Romantic trips to Stade: discover half-timbered buildings and harbor magic!

Romantic trips to Stade: discover half-timbered buildings and harbor magic!

If you are looking for a charming destination near Hamburg, you will find a real gem in Stade. The idyllic town in Lower Saxony, located on the Schwinge River, impresses with over 1,000 years of history and an old town full of historic buildings. Stade is part of the popular holiday region “Altes Land am Elbstrom” and is known for its colorful half-timbered houses and inviting cafés on the water.

The city was first mentioned in writing in 994 and received city rights in 1209. Its rise as a trading center began in the 13th century, when Stade was one of the first members of the Hanseatic League and maintained rich trade relations with Jutland, Flanders and Denmark. Although Stade lost its importance in the 16th century and was excluded from the Hanseatic League, it was made a Hanseatic city again in 2009. This eventful history is expressed in the well-preserved buildings of the old town, which reflect different eras. Particularly noteworthy are the vault of the town hall cellar, which was built before 1500, as well as the baroque reconstruction after the fire of 1659.

Attractions and activities

There are numerous sights in Stade, all of which are easily accessible on foot. The Old Harbor is a central point and a perfect starting point for sightseeing and offers many cozy restaurants and cafés. During a visit you could also stroll through the fish market and enjoy the fresh local specialties. Other highlights include the churches of St. Wilhadi and St. Cosmae as well as the Schwedenspeicher, a regional museum. If you prefer something a little more romantic, you can take a one-hour round trip from Holzhafen on a fleet barge or enjoy a gondola ride on the calm waters.

Getting there from Hamburg is uncomplicated: the S-Bahn line S5 runs to Stade at least once an hour, and the regional train R5 also regularly takes holidaymakers from Harburg to the picturesque city. Drivers need about an hour to get to Stade via the A1 or B73.

The Old Country – enjoyment and relaxation

Just a stone's throw from Stade is the Altes Land, Europe's largest contiguous fruit-growing area. Here, where over 18 million fruit trees bloom every year, there are ideal conditions for growing fruit. The region, which includes parts of Lower Saxony and Hamburg, is famous for its orchards and culinary specialties. From apple soup to Altländer apple brandy to traditional dishes such as Altländer Diekpedder and wedding soup - here you can enjoy the region's fruits in a variety of ways.

The flowering period of the fruit trees, which lasts from the end of April to mid-May, transforms the landscape into a colorful sea of ​​flowers. Events such as the Altländer Blossom Festival attract visitors and crown a blossom queen, which further highlights the region. For anyone who would like to experience country life and the hospitality of the Altlanders, there are numerous cafés and farm shops offering local products.

Stade and the Altes Land are a perfect destination for a day trip or a long weekend. The combination of historical atmosphere, natural beauty and culinary delights makes this place particularly attractive for tourists from Hamburg.