Photo: Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

GERMANY: Hamburg is worth a visit at any time of the year, but especially in winter, after the Christmas bustle, when the city welcomes its guests with a quiet flair. Whether you prefer cold sunny days or mystical fog over the Elbe river, here are our tips for a winter city trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the world (with a stay at Adina, or course).

1. Take a Winter Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt District

The famous spot was originally a warehouse district (the largest in the world) and is an absolute must-see on any visit to Hamburg. In winter time, the fog drapes itself between the red brick buildings, ice floes drfift in the water and the district radiates with energy.

Insider Tip: Be sure to visit the Speicherstadt in the evening where all the houses and special sites like the Wasserschloss are beautifully illuminated. 

2. The Tea Warehouse is a Mecca for Tea Lovers

If you're passing by the majestic Wasserschloss (castle) during your walk in the Speicherstadt, be sure to stop and warm up with a hot drink. Located near Hamburg’s port - which handles 70 percent of European tea imports - the tea shop at the Wasserschloss offers no less than 250 different teas from all over the world. This place is a a mecca for tea lovers with teas of all types are piled on the celing-high shelves and regular workshops, which introduce you to the world of the tea.

3. Go Ice skating in the Snow-covered Planten un Blomen

Germany's largest open-air ice rink is plonked right in the middle of Planten un Blomen (translates to Plants and Flowers), one of the most popular parks in Hamburg. This rink is a must-do in winter but especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the rink transforms into a disco on ice anhd the latest hits are blasted out until late.

4. Short Break from the Winter: A Visit to the Tropical House

If the winter blues get you down, why not escape to Hamburg's very own Tropical House? That's right, the botanical gardens of the Planten un Blomen are home to a huge greenhouse with plant species from all over the world. The area is divided into five sections, with fauna from the tropics, subtropics, the desert, the cactus and even a fern house. 

5. Visit to the Exhibition "Minimal Art" at the Bucerius Kunst Forum

A bit of colour during the gray European winter is exactly what we need these days. The "Minimal Art" exhibition lets you experience the sensual side of minimalism - different lighting moods and objects spanning different rooms take you into a shape reduced world of art that originated in the USA in the early 1660s. The exhibition starts on 2 February and runs until 24 April 2022.

Stay

A stay at both the Adina Hamburg Speicherstadt and the Adina Hamburg Michel will have you at the harbour district and beautiful Speicherstadt within minutes. And if the weather outside is not welcoming, the hotels' indoor pools and saunas will help you warm up in no time.