Exploring Germany｜A Relaxed Journey Through Hamburg and Berlin

Flying all the way from Australia to Hamburg, Germany, was quite the journey—30 hours in total! Besides the sore back from all that sitting, I found myself eating endless airplane meals and binge-watching movies, feeling a bit like a pampered pet stuck in its cage. When I finally arrived in Hamburg, the temperature was a warm 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Everyone was dressed in light, loose clothing, enjoying the easygoing summer vibe. Northern Europe’s summer days are incredibly long, with about 16 to 17 hours of daylight. It was so bright that it felt like 4 PM even at 10 PM! I stayed energized all day, hardly feeling tired, even late at night.

Hamburg’s summer is packed with energy. The city hosts a triathlon with running, cycling, and swimming, and the whole city turns out to cheer on the participants. The excitement is contagious! July also brings the European Football Championship, and you can catch thrilling matches being broadcast everywhere, with fans cheering loudly in the streets, making the city feel alive. Plus, with the upcoming Olympics in France this August, Germany is buzzing with Olympic ads, and you can really feel the sports spirit in the air.

The city’s architecture is something special. Even the modern buildings have intricate decorations on their facades, adding a touch of charm and making them so much more interesting to look at. Hamburg is generally really clean, though I did notice a few cigarette butts scattered around, which stood out a bit. It seems like smoking is a pretty common habit here—whether young or old, people casually chat and smoke in outdoor spaces. There are ashtrays by public trash cans, at train station entrances, and in the outdoor areas of restaurants. It made me wonder—are so many people smoking because it’s trendy, or is it just a way to cope with stress?

The local cuisine in northern Germany has its roots in the hearty meals that sailors used to take on their voyages. But to me, every dish feels like someone accidentally knocked over the salt and sugar shakers—it’s easy to get overwhelmed after just a few bites. Thankfully, the refreshing beer is a highlight, and the mild mustard sauce becomes a lifesaver in helping to finish the meal. Interestingly, due to the large immigrant population, there are actually more Turkish and Italian restaurants than traditional German ones. The kebabs, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood pasta are absolutely delicious! It seems I still have a southern palate—I’m more drawn to the flavors of southern Europe, with their fragrant herbs and crispy, grilled dishes.

On this trip, I also made my way to Berlin, which is about a two-hour direct train ride from Hamburg. Berlin is a massive city, with gigantic buildings and large storefronts. What looks like just a block on the map can easily take 30 minutes to walk across, and crossing the street often involves navigating six to ten lanes of traffic. The whole city feels expansive and grand, with the majestic vibe you’d expect from a capital. The pace of life here is full of energy, but as you pass by various plaques on the street corners, telling stories from World War II and the Cold War, it’s chilling. Every city has its own mix of beauty and sorrow. You might think these events are far in the past, but they’re a reminder that if we don’t stay informed and care about what’s happening in the world, any country’s people could unexpectedly find themselves caught up in international conflicts, just like Berlin’s residents once did.

A few years ago, I visited Munich and its surrounding areas in southern Germany, exploring the charming streets and alleys of those southern cities. This time, as I wandered through northern cities and felt the local sea breeze, I noticed just how different the north and south are—despite speaking the same language, their personality, culture, food, and cityscapes are remarkably distinct. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to explore both regions and experience the unique sides of Germany. 😃

Wish you all the best.
Susu❤️