Just north of Hamburg is Norderstedt, which is easy to reach on the U1 underground line. The city park there is characterised by the combination of three different areas: The Seepark (with dog walking area), the Waldpark and the Feldpark. You should allow around 1.5-2 hours to walk through the entire city park. By the way: If you like to exercise, you can do so not only in the field park with its many sports equipment - you can also reach the Norderstedt city park in a good hour by bike (approx. 20 kilometres). So get on your bike and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air on a short bike ride.

Let's stay in the north-east of Hamburg: In Eichtalpark in Hamburg Wandsbek, you can marvel at over 1,000 plant species and take a deep breath. In spring, the Eichtalpark invites you to take a short bike tour followed by a picnic on the lush green spaces. If you want to go for a long walk, choose the 7 km long and popular running route for a long walk and take in the impressive oaks and maple trees along the Wandse.

Spring is the perfect time to take a trip to the south of the city. Harburg's city park is in no way inferior to Hamburg's city parks north of the Elbe! The approximately three-kilometre circular route around the Außenmühlensee lake is the perfect way to explore Harburg's green corners. For those of you who are bursting with energy, you can also turn your excursion and spring walk into a cycle tour: There via Teufelsbrück (ferry) and Finkenwerder; back via Wilhelmsburg and the Oberhafenkanal - a total of 60 kilometres by bike (around 4-5 hours).

The Elbe island of Kaltehofe is located in the Elbe in the east of Hamburg - a combination of a species-rich nature park and an industrial monument. Although the water art exhibition is currently closed, the free outdoor area is still open to walkers. For us, the Elbe island of Kaltehofe is the perfect place to get out of the city in spring and not have to travel too far. If you want to, you can reach the Elbe island from the city via Oberhafen and Entenwerder Park in around 1.5 hours (7 kilometres) on foot. The walk takes you past the old harbour industry directly into the greenery of the city.

With the arrival of spring, life in the Altes Land is increasingly moving outdoors again, because nature is now moving very quickly: with the first rays of sunshine, the trees sprout and the buds blossom. The fruit growers' preparations are now in full swing. The first milestones in spring are the apple blossom (end of March/beginning of April) and shortly afterwards the cherry blossom (mid/end of April). And it is precisely at this time that it is worth making a detour to the south of Hamburg for a long walk, e.g. along the fruit nature trail in Jork. You should plan about 0.5-1 hour here.

Like the Stadtpark in Norderstedt, the Inselpark in Wilhelmsburg was created for a garden show. And you can see that: Wide paths, lots of planting and a large playground are just a few good reasons why you should make your way here - especially with your children. The Wilhelmsburg Island Park is criss-crossed by small lakes and canals. If you like, you can continue your walk along the nearby Veringskanal.

A short hop across the Elbe to the east takes us to Öjendorfer Park. Öjendorfer Park is a real all-rounder! Not only is it the third largest park in Hamburg and, with its neighbouring lake, very popular as a swimming destination and local recreation area - it also provides a haven for birdlife. There is a bird sanctuary in the northern part. Here you can get very close to nature and listen to the songs of spring. After all, what could be a clearer sign of the start of spring than the return of migratory birds?

A little further to the south-east of Hamburg: here lie the last shifting sand dunes in the region. In the Boberger Niederung, you could get the feeling that the sea is just a few metres away. Many walking and cycling paths lead through sand dunes, dry meadows and alder swamps. The changes that nature will undergo in the coming months can be experienced particularly well here, leaving city life behind. In addition, a visit to the Boberg dunes will immediately make you long for summer and make you completely forget the dreary winter weather.

We stay in the west of Hamburg and on the Elbe to watch the ships. When the first rays of sunshine have the power to warm our faces, we stroll along the Falkensteiner shore. The beach invites you to linger - if you take a short breather, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the uninhabited island of Neßsand.

Last but not least on our top 10 list is Bergedorf Palace Park. The park directly adjacent to the palace not only exudes tranquillity and idyll, but has also been a listed building since 1926. If you are travelling with children, they can really let off steam in the large children's playground.