The Isebekkanal runs for three kilometres through the Hamburg districts of Eppendorf and Eimsbüttel. The body of water is frequented by rubber dinghies, stand-up paddle boards and canoes, especially on warm days. The canal is densely overgrown and lined with green strips. On the many small bridges you have a wonderful view of the greenery and the colourful hustle and bustle on the water. The path along the water from the Eppendorfer Baum stop in the direction of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ufer is perfect for a long walk.
Our tip: There are many charming, owner-run cafés and shops to be discovered in the area around the Isebekkanal. There's always something going on at Little Amsterdam, where you can enjoy warm summer nights with snacks and refreshing drinks overlooking the water. Fancy a great coffee? You'll also find it near the canal at Ujote Espresso. Perfect to accompany your walk!

The Loki Schmidt Garden is the botanical garden of the University of Hamburg and a popular destination for families and people seeking recreation. In addition to the tropical greenhouses in Planten un Blomen (currently closed), there is also an outdoor area in Klein Flottbek. Here the plants are presented according to theme and origin. So in one and a half hours you can go through the desert, via North and South America to Japan and China, all the way to the Alps. The park is freely accessible and invites you to linger with its benches. Perfect for exploring plants, reading books and relaxing.

Are you looking for a place to swim, chill and barbecue? Then the Dove-Elbe Water Park is the place for you. The former gravel extraction area is now a nature-friendly leisure and water sports facility. With many lawns, wooden pontoons and sandy paths, the area in the east of Hamburg is the perfect place to relax. Had enough chilling out? Rent a canoe or kayak on site and discover the surroundings in a sporty way from the water. You want to splash around with your four-legged friend in the summer? No problem, there are several bathing spots for dogs on site.

Perhaps a somewhat unconventional green place at first glance - in fact, Ohlsdorf Cemetery is the largest park cemetery in the world. Here in the north of Hamburg, you can walk the quiet path around the cemetery between gravesites and geese and around Lake Bramfeld. The park, which is rich in species, is home to a wide variety of animals such as water turtles, bats and deer, as well as 450 species of woody plants. Have you got a bit of time with you? Then go in search of the graves of important Hamburg personalities such as comedian Heinz Erhardt or Helmut and Loki Schmidt. In the Garden of Women, space is given to female personalities who have left their mark on Hamburg. Want to find out more? In summer there are guided tours and several open-air museums. The cemetery even has its own app to help you explore the green space.

At the Altona Balcony, you can look out over the Elbe from about 27 metres above the water, from the container port to the Köhler Bridge to the old port terminal. You can enjoy this panoramic view comfortably from benches or from the park's extensive green space - including ship gazing! Located in Altona-Altstadt, the Altonaer Balkon connects the Elbuferwanderweg with Fischmarkt and the Neu-Altona green area. This is also a great place for a picnic.

In the district of Blankenese you will find the perfect place for holiday feelings. At the city beach with white sand on the Falkenstein shore, you'll feel like you're on holiday by the sea. Here you can unwind with a view of the Elbe or explore the lovingly designed parks along the seven-kilometre-long hiking trail. Directly on the beach is the Elbecamp campsite, whose Café Lüküs provides you with snacks and drinks. Here in the west of Hamburg, there's enough space for everyone: families with their own things to dig in, dog owners, shipwatchers and couples.

Enjoying nature and learning about the history of Hamburg's water supply at the same time - this is only possible on the Elbe island of Kaltehofe on the Norderelbe. The foundation is both an imposing industrial monument and a multifaceted nature park. There is much to discover here: The species-rich flora and fauna, the nature discovery trail and also the industrial architecture. On weekends there are open guided tours of the water art exhibition. The nature and environmental education stations are suitable for children and the accompanying café invites you to linger with coffee and cake.

It's raining in Hamburg but you still want to go outdoors? At the Wälderhaus Wilhelmsburg you can experience Hamburg's forests from indoors. The Science Center Forest is dedicated to the exciting question: "What is a forest? You can explore the biological diversity of the forest at around 35 microscopy and exploration stations, watch exciting films in the Kobelkino and discover over 200 types of wood in the forest laboratory. This will whet your appetite for the next forest walk!

Located in the heart of HafenCity, the Marco Polo Terraces offer seating areas, green spaces and stunning views of Grasbrook Harbour. Here, you can watch the world go by, relax or meet up with friends – right in the heart of Hamburg.

Planten un Blomen is, for good reason, no longer one of Hamburg’s best-kept secrets. The city’s green lung is situated right in the centre and offers both locals and visitors a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle. As well as green spaces for barbecues or sunbathing, the park’s rose gardens, tropical greenhouse and tea pavilion provide plenty to enjoy for young and old alike. 

Tip: From May to September, the water light shows take place every evening at 10 pm on the park lake, offering a very special highlight with a varied music programme and light show.