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Latest update: 19 May 2023
If you want to escape the city and do something different in Hamburg, go to Gut Karlshöhe. This is an educational center for sustainability where you can experience all kinds of things. Like blacksmithing and cheese fondue in the woods – a perfect day trip in Hamburg!
Peaceful nature in Hamburg
Leave the bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in the nature and sustainable activities of Gut Karlshöhe. It’s also perfect for walking around, enjoying the garden, petting the sheep, and having a drink. But the center does offer activities too. For example, you can feed the sheep for a few euros, but you can also come and help with gardening for free. Check out the events calendar (and if your German is as bad as mine, please get in touch with the organizers to see if the language is a problem with the activity of your choice).
Workshop blacksmithing in Hamburg
The Schmiedejungs have a workshop on the Gut Karlshöhe site. Blacksmithing is an old craft, and the gentlemen of the Schmiedejungs are happy to teach you how to make something beautiful and useful from a piece of steel. The ovens are already burning upon entering, and I secretly find it quite exciting. After all, you have to strike while the iron is hot!
Karl and Ralph are good teachers. They explain everything clearly, demonstrate it and help where it is needed – and I need a lot of help, oops. I am once again confronted with the fact that I have little strength in my arms. It’s arduous work. But even I manage to create a homemade bottle opener to take home as a souvenir. And yes, I tested it: it works!
You can sign up for a workshop via the Gut Karlshöhe website. If you want to know more about the Schmiedejungs, check out their website.
Cheese fondue in Hamburg’s nature
For those who didn’t know yet: I love cheese. So when I get the chance to enjoy a cheese fondue with Waldfondue Hamburg on the green grounds of Gut Karlshöhe, I will be there. The fire is burning, and a huge pan full of cheese swings above it. It is a delicious blend of four local kinds of cheese.
I get a long stick, a bag of bread, and a handy green apron with special pockets in which I can keep my glass of mulled wine. I’m ready to fondue! And lovely people, I really tried my hardest to live up to the Dutch cheese head reputation, but I haven’t managed to get to the bottom of the pot.
The Waldfondue is mainly organized in autumn and winter. That’s also when it’s most atmospheric. Again, keep an eye on Gut Karlshöhe’s schedule for this. If you want to know more about Waldfondue, check the website.
Want more Germany inspiration?
Useful links for your Germany trip
- Travel guides. I love the practical guide books from Lonely Planet. You can buy them at Bol.com and Amazon.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Transavia often has good deals, but definitely check out Momondo, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Train and Bus Travel with NS International or FlixBus to Germany. And reserve bus seats with Busbud, 12Go or Omio. More local trains via Save a Train.
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Natuurhuisje. Or try Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Money. Your bank cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours are available at Freetour.com and GuruWalk, and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museum. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? The Dutch among us can try: ANWB vakanties or Sawadee, or maybe Tui, D-Reizen, Sunweb, and Vakantie Discounter?
Or, try a yoga retreat.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission – at no extra costs to you of course!
First published: September 2022. Updated since!
