Things To Do
in Rellingen

Rellingen is a small, picturesque town in northern Germany located in Schleswig-Holstein near Hamburg. It offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with tree-lined streets and a well-preserved village center. The surrounding countryside features canals, fields, and easy access to the larger Hamburg metropolitan area for day trips.

It serves as a convenient base for exploring both rural Schleswig-Holstein and urban Hamburg while retaining a village charm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Rellingen
morning
:

Arrive in Rellingen and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the local parks to shake off any travel fatigue. Enjoy a quaint breakfast at a nearby café, sampling some traditional German pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the charming village, stopping by local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs. Visit the historic St. John's Church, where you can marvel at its architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Grab a light lunch at a local eatery, enjoying the flavors of northern Germany.

evening
:

Relax with a traditional German dinner at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like schnitzel or bratwurst. After your meal, take a peaceful walk along the canals or through the town square, soaking in the serene evening ambiance. Wrap up your day with a cozy drink at a nearby pub, mingling with locals.

day 2
Visit to Hamburg
morning
:

Take a short train ride to Hamburg and begin your day with breakfast at a local café, famous for its rich coffee and fresh baked goods. After breakfast, head to the historic Speicherstadt district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire the stunning red-brick warehouses. Explore the Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway exhibition.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Elbphilharmonie, where you can take in spectacular views of the harbor from its rooftop terrace. Enjoy lunch in the lively HafenCity district, sampling delicious seafood or international cuisine. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and local street performers.

evening
:

Return to Rellingen and unwind with dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Opt for a night walk in the town, perhaps stopping by a local bakery for dessert to take back to your hotel. Enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant$40-70
Coffee$3-5
🧺Grocery basic weekly shop$40-70
🚗Gasoline (1 liter)$1.8-2.3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Hamburg and nature
  • Safe and clean environment
  • Good public transport links
  • Peaceful, family-friendly town
  • Accessible day trips to the coast and countryside
  • Limited nightlife within Rellingen itself
  • Smaller selection of restaurants compared to Hamburg
  • Occasional rain common in northern coastal areas
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
  • "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
  • "Ich möchte zahlen" - I would like to pay
  • "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Rellingen

Visit one of these nice places.

Rellingen Town Center (Rathausplatz)

A quaint square featuring timber-framed houses and the historic town hall, ideal for daytime and golden-hour photography.

Park and Tree-Lined Lanes

Lush green spaces with winding paths and seasonal foliage perfect for portraits and nature shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rellingen

Northern Germany offers hearty regional dishes and seaside-inspired fare. In Rellingen and the surrounding area, you’ll find a mix of traditional German specialties, local fish options, and cozy cafés perfect for a relaxed meal.

Rellingen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A classic northern German kale dish with sausage (Pinkel); especially popular in the colder months and often enjoyed with potatoes.

Must-Try!

Fischbrötchen

Fresh fish sandwich commonly enjoyed near coastal towns; look for herring, cod, or mackerel options with dill and salad.

Birnen, Bohnen und Speck

A traditional Schleswig-Holstein combination of pears, beans, and bacon; often served as a hearty, comforting plate.

Rote Grütze

A red berry compote dessert served with cream or vanilla sauce, a popular sweet finish in the region.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Pinneberg Wochenmarkt

Local farmers' market with seasonal produce, bread, dairy, and regional specialties on certain days each week.

Schenefeld/Halstenbek Street Food Events

Seasonal stalls and mobile food vendors offering regional snacks and quick bites in nearby towns.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and moderately warm summers. Rainfall is fairly common year-round, and coastal winds can be brisk, especially near the Elbe. Spring and autumn are typically comfortable, while winter can bring chilly days and occasional snowfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and greetings

Be punctual; greet strangers and elders with a polite 'Guten Tag' and a handshake; use formal 'Sie' unless invited to 'du'.

Quiet in public places

Maintain a respectful volume in trains and eateries; avoid loud conversations on public transport.

Safety Guide

Safety

Rellingen is generally safe for travelers. Practice standard travel safety: keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, use marked pedestrian crossings, and know local emergency numbers (112 for emergencies, 110 for police).

Tipping in Rellingen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common if no service charge is included; tips can be handed to the server directly or left on the table.

Payment Methods

Cash (Euro) and cards (EC/Girocard, Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; keep small bills handy for tips and small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with budding trees; good for garden and street photography. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella.

Summer

Long daylight hours and outdoor events; ideal for strolls, bike rides, and outdoor dining. Expect occasional showers.

Autumn

Autumn colors provide warm tones for photography; daylight hours shorten gradually; dress in layers.

Winter

Cool to cold with the possibility of frost or light snow; cozy cafés and nearby Hamburg's indoor sights are good alternatives.

Nightlife Guide

Rellingen at Night

Rellingen itself has a quiet nightlife with local pubs and cafés. For a broader nightlife experience, the nearby city of Hamburg offers clubs, live music venues, bars, and a wide range of dining and entertainment options.

Hiking in Rellingen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Duvenstedter Brook Nature Reserve

A large forest and moor area northeast of Hamburg with well-marked trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Elbe River Walks

Riverside trails along the Elbe offering scenic views and peaceful hiking near water.

Holsteinische Schweiz (Holstein Switzerland)

A nearby hilly region with longer hikes and viewpoints, ideal for a day trip from Rellingen.

Airports

How to reach Rellingen by plane.

Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Main international airport serving the region; quick connections to many European destinations, about 20-40 minutes from Rellingen by car depending on traffic.

Lübeck Airport (LBC)

Smaller regional airport serving northern Schleswig-Holstein; broader options include occasional international flights.

Billund Airport (BLL)

In Denmark; accessible for some trips but less convenient for typical Rellingen travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Rellingen's town center is walkable and pedestrian-friendly, with most amenities reachable on foot. For broader exploration or access to Hamburg’s sights, a short drive or public transport ride is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in the area due to schools, parks, and a safe environment.

Commuters

A significant portion of residents commute to Hamburg for work.

International residents

Proximity to Hamburg attracts residents from various EU countries and beyond.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed; local clubs provide youth and adult leagues in the region.

Handball

Popular sport in northern Germany with local teams and community leagues.

Cycling

Extensive cycling routes through Schleswig-Holstein, offering scenic rides along rivers and rural landscapes.

Transportation

Traffic

Regional traffic is normally smooth with access via the A23 and A7 corridors toward Hamburg. Public transport includes regional trains and buses connecting to Pinneberg, Halstenbek, and Hamburg; peak hours can see heavier congestion on major routes toward Hamburg.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rellingen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarisch options; look for 'vegetarisch' on menus and ask for dishes without meat or bacon.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Germany has excellent healthcare; in Rellingen and nearby towns you’ll find general practitioners, specialists, pharmacies, and clinics. For major care, you can travel to Hamburg’s hospitals. Emergency services use 112.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide