Colourful leaves, grey clouds: Leisure activities in autumn

‘Hurray, hurray, autumn is here!’ This sentence is rarely heard in Hamburg at this time of year. We northerners are used to grubby weather, but with cold, constant rain and a stiff breeze sweeping through the streets, the question often arises as to how you can brighten up an autumn day like this.

That's why we've gone on a search and picked out some autumn activities in Hamburg for you.

The weather's looking grim: what can you do in the wind and rain in autumn?

There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes... But sometimes it doesn't help and you're longing for indoor activities. Then it's off to the warmth!

Fortunately, there are plenty of leisure activities in Hamburg that you can do indoors in autumn. From museums and shopping centres to swimming and fun pools, there's the perfect outing for any rainy weather.

This is what a cosy autumn day in rainy weather could look like:

• 18:00 am After a long day out and about in Hamburg, rest and relaxation are on the evening programme. Enjoy the warmth of a sauna infusion or relax all your muscles and try floating.

• 10:00 am Go to the museum before everyone else. Most museums open their doors in the morning. Take the opportunity to visit the exhibition of your choice before the crowds. This will give you enough time and space to explore and take photos. Book tickets directly here.

• 12:00 am Time for a snack. Which lunch is perfect for autumn? Soup! In Hamburg, for example, you'll find Souperia. It offers a changing selection of different soups at lunchtime. Perfect for warming you up on the inside.

• 14:00 am What can you always do in Hamburg (except on Sundays)? Stroll, shop, shop! Here, too, Hamburg offers many possibilities. Whether it's the Europapassage, second-hand shops or small boutiques, there's something for everyone. Alternatively, you can also take a look around one of Hamburg's libaries. A good read is always perfect for long autumn evenings.

• 16:00 am After so much programme, you should definitely treat yourself to a break. Find a nice café nearby, have a tea or chai latte and watch the autumn hustle and bustle on the streets.

Don't step outside: tips for autumn activities at home

Sometimes autumn is merciless and it rains all at once. To prevent the autumn blues from bringing your mood down or making you bored at home, here are a few tips for keeping busy at home:

• Make yourselves comfortable: bring a little light and cosiness into your home and get out the autumn decorations. Fairy lights and tea lights are always a good idea. If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own lanterns or decorate an autumn plate with colourful leaves, chestnuts and other things from nature.

• Get out the games box: Whether with friends, family or parents, a cosy afternoon of games is always a good idea. Between classic games such as Ludo or an exciting competition in Uno, the mood rises. Did you know that there are also popular escape rooms for your living room? Unlike normal board games, the whole room is transformed into a puzzle. You simply order the game instructions online (e.g. from livingroomescape), prepare the puzzle at home and invite friends or family round. Perfect if you want to stay at home and have fun!

• Think warm thoughts: Are you longing for the sun? Then start planning your next summer holiday! Browse through travel guides or blogs and be inspired by the beautiful pictures. Put a dab of sun cream on your face and your endorphin levels will soar. We promise!

The weather plays along: What can you do on a beautiful autumn day?

A golden autumn day is on the cards. Mild temperatures, a light breeze whispering in the colourful leaves and rays of sunshine warming your face. High time for you to make the most of the good weather. So that you can start the autumn day with a good plan, we have put together a few excursions, ideas and suggestions for you here.

Our highlights for golden autumn days:

• Out into nature: Whether through the city park, along the water or through the woods, an autumn walk should definitely be on your to-do list. Enjoy the colours and beauty of the season in the open air. Here are a few tips for walks in Hamburg in autumn.
• Excursion to the wildlife park: On a trip to a wildlife park, you can combine a leisurely walk with animal watching. This is always a great day out, especially for children. It's also great for parents: toilets, bistros and playgrounds with benches are almost always on site. There are various wildlife parks in Hamburg where you can observe animals in their natural habitat. For example, the Schwarzeberge wildlife park or the Niendorfer Gehege. Families with children can also enjoy an adventure on a children's farm.
• Apples, fresh from the tree: Apples, the Germans' favourite fruit, are a must in autumn. From September onwards, we Hamburg residents in particular are drawn to Europe's largest closed fruit-growing region - the Altes Land. Located directly on the Elbe and accessible by car, S-Bahn or ferry, there are countless apple farms in the Altes Land. Here you can either pick your own apples or buy everything your apple heart desires in the farm shops.
• Capture the autumn mood: Especially in autumn, when the sun sets over the Elbe, the harbour shines in a particularly beautiful light and the fog transforms the city into a mystical world. Grab your camera or mobile phone and go on a photo safari through Hamburg and capture the autumn atmosphere in your photos. Here are a few ideas for unusual photo spots in Hamburg.

Our personal autumn bucket list

We asked around our team to find out what their personal favourite activities are in autumn.

• Wendy: ‘When the weather is fine, I like to go outside. Sure, I like the forest, but my favourite places are playgrounds. When the swings are free, I like to sit there with a pumpkin spice latte in my hand and my best friend next to me. Then we chat about anything and everything and enjoy the atmosphere.’
• Marie: ‘When it's raining, I'm Team Netflix & Chill! When the weather is good, I go to the old country and pick apples. Then we have apple pancakes with apple sauce at home for days on end.’
• Lucien: ‘I like going to the library with my daughter. It's also a good idea when it's raining and stormy. We browse through the many children's books in a cosy atmosphere. The children's activities organised for the Day of German Unity are also really great. We've already taken part in some really great workshops.’
• Charlyn: ‘In autumn, I prefer to go out to the sea. Luckily, you can get to the North Sea relatively quickly by car from Hamburg. There's nothing better than letting the rough North Sea wind blow through your head and walking along the almost deserted beach. Cooking pumpkin soup and drinking tea are also at the top of my list of autumn activities.’