A Summer in Neustadt, Germany: A Journey Full of Childhood Memories

Neustadt, Germany, is a picturesque town on the Baltic Sea coast, attracting many visitors with its historic sights, luxurious hotels, and family-friendly activities. Hans has loved the stories of Winnetou since childhood, knowing every book and film by heart. He could efficiently serve as a voice actor for any Winnetou film, having watched them thousands of times. When one of our friends, an orthopedist, began regularly covering for a practice in Neustadt, the two men came up with the idea to visit the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg. Our friend has also been a massive fan of Winnetou since childhood.

While our husbands immerse themselves in Winnetou’s adventures, my friend and I enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling with KIA along the beautiful Baltic Sea beach.

Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg near Neustadt, Germany

The Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg is an impressive open-air theater event held annually since 1952. The 2024 season features “Winnetou II – Ribanna and Old Firehand” from June 29 to September 8. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year and offers a captivating mix of excitement, stunts, romance, and adventure, similar to the stories of the Wild West in the USA (Karl May Festival Bad Segeberg) (Karl May Wiki).

The Arborea Marina Resort in Neustadt, Germany: Luxury and Relaxation at the Marina

The Arborea Marina Resort in Neustadt is a modern and stylish sailor hotel. The rooms offer breathtaking views of the marina, where luxurious yachts and sailboats are moored. The hotel offers numerous amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and recreational activities such as yoga and water sports. The hotel’s restaurant, which serves regional and seasonal dishes with a view of the Baltic Sea, is particularly recommended.

Culinary Experiences: Restaurant Recommendations in Neustadt, Germany

During our stay in Neustadt, dining at Meyer’s Sea Lounge has become our traditionMeyer’s Sea Lounge. This restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and is within walking distance of the Arborea Marina Resort. Sailors gather here after a successful sailing trip to enjoy the fresh, regional dishes and the relaxed ambiance.

Other Restaurant Recommendations:

• Hofküche Gut Panker:
  • Description: The Hofküche at Gut Panker offers authentic North German cuisine in a historic setting. The farm shop and restaurant are known for their regional and seasonal dishes, prepared with ingredients from their farm. The fish dishes and homemade specialties are particularly recommended.
  • Atmosphere: Rustic and cozy, perfect for a relaxing evening after a day of exploration.
• Pier 19:
  • Description: Pier 19 is a modern restaurant on the water known for its fresh fish dishes and creative maritime cuisine. Guests can dine in a stylish setting with views of the harbor. The menu offers a variety of seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options.
  • Atmosphere: Elegant and relaxed, ideal for a special dinner or lunch with views of the yachts.

Experiences at the Baltic Sea and in Holstein-Switzerland

Neustadt and the surrounding region offer numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy water sports, cycling along the coast, and hiking through Holstein-Switzerland. The natural beauty of the area and the relaxed atmosphere make Neustadt an ideal place for relaxation and adventure.

Some unique places and activities in the region that are typical of Germany and particularly appealing to Americans include:

• Holstein-Switzerland: A picturesque area with gentle hills, forests, and lakes. Perfect for hiking and cycling.
• Hansa-Park: An amusement park in Sierksdorf that offers fun for the whole family.
• Plön: A charming small town with a beautiful castle and stunning views of Lake Plön.
• Lübeck: A historic city known for its well-preserved medieval center and famous marzipan.
• Travemünde: A picturesque seaside resort with a wide beach and maritime flair.

A Dog’s Life: KIA Discovers Neustadt and the Baltic Sea

Our Labrador puppy, KIA, also enjoyed the trip to Neustadt. She loved the walks on the beach and playing in the water. Everything is so new and exciting for her. If you read the article about Sylt and see the pictures of KIA, you will notice how fast she has grown. She is slowly becoming a real Labrador 🐶…

For Americans Interested in Northern Germany…

Indeed, you wouldn’t travel from the USA to Germany specifically to visit Neustadt or the Winnetou Festival. Nevertheless, Neustadt could be the perfect starting or ending point for an exciting Germany or Europe trip. Here is our suggestion on how to incorporate Neustadt into your travel itinerary:

Arrival and Travel Planning

Flight to Frankfurt

• Frankfurt Airport: Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and offers numerous direct and affordable connections from the USA. After arrival, there are many opportunities to explore the region.
• Heidelberg: Visit the picturesque city of Heidelberg, known for its beautiful old town and impressive castle.
• German Wine Route: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the German Wine Route, known for its picturesque vineyards and charming wine villages.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Discover the medieval beauty of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved old town and picturesque scenery.
• Rheingau: Explore the Rheingau region, famous for its exceptional Riesling wines and stunning landscapes along the Rhine River. Hans and I lived in Wiesbaden for many years and know the Rheingau very well—we will soon write a detailed article about it for you.
• Wiesbaden Erbenheim: About 30 minutes from Frankfurt lies the US military base in Wiesbaden Erbenheim. Many Americans have friends or relatives they want to visit here.

Recommended Hotels in Frankfurt:

• Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof: A luxurious hotel in the city’s heart, ideally for sightseeing and business travelers.
• Radisson Blu Hotel: A modern hotel with excellent service and a central location, perfect for tourists and business travelers.

Continuing to Berlin

• Train ride to Berlin: From Frankfurt, you can comfortably travel to Berlin. The journey takes about 4 hours.
• Sights in Berlin: Berlin is a city entire of history and culture. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Holocaust Memorial, and East Side Gallery. The vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene are also highlights. We have many tips and personal recommendations in our “Recommendations” section: Berlin.

Side Trip to Hamburg

• Train ride to Hamburg: From Berlin, you can reach Hamburg in about 2 hours by train.
• Experiences in Hamburg: Hamburg, known for its vast port and the Elbphilharmonie, offers a mix of maritime flair and urban charm. Explore the historic fish market, the trendy St. Pauli district, and the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recommended Hotels in Hamburg:

• The Fontenay: A luxurious hotel with spectacular views of the Alster and first-class service.
• 25hours Hotel HafenCity: A modern and trendy hotel in the heart of HafenCity, ideal for tourists and business travelers.

Final Stop in Neustadt and Return Flight to the USA

• Neustadt as a Relaxing Conclusion: After an exciting tour through Germany, you can relax in Neustadt. Enjoy the fresh sea air, the idyllic landscape, and the excellent amenities of the Arborea Marina Resort.
• Return Flight from Hamburg: Hamburg’s proximity allows for a relaxed return flight to the USA. Take the opportunity to spend the last days of your trip in a relaxed environment and enjoy the beauty of the Baltic Sea.