Okie

have an opportunity to travel with my husband to Hamburg soon. He will be staying and working in Buxtehude for a few days and then will have the weekend free to travel. Several questions:
1. What is the best way to get from Hamburg to Buxtehude? I may arrive a day later than him, so I want an easy, safe way to get there since I would be by myself.
2. Is there anything to do in Buxtehude on days he is working (sightseeing, shopping, etc)? Is it a walking city, or would I need other transportation? Is it safe for a solo traveler?
3. With 2 days free to travel on the weekend with my husband, what would you do? Go to Hamburg? Another neighboring city? Would like to have advice on what should not be missed in case this is our only trip to the area!

michelhuebeli

The name Buxtehude is worldwide recognized as that of a baroque composer. The city is reached in 34 or 38 minutes on a direct train from Hamburg Hbf (Hbf = Hauptbahnhof = principal station). See www.bahn.de

If you google the name of the town, once you get past the returns for the composer, you'll find several entries about the town and what there is. But even if there isn't much to do for your taste, Hamburg is so close, you won't get bored.

tonfromleiden

Nearby (15-20 mins on a half-hourly train) is the historical former Hansa city of Stade. Good for a leisurely day-trip for you while DH is working.
The Wikipedia is also a good source of information. And ViaMichelin gives good maps.
I wouldn't worry about your personal safety. These are small provincial cities.

quokka

Another vote for Stade. It is a beautiful little town, sort of a miniature Lübeck, minus the tourists, and it is easy to reach by train. I recommend the historical museum by the old harbour.

If the weather cooperates, you could even go to Cuxhaven for a walk along the beach, ship-spotting and observing the changing tides.

tonfromleiden

Don't mention Lübeck! My favourite city in northern Germany. Some 45 mins beyond Hamburg.

Okie

Thank you all for your suggestions. ��

wunderbar2

Third vote for Stade, maybe you could plan to go on market day. Be sure to go down to the Fischmarkt and walk around. We lived in Stade for a year and really enjoyed it.

menachem

So they're near Hamburg, but they shouldn't go there? Hamburg is great!

quokka

No one said they should not go to Hamburg. But she seems to have several days to fill, and since she (unnecessarily) seems to be concerned about safety issues, a small town may give her more confidence for the start.

Okie

I'd love to have ideas for Hamburg as well as we will visit there for sure over the weekend. We like to do the "must sees", but also like to get a taste of the real culture of the city (I.e, get away from the "touristy" spots).

I appreciate the comments about safety. I'm glad to hear I don't really need to worry about it.

I am definitely adding Stade to the itinerary. Anything in particular there I shouldn't miss?

I haven't found much for Buxtehude... Any ideas there would be appreciated.

Thanks to all!!

menachem

here's something to get you started

http://www.spottedbylocals.com/hamburg/

quokka

Have a look in here: http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/140125/ for my two cents' worth about Stade.

Which month will you be going?

Okie

Early March