Northern Germany is a land of strong character – and contrasts. Endless beaches, sand-dunes and picturesque fishing villages can be found on the North Sea and Baltic coasts.

Inland, the countryside is one of gently rolling hills, lakes and a unique expanse of heathland.

There are vibrant cities like Hamburg, famous alike for its elegant shops and its Red Light District; Bremen, Germany’s oldest maritime city; Kiel, famous for its annual international sailing regatta, is also a capital of Schleswig Holstein, which plays host to one of Europe’s most unusual annual music festivals; Lübeck, ringed by canals and topped by towers; and Hanover, with its well-known trade fairs and annual archery tournament.

And who can resist the lure of Hamelin, the fairy tale town that gave rise to the legend of the Pied Piper?