Hamburg's first hidden treasure is the Treppenviertel Blankenese, a charming neighborhood nestled in the hills above the Elbe River. This unusual neighborhood is more reminiscent of a Mediterranean town than a typical German development. The history of the place dates back to the 18th century, when wealthy Hamburg merchants began to build their summer residences here. Today, Treppenviertel impresses with a maze of narrow streets and more than 5,000 stairs (hence the name 'stair district') that lead between white houses cascading down to the river. The upper terraces offer a spectacular view of the Elbe River and passing ships. Particularly charming is the Süllberg vantage point, which offers a panoramic view of the harbor. Local legend has it that whoever walks down all the Blankenese stairs will be blessed with good luck throughout the year.

Another non-obvious place worth visiting is the World of Miniatures Wunderland. Although the attraction itself is quite well-known, few people know that it hides fascinating secrets and details that elude most visitors. The world's largest railroad model covers an area of more than 1,500 square meters and depicts not only Hamburg, but also the Alps, Scandinavia, America and many other regions of the world. Most impressive is the fact that an average of 8 hours was worked on each square inch of this exhibition! Among the 265,000 figures hidden in the mock-up, you can find amusing scenes, such as a bank robbery, a secret agent meeting or even.... UFOS. The developers regularly add new elements, so even on your next visit you can discover something new. An interesting fact is that Wunderland has its own day and night system - every 15 minutes it goes dark, and the miniature city lights up with thousands of tiny lamps.

The International Maritime Museum is another gem that is often overlooked by tourists. It is housed in one of the oldest warehouses in the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt district. The building itself is an architectural marvel - it dates back to 1879 and is an excellent example of neo-Gothic brick warehouses. Inside, a veritable treasure trove of Hamburg's maritime history awaits. The museum has an impressive collection of more than 40,000 artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments and artifacts excavated from the sea floor. Particularly fascinating is the reconstruction of a captain's cabin from the 19th century and interactive storm simulators. Few people know that the museum's basement houses a mysterious 'pirate vault' with authentic items belonging to the famous capers and pirates who once terrorized the North Sea. According to local tales, on nights of the full moon, you can hear the whispers of ancient sailors here.

Hamburg Dungeon is a place that offers much more than just the standard spooks. This interactive attraction is housed in a historic building in the heart of Speicherstadt and takes visitors on a journey through more than 600 years of the city's dark history. Few people know that the show's scenarios are based on authentic historical events that have haunted Hamburg. One of the most harrowing is a reconstruction of the Great Fire of 1842, which consumed nearly a third of the city at the time. During the 90-minute tour, visitors also learn the story of the famous pirate Klaus Störtebeker, who was beheaded in Hamburg in 1401. According to legend, after the execution, the pirate's headless body rose and walked past eleven of his companions before falling - all of whom he passed were pardoned. Unfortunately, the executioner realized and substituted a leg for the body after the ninth step. At Hamburg Dungeon, you can also experience a simulation of the 1664 plague epidemic and survive the 1717 flood that killed more than 11,000 residents of the North Sea coast. Unlike other similar attractions, Hamburg Dungeon involves professional actors who tailor their performances to the audience's reactions, making each tour unique.

Alstermündung is where the Alster River flows into the Elbe, creating a unique urban ecosystem. This area is often overlooked by tourists, and is one of the most beautiful vantage points in the city. The history of the site is fascinating - in the Middle Ages it was a center of trade and river transportation, crucial to Hamburg's development as a trading power. Today it is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of a bustling metropolis. From the Steinhöft's observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the harbor and the distinctive red bricks of Speicherstadt reflected in the water. The view is especially magical at sunset, when the last rays dye the water gold and red. According to local tradition, tossing a coin into the place where the waters of the two rivers mix brings good luck in business - a custom practiced by Hamburg merchants for centuries.

Park Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers) is the green lung of Hamburg and one of the most beautiful city parks in Europe. Founded in 1821 as a botanical garden, today it covers an area of 47 hectares in the heart of the city. Few people know that the park is home to Europe's largest Japanese garden, designed by the master Yoshikuni Araki. This garden, opened in 1990, is considered the most beautiful Japanese garden outside Japan. Particularly impressive is the tea ceremony, held regularly in a traditional pavilion. The park is also famous for its light and water shows, which take place in the evenings from May to September. The fountains 'dance' to the rhythm of classical music, and the whole thing is illuminated by colorful spotlights, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Interestingly, the park is home to more than 5,000 plant species, including some rare and endangered ones. In winter, part of the park turns into the city's largest ice rink, where you can skate among the illuminated trees.

Hamburgisches Wattenmeer National Park is a true natural wonder located on the outskirts of the city. Established in 1985, this national park protects the unique ecosystems of the Wadden Sea - a tidal area that changes its face twice a day under the influence of the tides. UNESCO has recognized the area as a World Natural Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity. Few people know that the Wadden Sea is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world - one square meter of the seabed can contain up to 100,000 small organisms! The park is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and animals, including rare gray seals and common seals. Particularly fascinating are the guided tours of the seafloor at low tide, when you can walk dry-footed where ships sailed a few hours earlier. Local legend has it that the first settlers were guided by seals, who showed them safe passages through the treacherous shallows. The best time to visit the park is late spring and early summer, when you can watch thousands of birds migrating along the eastern Atlantic route.

When comparing all seven attractions, it is worth noting their diversity and unique character. Treppenviertel Blankenese offers picturesque views and a romantic atmosphere, ideal for couples and architecture lovers. It is a free attraction, although getting there requires some effort due to the numerous stairs. The World of Miniatures Wunderland is a more expensive proposition (ticket prices are on the medium to high end), but offers entertainment for hours and is perfect for families with children. The International Maritime Museum has mid-level prices and attracts mainly history and sailing enthusiasts.

Hamburg Dungeon is the most expensive of the attractions described, but is also the most interactive and engaging. It is not recommended for young children or sensitive people. Alstermündung, on the other hand, is a free attraction, ideal for a leisurely stroll and photography - perfect for those looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Park Planten un Blomen is also free and offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from families to seniors. Hamburgisches Wattenmeer National Park requires the longest commute from the city center, but makes up for it with unique nature experiences that cannot be experienced anywhere else in Hamburg.

In terms of accessibility, Wunderland Miniature World and the International Maritime Museum are the most mobile-friendly, with elevators and ramps. The Treppenviertel Blankenese can be challenging for the elderly or those in wheelchairs due to its many stairs. The Hamburg Dungeon is also not fully handicapped accessible due to narrow passageways and stairs.

In terms of sightseeing time, the longest visits are to Wunderland Miniature World (3-4 hours on average) and Wattenmeer National Park (a full day with access). The shortest visits are to Alstermündung (about an hour) and Treppenviertel Blankenese (2-3 hours). For those with limited time, the best choice would be Park Planten un Blomen, which is located in the center of the city and can be visited even with a short walk.

In conclusion, Hamburg offers much more than the popular attractions known from guidebooks. These seven non-obvious sites allow you to discover the true character of the city - its history, culture, nature and unique heritage. Whether you're a lover of architecture, history, nature or just looking for an unforgettable view, there's something for you in Hamburg off the beaten tourist track.