Hamburg is an attractive city in North Germany. With a population of 1.8 million, it is second only to Berlin in size. It is also the biggest industrial city, with an area of 755 square kilometres. However, whilst the docks thrive with its busy trade the town has not been robbed of its natural beauty. I have been to many cities in Germany and whilst the majority are pleasant, I do find that some are quite similar. They have the same shops, basic shopping districts and a fairly typical atmosphere. However, Hamburg is very different and is extremely vibrant.
The origins of the city date back to the 9th century when 'Hammaburg' was founded. The river Elbe has always leant itself to the development of the impressive dock area. In 1189 the Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa distributed letters to all Hamburg citizens, which granted them freedom from taxes and duties down to the lower Elbe. This document remained in legal force until Hamburg became part of the German Empire in 1888. Cargo trade has always dominated its history, earning it the name "The Gateway to the World". Its importance in Germany's commerce leading to the founding of the first German stock exchange
in 1558. You are never far from water in the main town, with the huge artificial lakes and canals. Hamburg has a total of 2,321 bridges more than any other city in the world. Throughout its history, Hamburg has retained a tradition of being liberal. It has also been culturally rich with many famous concerts and plays being performed in its renowned theatre district. There is also a noted art gallery the 'Kunsthalle'.
The Reeperbahn is arguably Germany's most famous street, 'where night is turned into day.' This is in the St Pauli area of the city with its renowned red light district. The so-called 'Mile of Sin' has many bars, restaurants, sex cinemas and peep shows. It is also where the Beatles played their first shows abroad on their quest for world stardom. If you don't fancy visiting this area by night then you can have a look during the day as the StadtRundfahrt (City tour) takes you through this district as well as many other places of interest.
Near to the Reeperbahn is the dock area which is a hive of activity. The elegant sandstone building which connects the St Pauli landing bridges lines the side of the river. These bridges are still in use today. There is a tourist information office between bridges four and five which houses the only emigrants office in Germany. There you can find details of all the emigrants who left between 1850 and 1934. Boats continually dock in this area which is very energetic and offers many tourist trips as well as being an important centre for trade. There are many shops and restaurants in this area which feels very different from the centre of the town but equally appealing. I dined in one of these pleasant riverside bistros, enjoying good food and a superb ambience.
There are many exquisite buildings throughout the town with a particular favourite of mine being the Rathaus (town hall). This is a wonderful building built between 1886-97 to emulate the renaissance style, located by the large market square, which during my visit hosted a large wine festival, boasting many stalls. Another famous landmark is the tower of 'Michel', a stunning church tower that overlooks the main part of the town. It shares the skyline with St Katherine's tower and the ruined tower of old St Nicholas' church.
A recommended trip is boat tour of Lake Alster. This is a huge artificial lake in the middle of the town. Apparently the lake was created when an over zealous business man tried to dam up the river for his water mill and it burst its banks. The lake is enormous and offers wonderful views. There are many interesting and attractive buildings around the lake including many expensive houses and even a Mosque! The Binnenalster (the inner part of the lake) is part of the old town and is especially glorious, lined by exclusive hotels, boutiques and restaurants.
There is a good array of restaurants which cater for various different needs. From the quick snack to the height of sophistication. Prices are good compared to Britain, although it seems a little pricey by German standards. North Germany has a good reputation for fish dishes and Hamburg certainly doesn't disappoint. The back drop of the docks or the canals makes this a popular destination to eat out.
Shopping is very impressive. There are numerous exclusive boutiques and attractive shopping arcades especially the Alster arcades which are reminiscent of the Venetian style. People call this area, the 'boulevard of shopping dreams'. There is also a large modern shopping area with many famous department stores. The Saturn outlet is the largest electrical store in the world and is accompanied by many other huge chains which tower over the busy shopping streets.
The transport system is excellent. Even by Germany's high standards it rates as one of the best. There is a good underground network as well as trams, buses and trains. The main train station is enormous, with various shops and restaurants under the largest free span roof of any station in Germany. Tourists are recommended to buy a Tageskarte (Day ticket), an all-in-one travel card. If you are staying longer, it is worth buying a multiple day-ticket and these are available from most hotels. This ticket offers not only unlimited use on the city's transport but discounts on tourist trips. I received a discount on the a bus Standtrundfahrt (City tour) and on a delightful boat trip on lake Alster. You could hire a bike which is a popular way to get around town. Hoards of cyclists seem to greet you on every corner.
The weather in Hamburg isn't brilliant, the town is renowned for having a fairly poor climate. The old cliché is to take an umbrella with you, something the locals fiercely deny. I was fortunate to enjoy a few pleasant days in the sunshine but being so far North, temperatures can get low in the winter. The weather doesn't present a problem for most activities and large areas of the city are undercover.
There are many hotels in Hamburg. The prices vary considerably with Hamburg being a wealthy city some hotels offer the height of luxury. There are bargains to be found and I discovered a deal on the Deutsche Bahn (DB) (German railway) web site. Generally, you should pay less for an hotel than in Britain. The good transport links mean that most hotels are easy to reach.
Hamburg is a lovely city which much to offer. With many good quality restaurants, bars and shops. This vibrant attractive city is well worth a visit.
Flights from London Heathrow start from around £110. Flight time is 1 hr 30 mins approx.
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Mar 18th, 2007
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