Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. Hamburg also has the second largest port in Europe after Rotterdam. The harbour is a very important part of the city as it plays a very important role in the city’s economy.The city is one of the most

exciting cities in Europe,there is always something going on–particulary in the summer. The Schlagermove – a two day festival of love in St. Pauli – where the centre is filled with brightly dressed people listening to the 70’s and 80’s music blasting out of the floats- definitely a sight to behold!

The gastro-fair Alstervergnügen Binnenalster is also not one to miss- hundreds of stands offering visitors the opportunity to try out some of the local Hamburg delicacies. Don’t miss the fireworks of an evening too!

Visit Landungsbrücken (landing stages) on the harbour and enjoy one of the many boat trips that are on offer there. Visitors can choose from a large cruise liner that sails up the Elbe River, the tour guide offers an interesting commentary on the history of the harbour and the countries and companies that export and import goods to and from Hamburg. The only English tour runs at 12pm on a day to day basis- be sure to book early especially in the summertime when the harbour is teeming with tourists. Other boat trips include a tour of the Speicherstadt. The famous Rickmer Rickmers can also be found at the waters edge, a former East Indies windjammer that sailed the oceans of the world for 66 years. The three-masted sailing ship is now a museum and can be visited on a daily basis. A second museum ship, the Cap San Diego is also moored alongside.

The Speicherstadt (warehouse city) is also worth a visit and is where many museums are located such as Spicy’s Museum- which gives an interesting insight into the many herbs and spices that can be found around the world. The Hamburg dungeon which is popular with children and is a museum dedicated to the horrible history of Hamburg such as the execution of the feared pirate Störtebeker and the death and destruction the Great Fire of Hamburg caused. Miniatur Wonderland is also a fascinating museum to visit and houses the largest Ho-Gauge model railroad layout in the world- there are also many other mini constructions of national and international scenes.

If you want a break from the waters edge, visit Hagenbecks Tierpark- a zoo which is home to around 2500 animals, many of which roam free in their open enclosures. Children (and adults) can feed the elephants at the zoo entrance. Next door to the zoo is the Tropical Aquarium- it is possible to buy a combination ticket for both attractions which will save you around 5 Euros.

For those of you that like to shop, Hamburg has something for everyone. Visit the famous Alsterhaus and stock up on all those designer names. For those of you who are looking for something a bit different there are many flea-markets that take place in Hamburg, particularly on Saturdays.

The Lake Alster is also a beautiful place to visit, take a picnic along with you and enjoy the view. You can even hire a boat or a canoe and take to the water- very relaxing! Boat trips can also be organised from the Binnenalster near Jungfernstieg.

Hamburg is the city to visit! Book your flights and hire your car now!