Hamburg is Germany's Gateway To the World.
Northern Germany's Largest Port Reflects its Hanseatic Past
Nov 22, 2008
Hamburg, on the Elbe River, is one of Germany’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. The “gateway to the world” was almost totally destroyed by fire in 1842 and in 1943 Allied bombers during World War II nearly obliterated the city, killing tens of thousands. Today, “Hansa Stadt” Hamburg is a popular tourist destination offering visitors a distinctive charm, superior shopping, an extensive menu of cultural experiences, and an historical tradition that can be explored throughout the city as well as its over sixty museums.
Tor Zur Welt (Gateway To the World)
One of the best ways to see Hamburg is by taking an extended “Hafenrundfahrt” or harbor cruise. One of Northern Europe’s busiest ports, Hamburg has always relied on trade in its over 1200 year history and this is still true today. From the harbor cruise visitors can catch a glimpse of the iconic “Michel,” the spire of St. Michael’s that has for centuries been the welcoming symbol for seafaring folk returning home after long voyages throughout the world. Additionally, the harbor cruise allows visitors to better understand the depth of Hamburg’s shipping trade. Along the banks of the Elbe, visitors will see the old “Speicher” buildings, warehouses that for many decades served as depots for unloaded goods coming from every corner of the globe. Today, these structures house stores and luxury apartments.
Nightlife and History
One of the best views of Hamburg is from the 270 foot tower of St. Michael’s. The Baroque church is both an important city emblem and landmark. Within the church district, visitors can stroll through old, restored Guild Houses or patronize the many pubs and cafes. Not far from St. Michael’s, Hamburg’s notorious “red light” district, St. Pauli’s “Reeperbahn" looms, featuring mature entertainment. Here the visitor will find clubs and cabarets, restaurants and bars. The legendary Beatles group performed in several Reeperbahn clubs during their formative years.
Hamburg is a city of water. Over 2400 bridges cross various waterways. Hamburg is often called the “Venice of the north.” Visitors can explore Hamburg with Alster cruises, small vessels navigating the many canals as well as the Alster tributary of the Elbe River. From the Alster, Hamburg appears as a city of elegant spires connecting the inner city landmarks and shopping districts.
Visitors to Hamburg will want to add the following to their list of “must see” items when in Hamburg:
- The “Telemichel” or TV tower with a revolving restaurant at the top.
- Hamburg’s Hagenbeck Zoo, the first zoo to house animals in open-air habitats instead of cages.
- The early morning fish market.
- The old fishing villiage of Blankenese, now a charming suburb overlooking the Elbe.
- The Museum of Hamburg History, which features superb maritime exhibits.
Shopping The Magic Mile
Monkebergstrasse is a mile of stores featuring some of the finest brands available. Adjacent to this shopping paradise the visitor will find the Hamburg Passages, Europe’s largest collection of shopping galleries. The Alsterhaus, one of the oldest full service department stores and recently redecorated, opens onto the Jungfernstieg, an avenue of distinct stores selling everything from fine jewelry to exquisite glassware. Hungry shoppers can enjoy eating at the Alster Pavilion, across from the Alsterhaus.
The “Free City” of Hamburg, a city-state within the German Republic, has much to offer. The “press capital” of Germany and one of Germany’s major industrial cities, Hamburg is home to a world-class opera company, two premier symphony orchestras, and over forty theaters. Spending a few days in Hamburg will be rewarding to any visitor interested in the culture and society of a North German city.
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