Hamburg: wanderlust and a maritime world city.

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Hamburg

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Explore the far corners of the globe and return via Hamburg – travel itineraries don't get much better than that. Gateway to the world, beautiful seafaring hub, maritime capital of the north – even the normally reserved locals find it hard to conceal their pride in their home city, its ambience and its cosmopolitan charm.

How do you like the sound of a port sightseeing tour followed by a stroll through the old town before heading to HafenCity, Hamburg's new city centre? Or perhaps the other way around… ? There are countless ways to discover the beguiling character of this Hanseatic trade centre that is at once steeped in tradition and at the forefront of modernity. That said, no visit to Hamburg would be complete without a boat trip around one of Europe's biggest ports. Sightseeing boats launch from the Landungsbrücken jetties and weave their way through huge container vessels, majestic steam-powered ocean liners and elegant yachts; an experience that can only be described as unforgettable. Make your visit all the more memorable with a leisurely stroll through the old town, where noble merchants once traded coffee, tea and spices. Today it's an inviting scene of residences and grand corner buildings from the 17th to the 19th century, quaint restaurants and laid-back bars. Another reminder of Hamburg's heritage is the historical Speicherstadt, home to the world's largest single complex of traditional brick warehouses, resting on thousands of oak supports and intersected by narrow waterways, the Fleets. Or if you want to discover the Hamburg of today and tomorrow, head to HafenCity, one of the largest inner-city construction projects in Europe and a contrast between seafaring heritage and cutting-edge architecture in the heart of the Überseequartier. Nestled between Speicherstadt and the port, this maritime world of discovery and shopping paradise stretches all the way to the Hamburg Cruise Center along a broad boulevard.

If this place doesn't give you a taste for cruises, then nothing ever will. After seeing some of the world's biggest and most spectacular cruise ships sailing in and out of Hamburg's port, you're sure to leave with aspirations of sailing the seven seas. The people of Hamburg are especially fond of the Queen Mary 2, a vessel for whom the city has become something of a second home. Every time the majestic ocean liner comes into port, thousands of well-wishers line the Elbe to welcome her – often accompanied by a huge fireworks display and always with great exuberance.

There are many places to enjoy spectacular views of the city's maritime goings-on, such as the viewpoint at the Cruise Center, or from the Perlenkette along the banks of the Elbe with its luxurious residences and exclusive restaurants, or from the Magellan Terraces that give an unparalleled view of Hamburg's latest landmark, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall on the western tip of HafenCity. One of the best places to see Hamburg in all its glory is the public viewing platform at the futuristic Dockland office building, which rises up from the Elbe at a height of 40 metres. Views of a very different kind are on offer in the lively, slightly flipped-out alternative quarter of St. Pauli with its famous red light district the Reeperbahn. Or there's the fish market in Altona, where fresh fish (and much more besides) is auctioned every Sunday at the crack of dawn – a shopping experience like no other. And speaking of shopping, Hamburg has something for everyone, including on the Jungfernstieg, the city's chic centre of shopping and finance that begins at the Inner Alster. Even here, in the heart of the city, you can take a gentle stroll along the riverside promenades. The same is true of the Outer Alster, the perfect place for a spot of leisure and recreation within easy reach of central Hamburg. And if you get the impression that the people of Hamburg simply can't get enough of the water, then you'd be absolutely right.

Highlights

Hamburg´s Speicherstadt Hamburg´s Speicherstadt and Miniature Wonderland »
Reeperbahn in Hamburg »
Geometry brought to life: Dockland »
Hamburg's new city centre: HafenCity »
Long-running hits: Hamburg's musicals »
Music of the future: the Elbe Philharmonic Hall »
Hamburg's most famous landmark: St. Michael's Church »
A lake in the heart of the city: the Alster »
The place to see and be seen: the Jungfernstieg »
Out for a stroll in Planten un Blomen Park »
Civic pride: Hamburg's town hall »
For the young and young at heart: Miniaturwelt Wunderland model railway »

Highlights

Hamburg´s Speicherstadt and Miniature Wonderland

It is a very pretty quarter – not at all the kind of place visitors expect to find in an international port – with its Wilhelminian brick Gothic buildings, unusual gables, little towers and winding lanes. Behind the thick walls, high-value goods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, tobacco and now computers are stored in a temperature-controlled environment. This is also the location of the world's largest Oriental carpet store. The Speicherstadt is one of the main attractions on the great harbour tour.
Reeperbahn in Hamburg

It has everything and anything you could wish for. The street on which the 100-metre ropes or reep were once braided is now home to any number of bars, pubs, discotheques, clubs, snack bars and, of course, red light establishments. There's also plenty of more wholesome entertainment on offer at venues ranging from the 'Operettenhaus', Schmidt Theatre and Schmidt's TIVOLI to Café Keese and the Quatsch Comedy Club.
Geometry brought to life: Dockland

This six-storey office block on the banks of the Elbe is one of Hamburg's most extraordinary buildings. Designed in the shape of a parallelogram slanting from east to west, it juts out 40 metres over the river, slicing through the air like the bow of a ship. The striking construction was built on a specially raised spit of land. Accessed via steps on the eastern side of the building, the public viewing platform on the sixth floor offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Elbe and Hamburg. Other special features include two sloping glass lifts up to the individual floors.
Hamburg's new city centre: HafenCity

Expanding Hamburg's inner city: HafenCity – currently Europe's biggest urban regeneration project – is a model for new waterside developments in city centres all over Europe. While the historical warehouse district with its neo-Gothic brick-built architecture has long been a dominant feature of Hamburg, the new development at HafenCity is bringing a refreshing new twist to the old harbour. This addition to Hamburg's inner city sets a new benchmark in Europe and beyond. Covering an area of 157 hectares, the vibrant district is a fascinating mix of office and residential buildings, retail outlets, leisure facilities, restaurants, cafés and culture.
Long-running hits: Hamburg's musicals

From The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King to Mamma Mia, Sister Act and Tarzan: Hamburg shares an affinity with New York and London as Germany's home of blockbuster musicals. Millions of visitors flock to the city's three big musical theatres every year, and hundreds of thousands more visit smaller venues such as the St. Pauli theatre. These are the domain of home-grown showpieces such as the captivating musical Heisse Ecke – a favourite with virtually every Hamburg resident, set around a busy snack bar in St. Pauli, the 24-hour party district.
Music of the future: the Elbe Philharmonic Hall

The Elbe Philharmonic Hall, designed by leading Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, is a prestige urban project and a new cultural centre for Hamburg. This distinguished venue will offer a mix of classical and 21st century music as well as lighter entertainment with a sophisticated flair. The project will blend the new cultural identity with the harbour's former role as a gateway to the world. Visitors are going to travel up an escalator through the Kaispeicher A to a public plaza 37 metres above the ground. From here, they can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the harbour, the river Elbe and the city. Read more
Hamburg's most famous landmark: St. Michael's Church

Hamburg's famous 'Michel' church is not only the most important baroque church in northern Germany; it could also be seen as one of the world's tallest lighthouses. For many years, it has served as an important landmark for boats travelling on the river Elbe. The 132 metre tower has almost 450 steps leading up to a viewing platform, which offers wonderful panoramic views of Hamburg and the harbour – especially at night. Other attractions include the 52 metre long nave with its impressive 20 metre high altar and Germany's biggest clock tower, whose hands alone weigh 130kg each.
A lake in the heart of the city: the Alster

The Inner and Outer Alster lakes are right in the centre of Hamburg. The most important waterways in the city after the Elbe, they consist of several sections. The source is in Henstedt-Rhen just outside Hamburg. Covering an impressive 164 hectares, the shores of the Outer Alster are popular with locals and visitors alike. Many people come to jog around the lake and there are always plenty of small sailing and rowing boats out on the water. The Alsterpark and any number of other green spaces with shady trees and panoramic views of the lake are perfect for escaping the bustle of urban life.
The place to see and be seen: the Jungfernstieg

Starting from Gänsemarkt square on the southern shores of Hamburg's Inner Alster lake, the historical Jungfernstieg promenade is now a popular shopping street in the heart of the city. In days gone by, wealthy families would walk their daughters along the Jungfernstieg in the hopes of attracting a would-be suitor. The buildings along this magnificent boulevard also look back on a proud heritage. A mix of old and new, they are home to the best hotels in the city, a number of banks and the entrance to the Europa Passage, one of the most exclusive shopping centres in Hamburg.
Out for a stroll in Planten un Blomen Park

One of Hamburg's most popular parks, the Planten un Blomen has much more to offer than just plants and flowers. In addition to the flora, fauna and well-maintained lawns, there are tropical hothouses, an apothecary garden, streams and lakes. Visitors can also look forward to the Japanese teahouse, stroll through the beautiful rose garden, skate, rollerblade and go pony riding – although the latter is for children only. People of all ages, however, can enjoy the miniature golf and trampolines. Older visitors make a beeline for the beer gardens and everyone is welcome at the romantic water and light shows every evening. Read more
Civic pride: Hamburg's town hall

Built between 1886 and 1897 in the neo-Renaissance style, Hamburg's town hall is one of the most striking parliamentary and government buildings in Germany. It's also the city's pride and joy. Situated in a central location between the Alster lake and Elbe river, it is larger than Buckingham Palace with almost 650 rooms. The triple-wing granite and sandstone masterpiece with its 112m wide, beautifully decorated facade, 112m high tower and copper roof certainly makes an impact. On the side of the building facing onto Rathausmarkt square, bronze sculptures between the window recesses depict 20 kings and kaisers from the days of the Holy Roman Empire, from Charlemagne to Franz II.
For the young and young at heart: Miniaturwelt Wunderland model railway

Within the walls of Hamburg's warehouse district, covering an area of 4,000m², this miniature world is open to visitors 365 days a year. There are 15,000 metres of tracks, ensuring that the 15,000 HO carriages reach their destination. 5,000 houses and bridges, 250,000 trees and 250,000 individual figures have also been used in the creation of this gigantic set. Almost half a million lights make the model railway look even more realistic and create an impressive atmosphere. The technology used behind the scenes is equally impressive: 60 computers are needed to control the trains.