Hamburg, unlike many cities in Germany, is a very different city as it is centered around a series of large lakes and winding waterways, including many canals and the large River Elbe. Home to a diverse culture fostered by its outwardly looking people, Hamburg is commonly known as the ‘Gateway to the World’ which is seemingly supported by its flag that displays a fortified gateway!! Hamburg possesses a dynamic architectural landscape and a diverse cultural scene which is comprised of 40 theatres, 30 cinemas, nearly 50 museums and galleries, countless bars and clubs plus concerts and festivals!! Strewn around the city are well known and popular areas such as the Altstadt, where this historic city displays its story through its architecture, from its old gabled paths and the 17th century merchant houses to the beautiful 19th century Rathaus and the adjacent Stock Exchange, and the Neustadt where the city’s landmark can be found the 17th century St Michaelis Church with its 132 metre spire. Or the St Pauli neighborhood which provides the exciting local fish market (Sundays only), the harbor promenade and in contrast the Reeperbahn, an amazing collection of nightlife from sex shops to cafes, bars to discos. Or for something a little less hectic and confrontational, the Alster, the big lake in the heart of the city which offers pleasant walks and boat trips to view the unique city skyline and explore the canals and waterways.
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany next to Berlin and is also a state, being located within the Federal State of Hamburg, which lies in the north-central region of the country. Its official name is the ‘Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg’ but is known generally as Hamburg. The implications of its official name are far reaching as it gives some idea into the history of this major sea port. It was part of the medieval ‘Hanseatic League’ of merchants a group of traders, and is called ‘Free’ as this indicates it was a free city within the Holy Roman Empire!! Today it stands to reason that Hamburg is therefore an historic city and was a major commercial centre, as it is now. The port of Hamburg has gained importance due to its location on the River Elbe, and has always been the main economic provider of the city. This trading activity has been the main driving force behind the cities development into a major transportation hub which now includes rail, air and sea, and the port of Hamburg has grown to become Germany’s largest deep water sea port. Home to an estimated 1.8 million residents, Hamburg is the commercial and cultural centre of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region which encompasses a population of over 4 million residents.
The Altstadt is the site of the former medieval settlement and with the addition of the Neustadt, which stands to the west, comprises the Old Town of Hamburg. Bounded by the harbour and by a string of roads that follow the line of the old fortifications, this area contains a few great buildings including the five principal churches whose spires create Hamburg’s skyline. These include St. Jacobi Church, St. Peter’s Church which is the oldest Parish church in Hamburg and has been built on the highest point in the Altstadt, St Catherine’s Church, the St Nikolai Church of which only the 147 metre spire remains which was left standing as a reminder of the Second World War, and the best known church in Hamburg, the grand Baroque St Michaelis Church. The finest view of the five spires and the inner city with is waterfront can be seen at its best from the Lombard Bridge. Attractions within the city of Hamburg must include a quick trip to see some of the historic harbourside warehouses, the oldest in the world!! Built of red brick and complete with turrets and gables, it was in these buildings that exotic goods were stored from around the world and which made Hamburg its fortunes. This area, known as Speicherstadt, is a popular tourist destination and includes an open-air theatre, a spice museum and an old Russian submarine. It is worth mentioning that the infamous ‘red light district’ of the Reeperbahn is one of Hamburg’s most popular attractions and consists not only of the many streetwalkers who work here, but strip shows, sex shops and even an Erotic Art Museum. The Reeperbahn, or Rope Street, is where in earlier times rope was made for all of the sailing boats that used the harbour, and it was here the same ship’s sailors were encouraged to find some comfort or entertainment.
If it’s more culture that’s needed to make your visit worthwhile why not make a trip to the Hamburg State Opera or the Hamburg Ballet, and if all else fails what about a museum!! Standing near the Church of St Michaelis can be found a branch of the Hamburg Museum. This is housed within two very interesting 17th century fully restored traditional half timbered houses, and includes a re-furbished widow’s apartment of the mid 19th century. The most popular museum is the Kunsthalle which houses one of the most notable art collections in Germany. There is also the very interesting Naval Museum which houses several historic sailing vessels and follows the history of shipping, the main Hamburg Museum and the Altonaer Museum which displays regional history. The Altonaer also organises monthly music recitals including at times Hamburg’s famous sons, Brahms and Mendelssohn. Whilst on this subject there is also the Johannes Brahms Museum which is located in a renovated 18th century Baroque house which reflects the old Hamburg in which he lived.
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