The Port of Hamburg, Germany
ABOUT
Hamburg was founded in the 9th century as a mission settlement to convert the Saxons. Since the Middle Ages, it has been an important trading center in Europe.
Situated in northern Germany, it is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It is crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.
Population in 2023 was approximately 1,788,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
Built on trade the city has been through Danish, Prussion, French and Nazi rule and endured fires, floods and diseases. Its history creates give the city a unique look with its old buildings blending with modern architecture.
You can see the Rathaus or City Hall, the Hamburg Museum which brings to life its 1200 year old history, there are timber framed houses that have survived against the odds. Take a trip back to the war years with a visit to the former concentration camp at Neuengamme, now a museum and memorial.
Hamburg is also famed for its Christmas Markets and if you are ever in the area it is an absolute must to visit.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have visited Hamburg on more than one occasion. Very often it has been around the time of the Christmas Markets. The largest of them is situated in the square adjacent to the Rathaus and is a delightful mix of sights, sounds, smells and tastes (of course). If you are there at the right time of day you may even see ‘fly by’ from Santa Claus!
Our most recent visit was a New Year cruise on P&Os Aurora. We had time during the day to take an organised trip for a coach tour around the city and then a visit to ‘Miniatur Wunderland’.
The Miniatur Wunderland is, according to Guinness World Records, the largest model railway system in the world. The exhibition includes around 1,120 digitally controlled trains with more than 10,000 wagons and takes you on a tour around the world. It is constantly being updated and work goes on throughout the year to bring new exhibits to the public.
As you go through this enormous building you can also see some of the workings, the workshop, souvenir shop and importantly a very welcome cafe.
One tip is to book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction and some days can be sold out (it also saves on queuing when you get there). Another is to wear good walking shoes and if you find stairs difficult be prepared to wait for lifts (elevators).
As mentioned, the most recent visit was to celebrate New Year. Viewpoints from the ship are recommended and the fireworks go off throughou the evening, with the main display at that magical time of midnight.
Hamburg is undountedly a place we shall visit again and it remains to be seen whether it is the sights of the city, the smell of the Glug or the taste of the German beer or the brätwurst that draws us back.
To check out our experiences in Hamburg just click the video below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).