Hamburg
Discover Hamburg
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) is Germany's second-largest city and, at the same time, one of Germany's 16 federal states or Bundesländer. Prior to the formation of the modern German state, Hamburg for centuries enjoyed a status as de facto independent city state and regional power and trade hub in the North Sea. Although situated over 100 km (62 mi) upriver from the North Sea on the Elbe, Hamburg has been one of Europe's most important ports for centuries, as reflected in its full name referencing the Hanseatic League. The city was built on the confluence of the Elbe with a smaller tributary (the Alster), and much of the southern bank of the Elbe is today occupied by an enormous seaport. With a tumultuous history preserved in more than just the ancient name, Hamburg grew to become one of Germany's most affluent cities, today hosting almost 1.8 million inhabitants and forming a metropolitan centre for many smaller cities and towns in neighbouring federal states. Its riverine location allows it to compete with Amsterdam or Venice with the number of canals, most of which (called "Fleet" or "Brook") are actually former small rivers and streams regulated to allow the sprawling city to expand over their banks. And on top of that, Hamburg has more bridges (over 2,300) than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined. There is plenty to enjoy in Hamburg, both in terms of views, culture and the general high standard of living Hamburg has come to be known for.
What to Experience in Hamburg
Taste of Hamburg...
Original Hamburg dishes are Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Low Saxon Beren, Bohnen un Speck, green runner beans cooked with pears and bacon), Aalsuppe (Low Saxon Aalsupp/Oolsupp, often mistaken to be German for “eel soup“ (Aal/Ool translated ‘eel’), however the name probably comes from the Low Saxon allens [ʔaˑlns], meaning “all”, “everything and the kitchen sink”, not necessarily eel. Today eel is often included to meet the expectations of unsuspecting diners.), Bratkartoffeln (Low Saxon Braatkantüffeln/Brootkantüffeln, pan-fried potato slices), Finkenwerder Scholle (Low Saxon Finkwarder Scholl, pan-fried plaice), Pannfisch (pan-fried fish), Rote Grütze (Low Saxon Rode Grütt, related to Danish rødgrød, a type of summer pudding made mostly from berries and usually served with cream, like Danish rødgrød med fløde) and Labskaus (a mixture of corned beef, mashed potatoes and beetroot, a cousin of the Norwegian lapskaus and Liverpool's Scouse (food), all offshoots off an old-time one-pot meal that used to be the main component of the common sailor's humdrum diet on the high seas). Alsterwasser in Hamburg (a reference to the city's river Alster with two lake-like bodies in the city centre thanks to damming), a shandy of equal parts of beer and carbonated lemonade (Zitronenlimonade), the lemonade being added to the beer.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Hamburg into what it is today.
Hamburg was apparently built as a defensive castle on the orders of Emperor Charlemagne back in 808 AD. Being on the frontline was a very auspicious position, and Hamburg has been raided and destroyed multiple times by the Vikings, Danes and Poles during its history. Despite this, it was rebuilt every time and was even afforded the title of "Imperial Free City" (Freie Reichstadt), which it proudly bears to this day, in 1189 (just in time for the Danes to invade it again). Once Hamburg became an Imperial Free City, it established itself as one of the prime ports of Northern Europe, thanks to its favourable location up the navigable river Elbe, which prevented major storms from reaching it, and being almost equidistant from the North Sea and the Baltic. To gain access to the latter, Hamburg formed an alliance with Lübeck, which became the cornerstone of the Hanseatic League of ports of call and major trading centres around both seas, lasting up until the 17th century. Hamburg found itself constantly changing, rebuilding and expanding, both due to being constantly ravaged by either foreign invaders or more mundane fires and diseases, and due to the rapid growth in its wealth and might. This provided for both the expansion of the harbour and allowed for ambitious building projects to be completed (including the almost complete regulation of Elbe's tributaries, or Fleeten), and required the constant improvement of the city's defences....
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Hamburg.
Watch out for neighbourhood and street parties during summertime. Some of the biggest are: There are a number of small beaches on the North side of the Elbe river between Övelgönne and Rissen, the one in Övelgönne being the most popular one due to its proximity to the city centre. Swimming in the Elbe is not forbidden, but the water is not of high quality, and strong currents occasionally lead to casualties. Swimming is more common at Blankenese beach and Falkensteiner beach than at Övelgönne beach. Stay close to the shore. You may have a barbecue there in the evenings, as long as you bring a grill and clean up after yourself. Watch out for surprisingly large waves created by large ships passing by and stay clear at least 50m of any structure in or reaching into the water! See Stay Safe below! In addition, there are a usually number of commercial beach clubs during the summer, usually between Fischmarkt and Övelgönne.
Climate
The airport has been thoroughly modernised with new terminals, airport hotel, streamlined infrastructure, and facilities that are by and large adequate, so you won't get lost. Depending on the gate your flight arrives at or leaves from, walking longer distances might be necessary as with any other airport. The airport is composed of two terminals (1 and 2), but which are connected. Hamburg Airport is connected to the city by the S1 S-Bahn (commuter train) train line, which connects to the central station (Hauptbahnhof) and the city centre in about 25 minutes. There are trains every 10–20 minutes, and a single fare costs €4.10. If you're travelling to the airport, note that the S1 trains split at the Ohlsdorf station, and only the front three cars travel to the airport (the rest going to the suburb of Poppenbüttel). The stop at Ohlsdorf does last about two minutes as they uncouple the cars, giving passengers one more opportunity to make sure they're in the right train.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe airport has been thoroughly modernised with new terminals, airport hotel, streamlined infrastructure, and facilities that are by and large adequate, so you won't get lost. Depending on the gate your flight arrives at or leaves from, walking longer distances might be necessary as with any other airport. The airport is composed of two terminals (1 and 2), but which are connected. Hamburg Airport is connected to the city by the S1 S-Bahn (commuter train) train line, which connects to the central station (Hauptbahnhof) and the city centre in about 25 minutes. There are trains every 10–20 minutes, and a single fare costs €4.10. If you're travelling to the airport, note that the S1 trains split at the Ohlsdorf station, and only the front three cars travel to the airport (the rest going to the suburb of Poppenbüttel). The stop at Ohlsdorf does last about two minutes as they uncouple the cars, giving passengers one more opportunity to make sure they're in the right train....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Hamburg is an extensive city given it's over 700 km², and visitor attractions are not all contained within the city centre. The city centre, however, is not very big and its attractions are all easily walkable. For other attractions fortunately, getting around is made easy by the extensive public transportation system. Walking is a good way of getting around in the centre, as pretty much around every corner is a sight to behold or a scenic lookout you might have missed otherwise. As many Hamburgers do, you may also opt to bike around. Driving is made relatively easy too by the wide thoroughfares intersecting the city in every direction, parking is paid but rates palatable and there is no requirement for your car to have an Umweltplakette.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of hotel rooms across Hamburg and, although not a cheap city in general, you may find the price range to include much more affordable choices than in other northern metropoles. There are many higher-end hotels within the small central Neustadt-Altstadt area, but you options are certainly not limited to those. Hotels around the Aussenalster in the North provide relaxed comfort, while further up north you will find hotels closer to the airport, convenient for those arriving by air. The Atlantic and the Vier Jahreszeiten share the prize of Hamburg's best hotels over the last one hundred years. Emperors and movie stars have stayed there. The luxurious hotels at the waterfronts of the Alsters is actually reminiscent of Geneva. Altona and St. Pauli contain both hotels aimed at business travellers arriving at the trade fairs and those along the coastline, offering great views at different prices.
Money & Budget
The main shopping area of Hamburg is the 53.551410.00281 Mönckebergstraße in the centre of the city. This area features the stores you're guaranteed to find in major German cities such as Galeria Kaufhof, Karstadt, C&A and Saturn and further west fashion stores of common international brands. Take the subway to either central station, Rathaus (town hall), or Mönckebergstraße. Also check the side-street Spitalerstraße. Northwest of town hall towards Gänsemarkt are the more pricey shops like Hugo Boss. The 53.56179.96592 Schanzenviertel is also getting more popular nowadays for unique designer boutiques. Younger people especially enjoy being here. Subway "Sternschanze"/"Feldstraße" Shops are mostly open daily 10:00-20:00 and on Thursday and Friday until 22:00.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Hamburg is generally a safe city. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in the area around the Mönckebergstraße, Central Station, on the Reeperbahn, in buses and trains, but also on crowded escalators and other crowded places. Keep your distance from protest marches unless you wish to get involved: both leftist groups and the Hamburg police are known for their heavy reactions in such situations. Bathing in the River Elbe is possible but, of course, you must keep out of the way of ships. Swimmers can be thrown about and even totally swamped by the wake from ocean liners. Swimmers should also stay away from structures in the river and strictly avoid an area about 50 m around those extending into the river. Strong underwater swirls going down as deep as 10–15 m and even close to the beach may pull the strongest swimmers under water.
Glimpses of Hamburg
brown concrete buildings beside river
View on Hamburg hochbahn train and Landugsbrücke clock tower from above.
A beautiful autumn afternoon in Hamburg
building surrounded by body of water
This photo was taken in the “Speicherstadt” District in Hamburg (Germany). On midday this place looks kind of boring but in the late evening, the lights go on and the place turns into a great photo spot.
Hamburg, Abend, auf dem Michel, Hafenstadt, Deutschland, Elbstrand, Himmel, Sonnenuntergang, Gebäude
city buildings near the road during sunset
silhouette of boat on sea during sunset
The Elbphilharmonie and the HafenCity in Hamburg Photographed using a DJI Mavic Air
gray concrete bridge over river during daytime
brown concrete buildings beside river
View on Hamburg hochbahn train and Landugsbrücke clock tower from above.
A beautiful autumn afternoon in Hamburg