Located in the north of Germany, Hamburg arouses cravings with its maritime atmosphere. Its seafaring tradition plays an important role in the city’s character.

Hamburg is the second biggest city in Germany and the biggest non-capital of the EU. “Das Tor zur Welt” (Gateway to the World) is embossed by its rivers, canals and the harbour. Apart from the ubiquity of ships and water it has become one of the world’s most important locations for musicals.

All around the harbour
The harbour is probably Hamburg’s number one tourist attraction. Not only is it one of the most important trans-shipment centres in Europe but also a tourist hot spot. You can watch ships from all over the world coming and going, from either the water’s edge or one of the numerous tour ships. To get an even nicer view over the harbour and Hamburg in general you may climb the “Michel”. The belfry of this, three times rebuilt, baroque church, can even be visited at night.

To enjoy a traditional Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) at the legendary Fischmarkt (fish market) you have to get up early as it opens on Sundays from 5am in summer, 7am in winter until 9.30am. It is definitely worth it for you can not only buy fish but all kinds of other things from clothes to tropical flowers. The market is bustling with early bird tourists and hungry night owls.

The Speicherstadt (warehouse district) is still used for its original purpose. High class goods from all over the world (e.g. cacao, coffee, spices) are stored in the red-brick houses. The whole complex has been was placed under conservation in 1991, making it part of UNESCO world heritage. It can be seen on the land and, maybe more impressively, from different tour ships. Over the years all kinds of museums have sprung up there.

To be continued.....