{hamburg}

Images via various sources

End of the month I am heading to Hamburg, Germany (or as it is officially known, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) to meet up with my girlfriends. My dearest friend has been living there since February, exploring this fascinating and historic city, and now I am ready for a visit.

 Germany’s vibrant gateway to the world

Hamburg captivates visitors with its typical Hanseatic charm, extraordinary architecture from many eras, such as the St. Michaelis Church ("Michel"), unique atmosphere and more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London put together. The abundant greenery of the city and impressive views of the Außenalster and Binnenalster lakes enchant visitors.

A discovery tour to the famous port will allow guests to breathe in the exciting aromas from across the world in the air. A sense of freedom and longing combined with the circling of seagulls overhead creates a mellow melancholic mood at the port. The Old Elbe Tunnel by the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken (landing stages), which was a sensational technological feat back in 1922, is among Hamburg's nostalgic highlights and is well worth a visit. A sightseeing tour of the port is a real must if you wish to be able to say you have really seen Hamburg. You will get to know the Speicherstadt old warehouse district from the water, but it is also worth having a look when back on dry land. The largest connected warehouse complex in the world can now look back on its 100-year history. The HafenCity, which is well known beyond the confines of Hamburg, is currently the largest inner city development project in Europe. This is an impressive attempt to demonstrate how well living, relaxing and working in a city centre by the river can be combined.

The magnificent villas around the Alster and the elegant shopping streets between Große Bleichen and Jungfernstieg are situated in the immediate vicinity of the rather unassuming port district, the world-famous Reeperbahn and the trendy districts, such as Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel. On Deichstrasse, an old tradesmen's street with old residential and office buildings dating back to the 17th to 19th centuries, the past is within grasp. Those who prefer the present should take a stroll along the Elbe in the classy suburban district of Blankenese. The beach offers you a great opportunity to sit and watch the majestic container ships come and go. Hamburg also offers a wide variety of leisure activities, whether it be cultural events or a spot of shopping.

The Hanseatic understatement crops up again when it comes to statistical figures: the vibrant metropolis in the north of Germany is the second largest city in the country with the second largest port in Europe. However, as far as beauty and attractiveness are concerned, it is not only the locals of Hamburg who agree: the city is without doubt Germany's number 1. The unique atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city is sure to impress you. 

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