As Germany’s principal port, Hamburg surprises its visitors with an amazing expanse of parks, lakes and tree-lined canals, giving the city a refreshing rural feel and a sense of openness. Founded over 1000 years ago as a fortification against Viking attacks, the settlement grew to a
sizeable city during the Middle Ages and became a leading member of the Hanseatic League. With its impressive historical background and today’s big city ambience, Hamburg offers its visitors a great variety of old and modern architecture, historical and art museums, entertainment ranging from classical concerts and opera to theater and musical shows, superb shopping and fine dining options as well as an international lifestyle.
The skyline is dominated by the pale green of its copper spires and domes, but only a few houses and churches remain from before the last century. The great fire of 1842 was a main cause of this loss, followed by demolition to make way for the warehouse area of the freeport. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, Hamburg is today an outstanding example of urban modernity with its new architecture resembling some of the medieval buildings it replaced. Through all these disasters, the city’s residents have retained their independent spirit which earned Hamburg already in the Middle Ages the “Free City” status.
This port city owes much of its character to the Elbe and Alster Rivers. The velvety green banks of the outer Alster are dotted with
elegant villas and along the Inner Alster are hotels and commercial
buildings. The focal point in the town center is the imposing Renaissance-style City Hall, a symbol of the city’s power and wealth in the last
century.
During the summer, popular pastimes include sightseeing cruises on the Alster Lakes and boat excursions of the enormous port, Europe’s second largest after Rotterdam. At night the city comes alive in St. Pauli, the gaudy and licentious amusement quarter with its notorious Reeperbahn that attracts sailors from all over the world.
View all the cruises that call at Hamburg, Elbe / Moldau / Havel cruise destination
Hapag Lloyd Cruises,
Cunard Line,
Peter Deilmann Cruises ,
P & O Cruises,
Fred.Olsen Cruise Line,
Noble Caledonia Limited,
