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HamburgHamburgHamburg is a major port city situated on the Elbe river in northern Germany. It is at the same time zone of the German ''Bundesländer'' (states). ==Understand== Hamburg is a city-state; it values its status as a "free city". Traditionally one of the most important harbors in Europe, the city takes great pride in its mercantile background. Millions left Europe on their way to the new world. Even today, one of Hamburgs taglines is "The Gate to the World". With the decline of sea travel, Hamburg has been trying - with some success - to cast itself as a hub of the service industry, especially media. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Hamburg has the fifth-largest international airport in Germany, so arrival by plane is an obvious choice for those visiting from far away. The airport is being modernized (as of 2004). Facilities are by and large adequate and you won't get lost. Depending on the gate your flight arrives at or leaves from, walking longer distances can be a problem. Despite the fact that the airport is basically in the city, it isn't quite trivial to reach it. If you are in a hurry or feel like you do not want to bother, take a taxi - but be aware that this can be costly. Buses connect the airport to the central station, to Ohlsdorf and to Rahlstedt - you can change to regional trains and subways at all three, or national/international trains at the central station. Fare is roughly 2-3 Euros per person, depending on where you wish to go. Trips can take a while, since you likely ''will'' have to change to a connecting transport. The bus shuttle called 'Airport Express' to the central station is not covered by tickets for the public transportation; you will have to pay the fare as you enter the bus: 5 Euros one-way; the trip will take about 25 minutes. This situation is being addressed; part of the construction at the airport is for a new subway station which will hopefully result in much better connections to the city itself. * [http://www.ham.airport.de/ Hamburg Airport website] The discount airline [http://www.ryanair.com/ Ryan Air] operates from [http://www.flughafen-luebeck.de/ Lübeck airport], 60km from Hamburg via motorway A1. Flights go to London Stansted (England), Glasgow Prestwick (Scottland), Stockholm Skavsta (Sweden), Milan (Italy) and Pisa (Italy). Busses connecting to the flights go from Hamburg's central bus station ("ZOB") and cost 8 Euros. Free parking is available at the airport at car park "P3". ===By train=== Hamburg has five major stations: Hauptbahnhof (central station), Altona, Dammtor, Harburg, Bergedorf. Various types of train service are available. * ICE (Inter City Express) high speed train service from or to most major German cities, including Berlin, Cologne (Köln), Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich also to Basel and Zurich (Zürich) Switzerland -- hourly service to most destinations during daytime * service from or to Copenhagen, Denmark ===By car=== via the '''Autobahn''': * A1 to/from Lübeck (north) -- to get to the city change to the A24 at "Autobahnkreuz Ost" * A1 to/from Bremen, Cologne (Köln) (south/south-west) -- to get to the city change to A255 * A7 to/from Flensburg, Kiel (north) -- to get to the city exit at "Bahrenfeld" * A7 to/from Hanover, Kassel (south) -- to get to the city exit right after the "Elbtunnel" * A23 to/from Husum * A24 to/from Berlin Be prepared to pay for parking or park outside the city and use public transportation. ===By bus=== Buses serving other cities arrive at or depart from Hamburg's central bus station ("ZOB") which is located near the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof) (2 minute walk). Destinations include Berlin (several times a day). Buses to Lübeck depart from Wandsbek. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available from or to Harwich (England) by [http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ DFDS Seaways (English site)] [http://www.dfdsseaways.de/ (German site)]. The ferry leaves in Cuxhaven at the estuary the river Elbe. Trains to Cuxhaven leave at Hamburg central station. ==Get around== ===Public Transportation=== Hamburg has a well developed public transportation system. Buses going around the clock. Underground/metro service from approx. 5 AM until 1 AM, on weekends all night. See [http://www.hvv.com/ HVV - Hamburger Verkehrsverbund] for lines and prices. Group tickets, day tickets, 3-day tickets available. Try to avoid rush-hours before 9 AM and 4-7 PM. You are not allowed to take bikes into subways before 9am and between 4pm and 6pm. ===Taxicabs=== == See == === Around Mönckebergstraße === The area west of Hamburg's central railway station is mainly a shopping area with the streets '''Spitaler Straße''' and '''Mönckebergstraße''' leading to Hamburg's town hall. Close to the Mönckebergstraße you find the churches '''St. Jacobi''' (at road Jakobikirchhof) and '''St. Petri''' (at road Bergstraße), two of Hamburg's five main churches. Directly beside St. Petri there is the '''Hubelhaus''' dating from the beginning of the 20th century as most buildings around, but looking much older. Behind the Hubelhaus under the building of "Radio Hamburg" you can visit the remains of the '''bishops tower''', from the 11th century. On the other side of the road, where's nowadays a big car park, the fortress '''Hammaburg''' was erected in the 9th century giving Hamburg its name. === Around city hall === The Mönckebergstraße ends at Hamburg's impressive '''city hall''' ("Rathaus"). It was built 1897 out of sandstone in neo-Renaissance style having a 112 meters tower. Inside there are several magnificent halls used for representative purposes and sittings of government and parliament. These can be visited in guided tours (Mon-Thu: 10:00-15:15, Fri-Sun: 10:00-13:15, half-hourly in German, hourly in English and French. Closed during official events. Admission: EUR 1.50/0.50 adult/children.) A virtual tour with photos and German comments is available [http://fhh.hamburg.de/stadt/Aktuell/senat/rathaus/virtuelle-rathausfuehrung/start.html here]. The building behind the city hall is Hamburg's House of Commerce ("Börse"). Between the buildings there is a little nice place called '''Rathaushof''' with its fountain '''Hygieia-Brunnen'''. The place in front of the city hall is the '''Rathausmarkt''' hosting many events especially in summer. North of the Rathausmarkt you find white arches at a canal called '''Alsterarkaden'''. The whole area behind is full of indoor shopping arcades. The most well-known one is the '''Hanse Viertel'''. Following the canal to the right and crossing the traditional shopping road '''Jungfernstieg''' you quickly get to the artificial lake '''Binnenalster'''. Boat tours take you to the even bigger artificial lake '''Außenalster''' directly behind the Binnenalster with lots of sailing boats in summer. === Around St. Nikolai === From the House of Commerce into the road Börsenbrücke you get to the house of the '''Patriotische Gesellschaft'''. Behind the building to the right there is the bridge '''Trostbrücke''' with the statues of Graf Adolf III and Bishop Ansgar on both sides. Following the water to left, there is Hamburg's oldest remaining bridge '''Zollenbrücke''' from the 17th century. At the other side of the Trostbrücke there is the ruin of the church '''St. Nikolai'''. All five main churches of Hamburg have been damaged in World War II. But in contrast to the other four St. Nikolai has not been re-erected making it a memorial against war. At the side of St.Nikolai there is the '''hop market''' ("Hopfenmarkt") with its fountain '''Vierländerinbrunnen'''. Following the bridge over the huge street Ost-West-Straße and keeping right takes you into the road "Alte Deichstraße" with its ensemble of traditional half timbered merchant houses and the canal '''Nicolai Fleet''' at the rear. This is the site where Hamburg's harbour was some centuries ago. === Harbour Area === At the southern end of the Alte Deichstraße you see whereto the harbour moved afterwards. There is a canal called '''Zollkanal'''. Looking to the left you see the '''Speicherstadt''', a large district of warehouses from around 1900. Some are still in use, but others have been converted to apartments. It's a "typical" location and worth a visit. It also houses attractions such as the "Hamburg Dungeon" and the "Miniatur Wunderland". The '''Hamburg Dungeon''' is a live-action presentation of the "darker times" of Hamburg. It is probably mostly suited for a younger, easily impressed audience. But it might not be suitable for young children. For details see their [http://www.hamburgdungeon.com/ Website]. The '''Miniatur Wunderland''' is the world largest model railway layout. It is located in the Speicherstadt close to the Hamburg Dungeon. For details see their [http://www.miniaturwunderland.de/html2/framepage.htm Website]. Behind the Speicherstadt is the area of Hamburg's '''HafenCity'''. It is Europe's largest project of city development, creating a whole new quarter from scratch in a former harbour region. The '''Kesselhaus''' houses an exibition about (Am Sandtorkai 30, in the Speicherstadt, Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, [http://hafencity.com/html/info_uk.html www.hafencity.com], admission free). The '''Hamburg Cruise Center''', where cruise lines land in Hamburg, is in the HafenCity. Its terminal building is constructed out of 40 sea containers. Nearby, directly at the river Elbe, you find an orange observation tower called '''HafenCity View Point''', allowing nice views on the HafenCity, the harbour and the river (admission free). Looking from Alte Deichstraße over the Zollkanal to the right you can see the modern buildings belonging to the '''Hanseatic Trade Center''' ending to the right at the '''Kehrwiederspitze'''. Looking further right you already see the modern harbour. Walking in this direction takes you to the river '''Elbe'''. At the opposite of the metro station "Baumwall" there's Hamburg's '''city and yacht harbour''' ("City und Sportboothafen"). The big red '''lighthouse boot''' ("Feuerschiff") hosts a restaurant today. Some yards further down the Elbe you get to the '''Überseebrücke''' where formerly big cruise liners docked when coming to Hamburg. Permanently docked is the museum ship '''Cap San Diego''', which is said to be last classic cargo ship. Leaving the water, passing by the hypermodern building of the Gruner + Jahr publishers, you get to the church '''St. Michaelis''' (called "Michel"), Hamburg's well-known landmark. Close to the Michel off the road Krayenkamp the '''shopkeeper-office-flats''' ("Krameramtswohnungen") are the last example of a typical 17th century housing estate. Continuing down the river Elbe you get to '''Landungsbrücken''' ("landing bridges"), the most touristy part of Hamburg's harbour, close to the metro station with the same name. Piers connected with several bridges swim on the water adapting to the tide. There tourism boats land and you will find tourist shops, restaurants and snack bars. The sailing ship '''Rickmer Rickmers''' can be visited. You can also walk through the tunnel '''Alter Elbtunnel''' from 1911 to the other side of the river Elbe and have great views from there. A lift or stairs bring you the 24 meters down into the tunnel. You then walk through one of its two 427 meter long pipes having 12 meters of water over your head. The tunnel is decorated with ceramic arts of maritime motives (e.g. fish, mussles, seals). At the other side you again walk up the stairs or take a lift. Go out and back to the river to "Aussichtspunkt Steinwerder" for great views on Landungsbrücken and the sights behind. Even cars can pass though the tunnel (only Mon-Fri, 5:30-20:00, for 2 Euros) being brought down with 4 lifts. You find the tunnel at Landungsbrücken in the building having the biggest green dome. Signs to "Aussichtspunkt Steinwerder" also point to it. For pedestrians and bicycles it is free and open all day and night, every day. From Landungsbrücken you can also make boat tours into the harbour. These '''Hafenrundfahrten''' are available from various companies and take around an hour. Big ships provide more comfort, but smaller ships also go though the Speicherstadt. Both are well worth the money. Inquire about English language tours. As a low-budget alternative for a boat tour on the river Elbe take a '''HADAG Ferry''' that is part of Hamburg's public transport system (HVV, see "Get Around"). If you have already bought a HVV day ticket, the ride is free. Most tourists take the number 62 to Finkenwerder via the museum harbour Övelgönne. The whole ride to Finkenwerder and return takes about an hour. In Finkenwerder you can continue with another Ferry to Teufelsbrück. Walking from Landungsbrücken down the river Elbe takes you to '''St. Pauli Fischmarkt'''. === Other Sites === Another Hamburg landmark is the '''Reeperbahn''' - probably one of the most famous red-light districts in the world. And that's exactly what it is. From variety to prostitutes, from bars to sex-shops you can find an assortment of attractions. Common sense and caution are advised here as in any such area. It's relatively safe and a definite touristy place to see - a lot of people go there for dinner, live music, or other non-sex related activities. '''U 434''': One of the biggest non-nuclear Russian submarines. '''Church St. Katherinen''': One of the fifth main churches of Hamburg. The '''Chilehaus''' having the form of a ship. The '''Auswandererhalle''' is only a sight if you know its history. In some way it is the counterpart of Ellis Island in New York where immigrants from the old world landed in America. Emmigrants stayed in Hamburg's Auswandererhallen for two weeks in quarantine before emigrating to the new world. It was opened 1900 and regarded to be modern and comfortable. After the flow of emigrants decreased it was closed in 1934. Today only one of the buildings is left and nothing tells you about its historical role. It just looks like a dirty, white commercial building with a today closed restaurant on one side. But for the future there are plans to make it a musum. For a visit take metro S3 to Station "Veddel". Leave at its southern exit, cross the bus station and the steet "Veddeler Straße". Then you stand in front of it. === Parks === * '''Alter Botanischer Garten''' with a '''Tropenhaus'''. * '''Planten un Bloomen''' is a park in the city with an emphasis on flower displays. Subway station Dammtor. * '''Ohlsdorfer Friedhof''': One of the world's biggest graveyards. * '''The Stadtpark''' (city park) with a pretty good '''Planetarium''' situated in an old water tower in the middle of the park. * '''Alstervorland''' at the Außenalster * '''Jenischpark''', '''Baurs Park''' and '''Garten der Alma l'Aigles''' down the river Elbe close to Teufelsbrück.* '''Neuer Botanischer Garten''' * Hamburg's Zoo called '''Hagenbecks Tierpark''' === Museums === * '''Altonaer Museum''' * '''Deichtorhallen''' * '''Deutsches Zollmuseum''' (admission free) * '''Kunsthalle''' * '''Museumshafen Övelgönne''' (admission free) * '''Museum für Kommunikation''' (admission free) * '''Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte''' * '''Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe''' * '''Museum für Völkerkunde''' == Do == === Theater, Opera and Musicals === Hamburg has an '''opera house''' (Staatsoper) and many '''theaters'''. It is also known to host a number of different '''Musicals''' as well as other music events. === Sports === * The '''AOL-Arena''' (formerly ''Volksparkstadion'') is the stadium of the local ''Bundesliga'' soccer club ''HSV''. It is arguably the prettiest stadium in Germany with a great atmosphere; apart from guided tours it also features a museum presenting the history of the club. See also the [http://www.hsv.de HSV Website]. * The '''Millerntor-Stadion''' is the home of the cult soccer club [http://www.fcstpauli.de FC St. Pauli]. It lacks the modernity and prettiness of the AOL-Arena, yet its atmosphere during games is unique and well worth a visit. The Millerntor-Stadion is located at the east end of the Reeperbahn. ==Learn== ==Work== ==Buy== The main shopping area of Hamburg is the '''Mönckebergstraße''' in the center of the city. Take the subway to either central station or ''Rathaus'' (town hall). The '''Schanzenviertel''' is also getting more popular nowadays. Especially younger people happen to be here often.Subway:"Sternschanze"/"Feldstraße". ==Eat== ===Budget=== * '''Geelhaus''', Koppel 76 (St. Georg), 20099 Hamburg, phone +49 40 28052886, Daily 6pm-11pm, some meals until midnight; menu changes frequently, fresh food, creativity. http://www.geelhaus.de/ * '''Murphy's Roadhouse''', Saseler Markt 1 (''Subway station Poppenbüttel, then take the Bus to Saseler Markt''), +49 40 6370880. Mon-Thu Noon-1AM, Fri+Sat Noon-2AM, Sun 10am-Midnight. Serves a variety of American type food; good quality and portions at decent prices. Located in the northern suburbs, so it's a bit of a trip unless you are in the area. Typical meal should run about €10-17. * '''Teufels Küche''', Ottenser Hauptstraße 4, 22765 Hamburg, phone +49 40 39804977, Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun Noon-10pm. Serves international '''freestyle''' food. ===Mid-range=== * '''La Mirabelle''', Bundesstraße 15, phone +49 40 4107585; French cuisine, fresh 4- or 5-course changing daily, including wine @ approx. 55 EUR ===Splurge=== * '''Fischereihafen Restaurant''', Große Elbstraße 143, 22767 Hamburg, phone +49 40 381816; excellent view of parts of the port and the river Elbe; many celebs have dined here, including English royals. http://www.fischereihafen-restaurant-hamburg.de/ ===Cafe=== * '''Cafe Klatsch''', Glashüttenstraße 17, 20357 Hamburg; A small cafe serving delicious breakfast and other tidbits in a very cosy environment with friendly staff. ==Drink== * '''Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails''', Pinnasberg 60, 20359 Hamburg, phone +49 40 3172863, fax +49 40 3172863, bar@christiansens.de -- award winning bar (Playboy Bar of the Year 1998, Best Bartender 2000, Marcellinos Top 10, etc.), open Monday thru Saturday nights from 8pm. http://www.christiansens.de/ ===Live-Music (Rock)=== * '''The Academy''', Hans-Albers-Platz (right off the Reeperbahn) -- people in wheelchairs not always welcome * '''Molly Malone''', Hans-Albers-Platz (right off the Reeperbahn) * '''The New Thomas Read''', Reeperbahn opposite from Hans-Albers-Platz * '''Molotow/Meanie bar''', Spielbudenplatz 5 (Reeperbahn). A retro Bar and a great little venue in the cellar hosting alternative live acts. ===GLBT=== * '''G-Bar''' The New Generation, Lange Reihe 81, 20099 Hamburg, open 6pm until 2am. http://www.g-bar.org/ * '''Cafe Gnosa''' Lange Reihe 93, 20099 Hamburg, phone +49 40 243034, open 10am until 1am, Fridays and Saturdays until 2am; also a great place to have breakfast or lunch. http://www.gnosa.de/ ==Sleep== ===Budget=== Youth Hostels: * [http://www.jugendherberge.de/jh/hamburg-stintfang/ Jugenherberge Hamburg - Auf dem Stintfang], Alfred-Wegener-Weg 5, 20459 Hamburg, phone +49 40 313488, fax +49 40 315407, jh-stintfang@t-online.de -- river/harbor view!!!, walking distance to the Reeperbahn * [http://www.jugendherberge.de/jh/hamburg-horn/ Jugendherberge Hamburg - Horner Rennbahn], Rennbahnstraße 100, 22111 Hamburg, phone +49 40 6511671, fax +49 40 6556516, jgh-hamburg@t-online.de * [http://www.schanzenstern.de Schanzenstern Hostel], Bartelsstrasse 12, 20357 Hamburg, phone +49 40/4398441 - in the middle of the trendy quarter Schanzenviertel, 50 beds. * [http://www.schanzenstern-altona.de/ Schanzenstern-Altona], Kleine Rainstraße 24-26, 22765 Hamburg, phone +49 40/39919191, fax +49 40/39919192, info@schanzenstern-altona.de, 70 beds. * [http://www.instantsleep.de/ Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel], Max-Brauer Allee 277, 22769 Hamburg, phone +49 40/43182310, fax +49 40/43182311, backpackerhostel@instantsleep.de - No. 1 choice for backpacking in Hamburg, 45 beds, provides a kitchen. Also in Schanzenviertel. ===Mid-range=== * [http://www.hamburg-hotel-alt-nuernberg.de/ Hotel Alt-Nuernberg], Steintorweg 15, 20099 Hamburg, phone +49 40 246024 * [http://www.hotel-engel-hamburg.de/ Hotel Engel], Niendorfer Straße 55, 22529 Hamburg, phone +49 40 554260 * [http://www.koenigshof-hamburg.de/ Hotel Königshof], Pulverteich 18, 20099 Hamburg, phone +49 40 2840740, fax +49 40 28407474, Hotelkhh@aol.com; gay people welcome - run by an all-male couple. ===Splurge=== * [http://www.kempinski.atlantic.de/ Kempinski Hotel Atlantic], An der Alster 72-79, 20099 Hamburg, phone +49 40 28880, fax +49 40 247129, hotel.atlantic@kempinski.com * [http://www.hvj.de/ Raffles Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten], Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, 20354 Hamburg, phone +49 40 34940, fax +49 40 34942600 * [http://www.lemeridien.com/germany/hamburg/hotel_de1800.shtml Le Royal Meridien Hamburg], An der Alster 52-56, 20099 Hamburg ===On the floor=== There is a Church mission on the back side of the main train station, just next to the back entrance, mainly for homeless people and people in problems. But it's very clean, people are friendly there and if one is humble and polite, there are good chances he can enter to chat (even in English) and sleep there on the floor in his sleeping bag. The night shift opens the place at midnight and everyone has to leave before seven in the morning. If you are a traveler, it would be nice if you could contribute a little money to run the service or offer some help with something. ==Contact== Free WLAN access available in various locations. See [http://www.hamburg-hotspot.de/ HOTSPOT HAMBURG] ==Stay safe== ==Cope== ==Get out== ==External links== * [http://international.hamburg.de/ Official Hamburg website] * [http://www.hamburg-tourism.de/ Hamburg Tourism GmbH] Company that promotes tourism to Hamburg * [http://www.szene-hamburg-online.de/ Szene Hamburg] City Magazine which is available online, as well as on newspaper stands and covers the whole mumbo jumbo about Hamburg (in German) * [http://www.ti5.tu-harburg.de/staff/venzke/hamburg/city/ Virtual Walk through Hamburg] * [http://www.hot-maps.de/europe/germany/hamburg/hamburg/homeen.html Map of Hamburg] {{msg:stub}} WikiPedia:Hamburg First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
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