HAMBURG, GERMANY

Hamburg—Germany's second-largest city—is the major landmark for the river.

Hamburg, was founded at the mouth of the Alster river in the 9th century and used it as a port. The water was used to flood the moats of the fortifications. The Alster was dammed since 1190, originally to power a watermill. In 1235 a further dam was built for a second mill, which changed the shape of the river to be like a lake. 

This graceful city, is one of Europe's busiest ports. Enjoy its stunning architecture, museums, and theaters. Discover the shopping arcades and outdoor cafes of the Inner Alster. Or stroll through the lavish parks and gardens of the Outer Alster. Visit the Rathaus; the 14th-century houses of Deichstrasse; and St Petri, Hamburg's oldest church. Information courtesy of Europe America River Cruises.

CLIMATE                                                                                          

Hamburg has an oceanic climate. Hamburg's proximity to coastal areas influences the area's climate by sending marine air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby wetlands also ensure a maritime temperate climate. Snowfall is rare, generally occurring once or twice a year.

The warmest months in Hamburg are June, July, and August, with high temperatures of 19.9 to 22.2 °C (68 to 72 °F). The coldest are December, January, and February, with low temperatures of -1.4 to 0 °C (29 to 32 °F).

LANGUAGES                                                                                     

LANGUAGE  is as typical for Northern Germany, the original language of Hamburg is Low German, usually referred to as Hamborger Platt (German Hamburger Platt) or Hamborgsch. It is still in use, albeit by a minority and rarely in public.

                                                                                          CUISINE

 

Original Hamburg dishes are Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Low Saxon Birn, Bohn un Speck, green beans cooked with pears and bacon), Aalsuppe (Low Saxon Oolsupp) is often mistaken to be German for “eel soup“ (Aal/Ool translated ‘eel’).Today eel is often included to meet the expectations of unsuspecting diners. There is Bratkartoffeln (Low Saxon Brootkartüffeln, 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.

TOURISM                                                                                          

Tourists play a significant role in the city's economy. In 2007, Hamburg attracted more than 3,985,105 visitors with 7,402,423 overnight stays. The tourism sector employs more than 175,000 people full-time and brings in revenue of €9.3 billion, making the tourism industry a major economic force in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Hamburg has one of the fastest-growing tourism industries in Germany.

• A Tour of the City Hall, 


• The Grand church St. Michaelis (called the Michel),


• The Old warehouse district (Speicherstadt),


• The Harbour promenade (Landungsbrücken),


• The Alster Lake.    

 

Giant Mermaid Sculpture in Alster Lake, Germany                        

Hamburg’s Alster Lake is a huge 160 hectare expanse in the middle of the city and a favourite place for visitors and locals alike when it comes to relaxing and having fun – especially on warm days. The lake has plenty of opportunities for rowing and canoeing, as well as trips on steamer ships.

NOW, A four-meter-high dubbed "Riesen-Nixe" (grand mermaid) or "Badenixe" (bathing beauty), made by Oliver Voss will be in place on  'Alster' lake in Hamburg, Germany, until August 12. When put together, the sculpture should resemble a woman bathing in the picturesque lake. But the crew installing the oversized art piece ran into some technical trouble. It's unclear if the technical woes will actually sink the art project, which hasn't enjoyed smooth sailing from the start.
amburg’s Alster Lake is a huge 160 hectare expanse in the middle of the city and a favourite place for visitors and locals alike when it comes to relaxing and having fun – especially on warm days. The lake has plenty of opportunities for rowing and canoeing, as well as trips on steamer ships.

TRANSPORT                                                                        

Hamburg is a major transportation hub in Germany. Hamburg is connected to four Autobahnen (motorways) and is the most important railway junction on the route to Scandinavia.

Bridges and tunnels connect the northern and southern parts of the city, such as the old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel) now a major tourist sight, and the Elbe Tunnel (Elbtunnel) the crossing of a motorway.

 ...by Air                                                                                
 
Hamburg Airport is the oldest airport in Germany still in operation. There is also the smaller Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport, used only as a company airport for Airbus. Some airlines market Lübeck Airport in Lübeck as serving Hamburg.

Public transport by rail, bus and ships is organized by a fare-collection joint venture between transportation companies. Tickets sold by one company in this Hamburger Verkehrsverbund ("Hamburg transit authority") (HVV) are valid on all other HVV companies' services. The HVV was the first organization of this kind worldwide.

                                                                             ...by Rail

Nine mass transit rail lines across the city are the backbone of Hamburg public transportation. The Hamburg S-Bahn (heavy railway system) system comprises six lines and the Hamburg U-Bahn three lines. U-Bahn is short for Untergrundbahn(underground railway). Approximately 41 km (25 mi) of 101 km (63 mi) of the subway is underground; most of the tracks are on embankments, viaducts or at ground level.

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