A port city of Germany, Hamburg has several attractions that would grab the interest of the visitors. Here we talk about some of the things about Hamburg.
Hamburg is a beautiful major port city in northern Germany. It is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. The city is known for its famous Port of Hamburg, also called the Gateway to Germany. Hamburg has become a major tourist destination and an important cultural and commercial center in Europe. Every tourist must make it a point to visit Hamburg when they receive a Germany Visa.
Hamburg has many canals, lakes, old architecture, and a harbor. The city is very green and has many parks. With pretty side streets and delightful old houses, the city is a treat for the eyes. While visiting the many attractions in this port city, do not miss the following special features of Hamburg.
Patron Goddess: Hamburg is protected by a Patron Goddess, Hammonia, the female personification of Hamburg, representing the values of freedom, peace, prosperity, harmony, welfare, and trade. She is a tall and beautiful goddess who watches over Hamburg and is usually shown wearing a crown. Visit Hamburg to see her image depicted on the entrance portal of the City Hall and the Brooks Bridge.
Bridges & Canals: There are about 2300 bridges in Hamburg. There are rail bridges, footbridges, bridges across rivers, canals, and roads. The bridges along Lake Alster and the nearby canals are very picturesque. The city is also crossed by hundreds of canals. This city has more canals than Venice or Amsterdam put together. The canals near the port can only be navigated at certain times as they are tidal. Other canals are used for water activities like kayaking and boating.
The Swans of Lake Alster: The majestic swans on the Alster lakes and the canals of the city, are considered to be living landmarks of Hamburg. The close connection between the city and the swans has a long tradition. It is believed that as long as swans are swimming around, Hamburg will remain a prosperous free city. There is a special Schwanenwesen department for the special ranger who is appointed to take care of the swans.
The First Modern Zoo: The Tierpark Hagenbeck is a zoo founded by Carl Hagenbeck Sr., a fishmonger who became an amateur animal collector. His descendants still run the zoo, and it is the only large, privately-owned zoo in Europe. This was the first zoo where the animals were kept in open enclosures surrounded by moats, providing them a natural environment where they could move freely. This arrangement is preferred by zoos all over the world now.
Beatles-Platz: The Beatles-Platz is a circular plaza in Hamburg, paved black to make it look like a vinyl record. Surrounding the place are five silhouettes, representing The Beatles and also the song names of successful songs. The Beatles got their first taste of stardom here in the 1960s. They spent two years playing gigs here in small venues before they became famous. The Beatles-Platz Square was built to commemorate Hamburg’s important role in the history of The Beatles.
Elbe Philharmonic Hall: Visit Hamburg’s newest landmark, the impressive Elbphilharmonie Hamburg concert hall. Even if you are unable to go to a concert here, take a tour of the concert hall. This concert hall was built right in the middle of the Elbe River. The Great Concert Hall can accommodate 2,100 visitors, with the performers in the center of the hall surrounded by the audience. The terraced rows of seats rise high around the stage in a circle creating a special experience.
Old Elbe Tunnel: This tunnel was built to provide a more direct route for dockworkers over to the southern banks of the Elbe river. The tunnel became a tourist attraction when the Elbe tunnel and several bridges were built in the 1970s. Now, pedestrians and bicyclists wishing to cross below the river can ride a free lift. The tunnel is used by the local people to explore the port area or to get to Wilhelmsburg or Altes Land. The observation platform to the south of the river is popular for its magnificent panoramic views of the city.
The Largest Miniature Railway: Visit Miniature Wunderland to see the largest miniature model railroad system. It is also the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. Admire the miniature versions of different countries and the airport. The miniature versions of the mountainous Harz, the Austrian Alps, France, Italy, North America, Scandinavia, etc. are extremely popular and are exact miniature replicas of the original. Enjoy watching the activities at the miniature airport.
Europe’s Largest Japanese Garden: In the heart of the city, you will find the Planten un Blomen park. In addition to a rose garden and a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse, it also has a Japanese garden. It is the largest Japanese garden in Europe. In the center of the Japanese Garden is a traditional tea house by the edge of the pond, with a small terrace opening onto the water. It is a beautiful place especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in autumn when the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow.
Apply for your Schengen visa and make the most of your visit to Hamburg and enjoy the local cuisine and beer. Hamburg also has vibrant nightlife and is called one of the nightlife capitals of Europe. With live music venues, all-night dance parties, and cocktail bars, enjoy the nightlife here to the fullest. And then you will be happy that you visited the coolest city in the world.
