Hamburg is Europe's second largest port after Rotterdam. It's a city with overcast skies and a cheerful disposition, a town of old buildings and avant-garde art objects, a city with authentic cuisine and, of course, its beer. With these interesting facts about Hamburg, it's easy to get to know the city and experience its unique atmosphere.
Fact 1: A Fortress on the banks of the Elbe
Hamburg's full name is the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The city was once called Hammaburg, the name of a fortress built by Emperor Charlemagne in 808. Today Hamburg is the cultural, economic and commercial centre of northern Germany. Tourists are attracted not only by its beauty but also by the hospitality of the Germans, who know how to entertain.
Fact 2: The place of free morals
The respectable old town has only one district for 'self-expression': Schanzenviertel. It is where nightlife is in full swing in all its diversity. If you're ready to party till dawn at rock concerts, visit the Museum of Erotica, the Reeperbahn, theatres, Chicago-style cabarets and, of course, bars and clubs, head to the Schanzen. In the clubs of the Reeperbahn, the legendary Beatles began their triumphant rise to fame in the 60s.
Fact 3: The German Venice
Numerous streams and rivers crisscross the port city. That is why Hamburg is called the city of waterways. It looks like a giant organism with blood vessels in narrow channels. Of course, Hamburg needs bridges for its unique infrastructure. Hamburg has around 2,500 of them — far more than Amsterdam or Venice.
Fact 4: The capital of the European fishing industry
As you would expect, one of Europe's largest ports supplies the markets with fish and seafood. Hamburg's Great Fish Market is a must for food lovers: even the most experienced gourmet will be amazed at the variety. And on Sundays, from 5 am to 9 am, a big market is a must if you're here for the weekend.
A tip: you don't have to get up at dawn to get your hands on a tidbit. If you get there in time for the end of the auction, you can get fish and delicious fresh seafood for pennies or perhaps even for nothing.
Fact 5: Home of the popular dish
You might have thought we were talking about a hamburger. The sandwich takes its name from the people who live there. Immigrants from Hamburg who came to the United States quickly developed this simple and hearty snack for children and adults. Over time, hamburgers began to be made in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The locals do not see this piece of American fast food as an asset.
On the contrary, they wonder how this pile of empty calories of dubious origin compares to authentic delicacies — a puffed grain bun stuffed with fresh salmon or seafood, for example, topped with a spicy, aromatic sauce.
You can try these delicacies straight from the harbour. And if you want to enjoy the flavours of the fish dishes with a picturesque view, head to the Landungsbrücken. Here you'll find Spanish and Portuguese restaurants that will surprise you not only with their extensive menus but also with their prices.
Fact 6: The Beatles' Square with a secret
The fact that the installation in Hamburg takes the form of silhouettes of legendary musicians is no coincidence. It has to do with a fact that not all Beatles fans know. A fifth member, Stuart Sutcliffe, played bass at the beginning of the group's rise. Pete Best was the drummer instead of Ringo Starr. With this line-up, the band visited Hamburg for the first time. With this in mind, the designers combined the images of the band members, deliberately creating vaguely recognisable silhouettes.
Fact 7: The City of Parks
To understand what the city is all about, stroll through Hamburg's parks. Despite their abundance, they are all different, each with its character. Some are meeting places for progressive young people, others are for bohemian affairs, and others are perfect for blissful and relaxing strolls. Wherever you go, you're guaranteed to have a good time.
The interesting fact about Hamburg: it's one of the greenest cities in the Old World. You have to agree, a huge achievement in an age when the ecology of big cities is slowly becoming uninhabitable.
Fact 8: Port of Hamburg vs Copenhagen
The Port of Hamburg is almost as big as Copenhagen! Comparing their sizes, you can see a slight difference only. Copenhagen stretches over 88km², and the harbour of Hamburg alone is 74km² big.
Fact 9. An individual greeting for each vessel
Continuing the port theme, we have another fascinating fact about Hamburg. Every vessel arriving and departing from the port of Hamburg receives a special salute as it passes the Willkom-Höft ('welcome point'). Ships are greeted with the national anthem of their country.
Fact 10. A month-long holiday
If you like good food and tasty alcoholic drinks, visit the famous Hamburg Cathedral Festival. The festival takes place three times a year: in winter, spring and summer. Why is it a must? Because it's a huge event of beer, aromatic German sausages and partying that lasts 30 days!
There is more to the festival than just gorging yourself. You can also watch the parade and visit the city's most significant fair — it stretches for 3km! And don't forget to take the kids: the Hamburg fair is not without its fun competitions, rides and carousels.
Another good tip: take the time to queue for a ticket on the Giant Ferris Wheel, which overlooks the entire city.
If you choose Hamburg as your holiday destination, you will surely make the right choice. This city welcomes visitors and reveals its secrets to anyone willing to feel the fantastic atmosphere of this old and very modern city. And wherever your adventures take you in the world, the Kidpassage reviews will help to make them enjoyable.
