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Hamburg Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Hamburg
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Hamburg Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Hamburg - Hamburg is a watery city, geographically,
historically and atmospherically. It is Germany's second largest
city and lies on the Elbe River, for centuries a major port and
trading centre for central Europe. The city has a network of canals
that rival those of Venice (it is said to have more bridges than
Venice) and is centred on two artificial lakes that take up eight
percent of its total area. Probably because of all the water,
Hamburg is also known as Germany's 'green city', sporting 1,400
parks and gardens. Modern buildings sit cheek by jowl with historic
Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and by night the neon lights
dazzle all-night revellers, particularly in the city's notorious
red light district, the Reeperbahn.
Hamburg was
founded in 810 by Charlemagne and earned its place in history by
becoming the most strategic port in the Hanseatic League of North
German cities which controlled trade in the Baltic and North Seas
between the 13th and 15th centuries. A great fire destroyed much of
the city in 1842, and a century later World War II bombing raids
again laid it waste, but Hamburg bounced back with style, thanks to
the wealth garnered from its position as a trading centre. The
city's tourist board claims that Hamburg is now home to more
millionaires per capita than any other city in Europe.
Most of the sights of interest to tourists in the city are
centred on its maritime traditions, particularly in the harbour
area, where the 'Warehouse district' has been transformed into an
entertaining destination offering several attractions. Further
afield Hamburg is the gateway to the seaside and spa resorts of the
Baltic and North Sea coastline.
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Hamburg
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Altona Fish Market
The market is between Hexenberg and Grosse
Elbstrasse
www.fischmarkt-hamburg.de |
What is it? It may be billed as a fish market, but there
is just about anything and everything on sale at this lively,
colourful Hamburg market that takes place early on Sunday mornings,
and has done since 1703. There is a restaurant in the historic Fish
Auction Hall, along with some live musical entertainment, to
rejuvenate tired shoppers.
Hours of Operation: Daily 5am to 12pm; from 7am in winter
Phone:(0)40 380 120 |
2. Warehouse complex
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What is it? The world's oldest warehouse complex, built
of red brick with gables and turrets, is a century old and still in
use for storing exotic goods from around the world. Known as the
Speicherstadt in German, this historic section of the Free Port
between the Deichtorhallen and Baumwall has been turned into a
tourist attraction by the addition of an open air theatre, a spice
museum, a miniature exhibition and an old Russian submarine open
for exploration. Another attraction is the 'Hamburg Dungeon', an
interactive experience showcasing the more unpleasant and gory
aspects of the city's history. The Speicherstadt is illuminated at
night, creating an enchanting spectacle, particularly viewed from a
boat on a harbour night tour (Tel: 040 31 31
30).
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Hamburger Kunsthalle
Glockengiesserwall
www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de |
What is it? Hamburg's premier art gallery offers the
chance to view works across the time spectrum from the Middle Ages
through to the present day. The Kunsthalle's main aim is to educate
about art, rather than showcase particular art treasures, and
exhibitions are constantly changing to introduce new forms of
art.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm; Thursday 10am to 9pm;
closed Mondays
Phone:428 131 200 |
Hamburg
holidays - Top Events
1. Hamburg Ballet Days
From 2007-07-01
To 2007-07-15
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What is it? The end of the Hamburg Ballet season is
commemorated by the traditional Hamburg Ballet Days, which presents
the season's best productions, and is the most prestigious dance
event in the country. The famous ballet company is one of the best
in the world. The highlight is the enchanting Nijinksi Gala on the
final night that includes many top international
appearances.
Where is it? Hamburg State Opera House |
2. Alster Fair
From 2006-08-31
To 2006-09-03
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What is it? One of the city's biggest annual summer
festivals, the Alster Fair is a celebration of food and drink,
music, theatre, sporting events, handicrafts and numerous fringe
events that provide entertainment for all ages. Part of the fair is
the International Fireworks Festival that presents spectacular
nightly fireworks displays. For more information contact Hamburg
Tourism on +49 (0)40 300 51-300 or email info@hamburg-tourism.de
Where is it? Around the Inner Alster Lake |
3. Harbour Birthday Fest
From 2007-05-11
To 2007-05-13
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What is it? To celebrate over 800 years of harbour
history, Hamburg's birthday festivities entail many water and
air-based shows and activities, as well as live music, a funfair
and lots of entertainment. Aquatic events are at the centre of the
celebrations and traditional highlights include the ship's parade,
tugboat ballet and dragon boat racing, while helicopter tours, hot
air balloon rides and parachuting take place above the harbour
area.
Where is it? Hamburg Harbour |
4. International Fireworks Festival
From 0000-00-00
To 0000-00-00
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What is it? The night skies of Hamburg ignite with four
nights of fireworks from different countries across the world. The
fireworks display is part of the Alster Fair, one of Hamburg's
great celebratory events displaying the finest in German food and
drink.
Where is it? |
5. International Festival of Ice and Snow Sculptures
From 2006-12-08
To 2007-01-28
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What is it? The charming town of Lübeck is the backdrop
to the fourth International Festival of Ice and Snow Sculptures
which sees artists from all over the world create some of the most
magnificent works of art from several hundred of thousands of
pounds of ice and snow. The sculptures are housed in a tent near
the Trave River.
Where is it? The town of Lübeck |
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