Travel guide – Hamburg
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Overview
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.
Climate
Coastal regions of Germany have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild cloudy winters. Inland, the climate is more continental with warmer summers and colder winters. The Alpine and upland regions have cooler weather and more rain. Rain can be expected throughout the country all year round.
Health
There are no serious health risks in Germany, although there have been recent outbreaks of measles in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine Westphalia. The German health service is excellent. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Nationals of other countries should take out medical insurance. Cases of bird flu have been reported, but no human infections have been found. The risk is low for travellers to Germany, but all close contact with wild, caged or domestic birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a precaution.
The basics
Getting Around
Hamburg’s extensive public transport system consists of the U-Bahn (subway), the S-Bahn (suburban train), buses and harbour ferries, and makes getting around without a car pleasurable. The U-Bahn is excellent and serves the whole city centre; it connects with the S-Bahn that services the suburbs, and this train network is the fastest way to get around the city. Buses are also convenient and night buses operate in the downtown area. The Hamburg Card allows unlimited travel for a day on all public transport as well as discounted rates or free admission to museums, on city tours and lake cruises. Taxis are less expensive than other German cities and are available at all hours.
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