Sightseeing in Hamburg - what to see. Complete travel guide

Hamburg is a city that represents one of sixteen Lands of Germany. The city is located on the bank of the Elba River near the Northern Sea. Hamburg is the second largest city of Germany after Berlin and the seventh largest city in whole European Union. Moreover, this is the most populated city of Europe that is not a capital. In 2008 the population of Hamburg estimated 1 773 218 people. Besides its own flag and emblem Hamburg has its own hymn. This is very rare for cities.

Hamburg is a large transportation junction, a sea and a river port. There is also an airport on the territory on the city. Hamburg is a center of machine building, printing and textile industries. Here are also headquartered the publishing houses of famous newspapers Stern and Spiegel. Moreover, here are located main offices of numerous banks, insurance companies and other commercial organizations.

A huge part of ancient buildings in Hamburg was destroyed during war, but the main sight and the symbol of the city – Michelle Tower of St Michael Church that is 132 m high – was almost not affected. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city is divided into Old and New Hamburg by Alsterfleet Channel. Above the channel is built Trostbrücke Bridge that is among those rare facilities that have managed to survive in a fire in 1842. This bridge features panoramic views of all main sights in Hamburg that always attract visitors by their interesting architectural designs. Among these sights are also Town Hall, the oldest Exchange in Germany and the remains of St Nicolas church destroyed during bombings. Today these remains are considered an anti-war memorial. No need to say there are many museums, theatres, and libraries in Hamburg.

Shopping lovers will also find much interesting in Hamburg as here are opened numerous expensive boutiques, trading centers, passages and other trading outlets.

In Hamburg, tourists will have the opportunity to admire not only historical, but also natural attractions. The undistinguished symbol of the city remains the beautiful Alster Lake. On the shores of this lake today is an attractive park. Locals and tourists come here to have a picnic, enjoy hiking and active entertainment. Along the shores of the lake are luxurious villas of the wealthiest townspeople. In the warm season on the lake, competitions in water sports are often held

Art connoisseurs should definitely visit the Hamburger Kunsthalle Museum, which contains a unique collection of works of art. This museum was founded in the middle of the 19th century. It is located in a majestic building with columns. In the halls of the museum there are paintings of various epochs. Some canvases are more than 400 years old. In 1995, the museum had a new building, in which the works of contemporary artists are presented now. Often, there are interesting exhibitions here.

The most visited cultural institution of the city is the Museum of Hamburg History. It also occupies a spectacular historical building, the roof of which is adorned with a small clock tower. This museum has a very multifaceted collection of exhibits, reflecting a variety of historical events and cultural traditions. Luxurious national costumes, ancient musical instruments, models of old ships and historical documents are just a few of the exhibits that can be seen within the walls of this museum.

Those who like to visit unusual museums should look into the cultural center with the original name The Hamburg Dungeon. This horror museum tells visitors about the most frightening and tragic events that the city had to endure. Terrible epidemics and natural disasters, wars and destructive fires are an integral part of the history of Hamburg. In this museum, visitors can enjoy spectacular theatrical performances and an appalling atmosphere that does not leave anyone indifferent.

In the port area is a very unusual architectural complex, which is called the Amber city. Here, travelers can see the remaining warehouses. Much of it was built in the 19th century. The industrial buildings of red brick are incredibly beautiful.