Hamburg Convention Bureau

The River Elbe has always been a lifeline and major traffic route for Hamburg. It provides direct access to the North Sea about 100 kilometres away and has formed the basis for the development of Hamburg’s port. Huge container ships arrive in Hamburg with the rhythm of the tides and bring goods from overseas, the majority of which is distributed to Central Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic States by shuttle boat, rail or road. Visitors to Hamburg can best experience the hustle and bustle of the port handling terminals on a traditional harbour boat trip or bus tour. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / bcs Media

What distinguishes Hamburg from other waterfront cities is a lacework of waterways that shape most of its metropolitan area. Ships and bridges set the scene, starting from the harbour along numerous rivers and canals some of which flow into the two Alster lakes, presenting scenic views to be enjoyed anytime day or night. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Geheimtipp Hamburg

Take a break at Alster Lake, climb aboard a sail boat, use a water bike or try out the trend sport SUP. While friendly people wave at you from the shore, historic Alster steamers glide past you. Your gaze will wander to the city centre with its church towers and Rathaus parapets. The Elbphilharmonie rises up in the background with its extraordinary architecture. Credit: Hamburg Convention Bureau / Christian Spahrbier

Culture from Hamburg hits the right notes – and they ring out far and wide. The North German city has a longstanding reputation as a leading centre for dance, music and theatre, with only New York and London beating it to the position of the world’s most successful city of musical theatre. It is not just the city’s many thrilling musical productions that are making waves, the Hamburg State Opera, Laeiszhalle, Thalia Theatre and Deutsches Schauspielhaus theatre also offer outstanding cultural experiences. Hamburg is pioneering new musical paths. Visible evidence comes in the form of the concert hall Elbphilharmonie – a cultural landmark for the city and a beacon for the world. Architecturally and acoustically brilliant, the venue will host top international performers from the worlds of classical, jazz, pop and world music. In addition to these world-class offerings for the ear, the treasures and exhibitions of the Metropolitan Region’s over 300 museums have plenty to delight and fascinate the eye. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Thies Raetzke

The Hamburg Metropolitan Region stretches from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea and far into the interior. Both coastal areas are accessible within a very short time, and the surrounding areas offer visitors the chance to discover inviting towns such as Stade, Lüneburg, Lübeck and Wismar with their vast range of leisure and cultural attractions. Tourists from all over the world revel in the whole region’s maritime atmosphere as well as wide expanses of unspoiled nature just outside the teeming metropolis. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / imagefoto.de

For many people the hunt for beautiful things is a real passion – and Hamburg’s fantastic shops give them the chance to indulge that passion to the full. From traditional department stores, glittering glass arcades and fine boutiques to designer stores, specialist retailers and a plethora of flea and antiques markets, there is something here for all tastes, requirements and wallets. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Sven Schwarze

Rediscover Hamburg! Whether by bicycle or on foot, accompanied by Nordic delicacies such as the legendary fish sandwich, or the classic exploration of the top sights of the Hanseatic City. Shopping fans and friends of the art of brewing, as well as lovers of the maritime, will be highly entertained and satisfied. There is a suitable tour through Hamburg for everyone! Credit: Hamburg Convention Bureau / Christian Spahrbier

The Speicherstadt is more than 100 years old and is considered the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex. In 2015 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the former free port, the red-brick building ensemble with its thick walls, copper roofs and blocks and tackles was built on oak piles between 1883 and 1888 and is among Hamburg’s main attractions. On an area that was once used for storing coffee, tea and other spices, visitors can now marvel at the Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway, or experience spine-chilling tales of Klaus Störtebeker, the famous buccaneer, at the Hamburg Dungeon. The Speicherstadt’s spice museum provides insights into the history of the warehouse complex and the lives of stevedores at the time, while the adjacent wine cellar serves as a venue for parties. Restaurants, cafés and quaint historic warehouse floors offer unique event venues. Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Andreas Vallbracht