Bellarine Traveller: Hamburg

The day I left London was a huge day. First, the Eurostar to Brussels, and then Cologne and finally to Hamburg.

One thing I have noticed since arriving in Europe is the amount of graffiti, especially along the train lines. It has been nearly 5 years since I was in Europe and talking to people about this they agree, it has got a lot worse despite authorities trying to paint to out.

I have just spent 2 nights in Hamburg.

I was asked by several people “why are you going to Hamburg and why are you staying for 2 nights?”

My reason was that it was en-route to my next destination. After several people asking me why, I did wonder if I should have stayed somewhere else!

However Hamburg is a lovely city.

It is a very ‘green’ city with lots of parks and gardens and many large trees along most streets. It is evident that they want to keep it that way as you see many smaller trees that have been planted more recently. Because of my short stay I did take a Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour and that was a real surprise.

The city of Hamburg is a very ancient city and is the 2^nd largest city in Germany with a population of 1.8 million people.

The city sits on the River Elb and two of its tributaries the Rivers Alster & Bille and several canals. Many years ago part of the River Alster was dammed to make a lovely lake in the centre of the city. The lake is used by locals to walk or run around and for boating or simply just to enjoy as many people were. There are many large homes (mansions, really) along the river. Several years ago most had gardens down to the edge of the river. The local government then decided that the river front should be for all people to enjoy, they took land from the landowners and put a road between the houses and the river. These days there are lovely parklands for everyone to enjoy.

The City Hall is a beautiful building. The current building was completed in 1897 as the previous building was burnt down. They tell us that it has as many rooms as Buckingham Palace! The City Hall has a large city square in front, and very close-by one of the cities canals.

Some trivia – There is a Men’s Club in Hamburg, the Anglo-German Club. However it does have one female member – The Queen!

The Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour went to many interesting places including St Michael’s Church that has a large spire that you can go up in, the Hamburg Harbour and that is huge. It also goes through the famous Red Light District – and is it a Red Light District! The tour guide did point out one street where females were not allowed to go! The whole area as you would expect has numerous shops (of all descriptions), nightclubs etc and the whole area does look a bit seedy. I must admit there was a bit of discussion among the passengers on the bus as we went through this area! This is the same area where, in the 1960’s the Beetles played at several of the clubs.

Hamburg is a musical city and has many lovely theatres. ‘Cats’ played here for 15 years and with full houses most nights! They are building a huge new concert hall that will be finished in 3 years.

I did walk back to my hotel along the some of the many pedestrian malls. Again, you come across small treed courtyard areas for people to enjoy.

Despite having some (initial) doubts about coming to Hamburg I have enjoyed my visit.