The Origin of a Port Metropolis

Hamburg's history begins in the 9th century when the Frankish King Charles the Great built a baptismal church at the site where the Hamburg Cathedral stands today. The strategic location on the Alster and Elbe was ideal for defense and trade, and so Hamburg quickly developed into a significant trade center. Today, the city with its many facets is a living testament to its turbulent past and one of the most important cities in Europe.

• The Port of Hamburg: A colossal hub for international trade, and at the same time, a romantic and historical place.
• Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District: These districts are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and offer unique insights into the history of trade.
• Elbphilharmonie: A modern architectural masterpiece and a must for music lovers.
• Culture and Nightlife: From theaters and musicals to trendy clubs - Hamburg's cultural scene is diverse and vibrant.

Hamburg was founded in the year 834, when a mission church was built in Hammaburg, which gave the city, as we know it today, its name. This decision was made by Emperor Charles the Great.

The development into a Hanseatic city

In the 12th century, Hamburg was granted city rights and joined the Hanse, a powerful trade union of North German cities. This laid the foundation for Hamburg's rise to one of the leading trading cities in Europe. The reason for this was its location on the Elbe and its proximity to the North Sea, allowing Hamburg to secure its place as an important transhipment point for goods from all over the world.

This facilitated the city's continued growth over centuries, though it had to go through very hard times. Among them is the Great Fire of 1842, in which much of the city was destroyed.

The heyday of the Hanse

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Hamburg experienced its heyday as a member of the Hanseatic League. The federation of cities enabled flourishing trade with regions in Northern and Eastern Europe. Goods such as grain, fish, beer, and furs were shipped via the Port of Hamburg, and the city benefited from the resulting tolls and trade profits. In the 16th century, Hamburg joined the Reformation, which brought not only religious, but also economic and political changes. During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Hamburg remained largely unscathed and benefited from its neutrality by establishing itself as a safe trading place.

Rise to a major city in the 19th century

Hamburg experienced another resurgence in the 19th century. After the Great Fire of 1842, the infrastructure was expanded, the streets widened and the founding of the German Empire in 1871 led to an economic upswing, which had a particularly positive effect on the Port of Hamburg.

Industrial Revolution and World War II

World War II caused a lot of damage to Hamburg as the bombing led to massive destruction. However, the people didn't let this defeat them and managed to rebuild everything that was torn down as far as possible. This led to another upswing in the 1950s and 60s, also known as the "economic miracle". As a result, not only was Hamburg able to strengthen its position as a port metropolis, but it also rose to become an important media location with large publishing houses and television broadcasters.

Hamburg is divided into seven districts, each of which is further subdivided into numerous neighborhoods. Each district and its neighborhoods have their own charm and character, offering various sights, cultural offerings, and living options. From the vibrant city center to the maritime flair of HafenCity and the quiet, green suburbs - Hamburg's diversity is reflected in its structure.

Throughout its history, Hamburg has given rise to many significant figures who have contributed to the world, some of whom are no longer alive but nevertheless had a profound influence on politics, history and culture.

Famous Politicians from Hamburg

• Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel: Speicherstadt is the largest warehouse complex in the world and, together with the Kontorhausviertel, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Here you can stroll through historic alleys and visit museums such as the Speicherstadt Museum or Miniatur Wunderland.
• Elbphilharmonie: This "Elbphi" is one of the most modern concert halls in the world. The Elbphilharmonie majestically towers over the harbor and offers not only first-class concerts but also a breathtaking view from the Plaza.
• Hamburger Michel: The Michel, more affectionately known as the main church of St. Michaelis, is one of the most famous landmarks in Hamburg. The baroque building offers impressive architecture and a fantastic view of the city from its tower.
• Reeperbahn: This world-famous street in the St. Pauli district is the heart of Hamburg's nightlife. Here you will find a variety of bars, clubs, and theaters. The Reeperbahn is also famous for its music history, particularly the early performances of the Beatles.
• Hamburg Harbour: Hamburg Harbour, also known as "Gateway to the World", is the largest seaport in Germany and the third-largest in Europe. It covers more than 7,200 hectares and plays a central role in international trade. But it's not just significant for the economy; it's also an important and exciting destination for locals and tourists: Port tours, the Elbe promenade, and the impressive container ships attract millions of visitors each year. The famous Hamburg Harbour Birthday is celebrated every year to honor it.

The Significance of Speicherstadt: Where is Speicherstadt located in Hamburg?

Speicherstadt was built from 1883 and originally served as a duty-free warehouse area. Today, the historic buildings house a variety of museums, exhibitions, and cultural facilities. Particularly worth seeing are the Speicherstadt Museum, the German Customs Museum, and Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway exhibition in the world. Speicherstadt is located in HafenCity, the youngest district of Hamburg. It stretches along the Elbe and is traversed by several canals (Fleeten).

Where is Hamburger Michel located?

Hamburger Michel is located in the Neustadt district, close to the Landungsbrücken and the Elbe. The baroque church building offers a viewing platform at about 106 meters high, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbor. The church itself impresses with its magnificent architecture and rich history.

Hamburg is crossed by two significant rivers: the Elbe and the Alster. These rivers shape the cityscape and are central elements of Hamburg life.

Hamburg has approximately 1.85 million inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. Hamburg's population is international and diverse. The city is home to people from over 180 nations, which is reflected in a rich cultural offer and a dynamic economy.

Hamburg is a significant economic center in Germany and Europe. The most important industries include the port and logistics sector, the aviation industry, media and creative industries, as well as information and communication technology.

• The port and logistics sector: The Port of Hamburg is the economic heart of the city. It is one of the largest container ports in the world and a central hub for international trade. The logistics industry benefits from the excellent infrastructure and extensive services around the port.
• The aviation industry: Hamburg is one of the leading locations in the world for civil aviation industry. It hosts significant production sites for Airbus and numerous suppliers, offering innovative technologies and highly skilled jobs.
• Media and creative industries: The media industry also plays an important role in Hamburg. The city is home to many large publishers, television broadcasters and advertising agencies. The city's creative potential is reflected in a vibrant cultural scene and numerous festivals.
• Information and communication technology: The IT industry is constantly growing and benefits from Hamburg's strong infrastructure and proximity to key markets. Many start-ups and established companies in the digital economy have settled in Hamburg.

The district of St. Pauli, particularly the Reeperbahn, is the place in Hamburg where you go if you want to hit the town. It offers you a huge selection of bars, clubs, theaters, and live music venues in all imaginable genres, so you're guaranteed to find something. However, the Reeperbahn isn't the only place in Hamburg where things are happening, far from it. Throughout the year, numerous major events take place that you definitely should know about.

Hamburg is the third largest musical city in the world, after New York and London. The city owes this position primarily to the musical "Cats," which premiered in 1986 at the specially built Operettenhaus and was a huge success. This was followed by other globally renowned productions such as "The Lion King," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Mamma Mia!" The theaters, like the Stage Theater in the harbor and the Neue Flora, provide perfect settings for these large productions.

The Reeperbahn: A street with history

The Reeperbahn is known for its colorful mix of entertainment and culture and was once an important place for sailors looking for relaxation after a long journey. Today, it is a hotspot where you can turn night into day and celebrate in countless clubs and bars. From chic cocktail bars to iconic pubs, there is something for every taste.

The Schanze: Hamburg's creative hotspot

Those who do not want to go to the Reeperbahn often head to the Schanze. The Sternschanze, situated between St. Pauli and Altona, is somewhat quieter and known for its creative and alternative scene. There, you will find a mix of cosy cafes, international restaurants, trendy boutiques and popular bars along Schanzenstraße and Schulterblatt.

Note: These are by no means all of the major events, but only a small selection of what you can experience in Hamburg.

Hamburg is home to several renowned universities, offering a wealth of study programs and research directions.

The city's largest: The University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg is the largest and most well-known university in the city. It was founded in 1919 and offers a wide range of study subjects in the areas of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and economics.

Other Universities

• Port of Hamburg: Largest port in Germany, third largest in Europe.
• Founding of Hamburg: 834.
• Rivers: Elbe and Alster.
• Population: Around 1.85 million.
• Area: 755 square kilometers.
• Universities: University of Hamburg, TUHH, HCU, HAW.
• Port Anniversary: Annually in May.

How to Get to Hamburg

• Arrival by car: Hamburg can be easily reached via the motorways A1, A7, and A24. There are numerous car parks and parking spaces in the city. Prices vary, but in the city center you should expect to pay around 2 to 4 Euros per hour. It is recommended to use the car parks near the Landungsbrücken or the Speicherstadt.
• Arrival by public transport: Hamburg has an excellent public transport system with subways, S-Bahn trains, buses, and ferries. The main train station is a central hub and most attractions are easily accessible from there. HVV tickets are affordable and offer a convenient way of exploring the city.

Opening Hours, Entrance Fees & Co.

Most attractions like museums, the Elbphilharmonie or the Hamburger Michel have specific opening hours and entrance fees. These vary depending on the season and event, so it is advisable to inform yourself online in advance.

Hamburg is a city full of history, culture, and modern diversity. From the historic Speicherstadt to the imposing harbor, vibrant districts, and renowned Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the impressive musicals, dance through the nightlife on the Reeperbahn, or take advantage of the city's diverse educational offerings - Hamburg will captivate you with its unique atmosphere and numerous attractions.