Free and hanseatic city of hamburg

Because we are Hamburg

»Moin«

“Moin!” This is way people typically greet each other in Hamburg – and it is used both day and night. The root of the word is the Low German “moi”, which means good, nice or pleasant – and we think it really hits the nail on the head.

Hamburg is a city and state in one: this means that the first mayor of the city of Hamburg, Dr Peter Tschentscher, is also minister-president of the state of Hamburg. With around 1.9 million inhabitants, Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin – and the largest city in Europe that isn’t a capital. The Hamburg metropolitan region is one of the most important industrial areas in Germany: around 5 million people live and work here. The heart of this region beats in the port of Hamburg – Europe’s third largest – with its three rivers, Elbe, Alster and Bille. Over eight per cent of Hamburg’s area is covered by water, around 10 per cent are nature reserves.

Hamburg is a modern European city: we keep our eye firmly on mega trends in society, we have a passion for innovation – and this makes us a magnet for people who want to live in the now.

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5 Highlights
in Hamburg

Bergedorf Observatory

From here, the infinite expanses of space are only a glimpse away. Hamburg’s only observatory, and the largest in northern Germany, is located in the east of Hamburg. Not only is it a historically significant building, it is also an important research centre for astrophysics at the University of Hamburg. Hobby astronomists can also reach for the stars here – in the library, on guided tours and with a great programme of events.

Planten un Blomen

Stroll through Japanese garden, enjoy water-light concerts at night, grab a coffee from a café or let youngsters romp on the playground: Planten und Blomen is our Central Park and the city’s green heart. There’s a spot for all generations here – on the grass in the sun, under a shady tree or in a deck chair surrounded by carefully tended flower beds.

The Old Elbe Tunnel

Prepare to descend 24 metres down spiral stairs, in one of the historic freight lifts or a glass lift, then walk 400 metres under the Elbe, where you exit to the amazing sight of the skyline of Landungsbrücken and St. Pauli from the southern bank of the Elbe. The Old Elbe Tunnel is a landmark of engineering in Germany and a unique experience.

The Treppenviertel in Blankenese

Steps, a sand beach and stunning panorama: with its nearly 5,000 steps, the Treppenviertel (literally “step quarter”) perches on the slopes leading up from the Elbe beach to the main part of Blankenese. Between villas and charming old captain’s cottages, you are treated to an unforgettable view of the passing ships and traffic on the river.

Georgswerder Energy Hill

Can an environmental sin ever be a highlight for visitors? The Georgswerder Energy Hill is just that: a reminder of the past and at the same time an information centre on how waste can be used responsibly. There are few other places where you can get so close to a wind power plant, and the skywalk offers an unusual view of the fascinating harbour panorama.

HAMBURG AT THE FESTIVAL OF UNITY

On 2 and 3 October 2023, Hamburg will be hosting the celebrations for the German Unity Day. Around the Binnenalster lake, Rathausmarkt, Gänsemarkt and Mönckebergstraße, guests can look forward to an exciting programme from morning until evening, packed with information and entertainment, culture and culinary delights, traditions and ideas for the future.

Here is the programme of events >

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAMBURG

1.

Hamburg is the city with the most bridges in Europe – there are around 2,500 in the city. In comparison, Venice has only 400. A particular highlight is the Speicherstadt warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site criss-crossed by canals with many listed buildings.

2.

Hamburg is a green city. Nearly ten per cent of the state’s area is protected as nature conservation areas. There are also many green spaces and recreation areas throughout the city; the most popular are Hamburg’s Stadtpark, Planten un Blomen, the Botanic Gardens, the Loki-Schmidt-Garten and Ohlsdorf Cemetery, Europe’s largest park cemetery.

3.

With 101 consular representations, Hamburg has the most consulates in Europe and even sits in third place worldwide after New York and Hong Kong. Internationality is part of everyday life here: Hamburg is home to people from roughly 190 nations.

4.

Hamburg’s Rathaus (City Hall) has 647 rooms, which is almost five times as many as the White House with its comparatively modest 132 rooms. It is the only building in a German state that houses the parliament (the Hamburg Bürgerschaft) and government (the Hamburg Senate) under one roof.

5.

With the largest port in Germany and the third largest port in Europe after Antwerp and Rotterdam, Hamburg is our “Gateway to the World”. The Altenwerder container terminal is certified climate-neutral; it is also state-of-the-art with automated terminal vehicles that are self-driving and can load autonomously.