Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg

Hamburg, the place where horizons open

»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 young, 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. Of all 16 federal states, the Hanseatic City of Hamburg has the youngest population. The average age of the city’s inhabitants is 42.3 years, which is significantly lower than the German average of 44.8 years.

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5 Highlights
in Hamburg

Planetarium

Hamburg’s Planetarium is located in a historic water tower in the city’s lush Stadtpark. Its spectacular shows and projections take audiences on journeys into the depths of the galaxy. State-of-the-art projection technology and a stunning domed auditorium make a visit to the Planetarium an unforgettable experience for astronomy buffs and all those curious about the world around and above us.

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 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.

Speicherstadt

The Speicherstadt, the world’s largest historic warehouse complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts impressive brick architecture and picturesque canals. There are also many fascinating museums, including Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway museum, and the Spice Museum.

Street Art

Hamburg is a paradise for street art fans, with artworks splashed across the city. In the Gängeviertel, a lively, alternative culture centre, bold murals and graffiti – many making witty political statements – grace the walls of the neighbourhood. Karoviertel, famed for its creative vibe and many boutiques and cafés, also shines with colourful murals, especially around the Marktstrasse. Harburg is another place where there’s plenty to see, with large-scale paintings enriching the streetscape; many are supported by projects such as Walls Can Dance.

Bunker Hamburg

The green bunker in St. Pauli, also called the Media Bunker, is a former anti-aircraft bunker built in World War II which is now a culture centre. A publicly accessible park with breathtaking views over the city was recently opened on the roof. The bunker also houses businesses, creative agencies, restaurants, a hotel and event spaces.

HAMBURG AT THE FESTIVAL OF UNITY

Hamburg is a city of exciting contrasts that never fails to captivate with its historic architecture and lively culture, innovative science and unique natural landscapes: in Hamburg, tradition and future are richly entwined.

At our distinctive sea container stand, right next to the Constitutional Bodies, we invite you to come and experience all of this for yourself. Look forward to a great programme with live music, exciting talks, drama and hands-on art. Regional food and drinks will be available and there will be creative crafts – bound to delight all, not just the younger visitors. Immerse yourself in Hamburg’s cultural diversity and find inspiration in the many fascinating corners of the city.

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.