hamburg facts and attractions

Hamburg: Facts and Attractions

Hamburg, Germany's second largest city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Known for its scenic beauty and historical buildings, it is a must-visit city. Here are some of Hamburg's facts and attractions...

Alster Lake
This is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places that Hamburg has to offer tourists. Alster lake, a tributary of river Elbe is not only a paradise for sailors, canoeists and tourists, but is also cherished by locals. Rapid industrialization during the 13th century, included the formation of a dam to power water mills, which in turn lead to the formation of two artificial lakes on Alster lake. The outer Alster lake and inner Alster (Binnenalster) lake are today extremely popular with tourists. The boat rides and cruises that tour the Alster canals past the entire city, prove to be wonderful means of seeing Hamburg. During the summer the lake is flooded with sailing boats, however, winter time is the best time to visit Alster lake, as the frozen lake allows the wonderful activity of ice skating.
Altona Fish Market
Another unusual, but popular tourist attraction in the city is the Altona fish market, which even though is named a fish market, sells anything and everything (along with myriads of fish variety) known under the Sun. This colorful, crowded and lively market started in 1703, and takes place every Sunday from 5:30 am to 9am. The key attraction of this market is the Fish Auction Hall, where fresh fish is sold in tons together. There is also a restaurant which provides lively music thereby entertaining shoppers. This market is a must-visit place for all Hamburg visitors.
Blankenese
Blankenese, the picturesque destination on the north bank of the river Elbe, was once upon a time a fishing village that was favored by retired ship captains. Today, it is extremely popular amongst the local people as a weekend getaway spot and some of the richest people are found living here. Its inviting villas, thatched-roofed houses and mansions facing the river Elbe continue to lure scores of tourists towards it. This village features a number of cafes, cinema halls, restaurants, stores and weekly markets selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Blankenese is situated on a very hilly region and is embedded with scores of steps all over the village. Hence, walking is something you have to be prepared to do when you get to this village. It's a great place for a day's excursion.
Hamburger Dom
Held three times a year during winter, spring and summer, Hamburger Dom is the biggest and grandest public festival held in the northern region of the country. Attracting about 9 to 10 million visitors every year, the Hamburger fair starts off with a parade followed by a month-long time of enjoyment. The fair is spread out over an area of 3km and features huge carousels, high-tech rides, roller coasters, firework display, beer tents, tantalizing delights like fairy floss, lebkuchen, etc. and several other activities. The gigantic ferrous wheel is a great attraction, specially because it gives magnificent view of the entire city. Hamburger Dom is the longest festival to be held in the region, stretching over a period of 31 days.
Rathaus in Hamburg
Hamburg's 100 year old town hall is worth a visit. Built during a period marked with opulence and wealth, this massive building encompasses 647 rooms, most of which are done in wood or gold. It is a perfect stop to gauge the historical beauty of the city. Besides being a historical beauty, Rathaus or city hall forms the headquarters for both city and state (Parliament and Senate) administrative governments. The city hall's courtyard is known as one of the most beautiful sights in the city. The Hygieia fountain featuring a female figure in bronze, representing health Pisa to a dragon symbolizing cholera is present at the center of the courtyard. One can take a guided tour inside the Rathaus, which leads you to various magnificent rooms inside the city hall. The interiors will truly stun you. So don't miss it!
Besides the above mentioned tourist spots, Hamburg is embedded with loads of other must-visit places such as the Planetarium (most up-to-date planetarium in the world), Hagenbecks Tierpark (world's first zoo with open-air enclosures), Hamburg Kunsthalle (Hamburg art museum), Hamburg harbor (biggest port in the Federal Republic of Germany and the fourth largest for bulk goods in Europe), St. Michaelis Church (Hamburg's cultural landmark), Japanese garden (the largest Japanese garden in the world). And the list goes on. The public transport system in Hamburg is reliable and efficient, and do you don't have to worry about moving around once you get there. Enjoy the various picturesque destinations of Hamburg and capture some lifetime memories for yourself!

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