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City and state in Germany
Photo: Oschti, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) is Germany's second-largest city and, at the same time, one of Germany's 16 federal states or Bundesländer. Prior to the formation of the modern German state, Hamburg for centuries enjoyed a status as de facto independent city state and regional power and trade hub in the North Sea. Although situated over 100 km upriver from the North Sea on the Elbe, Hamburg has been one of Europe's most important ports for centuries, as reflected in its full name referencing the Hanseatic League. The city was built on the confluence of the Elbe with a smaller tributary (the Alster), and much of the southern bank of the Elbe is today occupied by an enormous seaport.
New and old town, this is the heart of Hamburg from the iconic city hall to the shopping mile of Mönckebergstraße and Hamburg’s answer to the London Docklands — Hafencity — with the old warehouse district.
St. Pauli with its main street Reeperbahn is the centre for nightlife and home to one of the world’s best known red-light districts. Further west along Elbe there’s the hip district of Altona with a Danish past.
Beginning with the lake Außenalster, the city’s north is rich in greenery and home to several parks and the city’s zoo.
The colourful St. Georg district is at the same time bohemian and luxurious and home to people from many different cultures. Further east are the suburbs of Borgfelde and Hammerbrook. To the southeast along the northern bank of Elbe is Bergedorf, a more rural part of Hamburg.
The cranes of one of the world’s major ports are visible far away. Though perhaps not the city’s major attraction, the port still defines the Hansestadt and is the home to the emigrant museum.
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Harbour Birthday
Every year in May the harbour birthday attracts millions of people. Dozens of stands and stages, a ship parade, and changing events are organised to celebrate the cities spring of wealth. The harbour dates from 1189. Since then, the Harbour Birthday has grown into the greatest harbour party in the world. It is generally in early May.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
On May 19, the Japanese community of Hamburg celebrates the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival by the Lake Alster. Enormous fireworks and a peaceful atmosphere are characteristics of this event.
The Dom is one of the largest fairs in Germany. The streets of the fairground, lined on both sides with rides, amusements and food and drink stalls, are some 3.3 km long. It takes place for three separate months in spring, summer, and early winter.
By train
Hamburg has five major stations: , (Messe/CCH), , and . The city being a terminus for many ICE and Intercity lines, trains tend to stop twice or even three times in Hamburg.
By car
Parking a car in Hamburg can be a challenge. In the city centre there are a fair number of underground parking garages, but they're not cheap (approximately €3 per hour, or €25 per day in 2026).
By bus
Hamburg is one of just a handful of German cities that had a dedicated intercity bus terminal prior to the opening of the market in 2012/13.
By bike
The Elbe Radweg, one of the most popular cycle routes in Germany, passes through Hamburg.
By boat
A lot of cruise ships visit Hamburg, so you may put your foot on Hamburg ground at one of the Cruise Centers.
Hitchhike
You can leave Hamburg to the south (A7-Hannover/Frankfurt/Munich) and southwest (A1-Bremen/Cologne/Netherlands) from the filling station known as "HH-Stillhorn" you can get there with the number 351…
By public transport
Hamburg has an integrated public transportation system, operated by the HVV, which consists of six S-Bahn (commuter rail) lines, four U-Bahn (subway) lines, seven R-lines (regional trains), three…
By bike
You will see a lot of bicycles on the roads during the warmer months, many of the city's residents will use bicycles as their normal form of transportation.
By taxi
There is a good supply of taxis in Hamburg 24 hours a day, both at taxi stands and in the streets.
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Hamburg · International · HAM
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