The city of Hamburg is considered by many tourists as a seaport. This statement is partially true, because large cruise ships call at its port. However, in a strictly geographical sense, Hamburg lies one hundred and ten kilometers from the sea coast. The city stretches along two banks of Germany's large water artery - the Elbe, in the place where the Bille and Alster rivers flow into it. Nevertheless, the mouth of this river is so deep and wide that in this case we can speak of an estuary. Therefore, from the North Sea along the Elbe, ocean-going ships, both cargo and passenger, can easily reach Hamburg. Therefore, a huge role in the life of the city is played by its port. Even more can be said: Hamburg would never have reached its heyday if it had not developed trade transportation by water. That is why the modern port covers an area of seventy-five square kilometers. And this is a tenth of the territory of the city. Therefore, the port of Hamburg cannot be ignored. Especially if your cruise ship has docked there. What to watchin the port of Hamburg? Our article will be devoted to this topic.
What is the probability that our ship will sail to Hamburg
Cruise tourism is now gaining more and more popularity. This is an opportunity to see several countries "in one fell swoop", without suffering from formalities when crossing borders. At the same time, you can spend time in the comfortable conditions of floating resorts (this is how modern cruise ships can be characterized). Such sea voyages may vary in length and route. There are cruises within the boundaries of one water area, two or three seas. And there are also round-the-world voyages or a sea voyage along the coast of Europe. As for tourists from Russia, many cruises depart from St. Petersburg. And, if their route is not limited to the B altic alone, the ships go to the North Sea. On the map, it begins immediately beyond the Danish archipelago and extends to the shores of the British Isles and the English Channel. Thus, the coast of Germany is washed by two seas - the B altic (in the east) and the North (in the west). Hamburg is the largest port in the country. It is even called the "Gateway to the World". Most North Sea cruises include a stop at this huge port as part of their itinerary.
The city and its harbour. A bit of history
The city and port of Hamburg on the map of Europe is located on the southwestern side of the Danish archipelago. The first settlement here was formed in the fourth century AD. But it was not of great political and economic importance,was constantly attacked by the Normans, Danes and Western Slavs. It was the port that gave impetus to the development of the city. In the Middle Ages, the roads were too bad, and where possible, the transport of goods was carried out by water. Here it turned out that the wide and deep mouth of the Elbe gives Hamburg great opportunities. The heyday of the city began from the moment the emperor Barbarossa granted its inhabitants the right to collect duties on passing goods. This event - May 7, 1189 - is called the birthday of the port.
Hanse Free City-State
The inhabitants of Hamburg lived and grew rich not only from duty fees. Crafts and, most importantly, trade began to develop in the city. But here, too, the port played a key role. Hamburg became one of the first cities of the Middle Ages, which entered the Hanseatic League - the first trading zone in the history of Northern Europe. The religious authorities, represented by local bishops, repeatedly made attempts to attack the freedoms of the burghers. But the residents have always defended them. Therefore, the motto of Hamburg is the phrase: "Let the descendants worthily keep the freedoms that their ancestors have achieved for them." An important point of the Hanseatic League, the city was famous as a trading port, where metal, timber, spices, herring, furs, grain and fabrics were bought and sold. At the beginning of the 16th century, Hamburg added the status of Freie Reichsstadt to its name. This meant that the city becomes free from the power of the emperor and receives full self-government. This circumstance, coupled with the opening of sea routes to America and Asia, served as a real powerful impetus to the development of Hamburg.
Modern Port City
The significance of this locality has not diminished with the formation of the European Union. Hamburg is a city-state, which, along with fifteen other federal states, is part of the Federal Republic of Germany. In Germany, it is second only to Berlin in size, and in the European Union it ranks seventh. In terms of population (one million and eight hundred thousand people), Hamburg is the most populated non-capital city in the European Union. The port of the city has not lost its key importance either. It is the third largest in the European Union, behind only Rotterdam and Antwerp. Here, a wide variety of products are loaded, from computer equipment and coal to coffee and spices. And in the port of Hamburg there is the largest warehouse for storing carpets. There are more than three hundred berths here, and if you calculate the total length of the piers, you get an impressive figure of forty-six kilometers! Hamburg is known not only as a trading port, but also as a cruise port. Every year, seven thousand passenger flights sail from this harbor to various parts of our planet.
The amazing city of Hamburg
"Gate to the world" - this is how the Germans call this metropolis. And tourist guides in Germany refer to the city on the Elbe as "Venice of the North". Yes, yes, it is Hamburg, and not St. Petersburg, that deserves this title. There are 2400 bridges and bridges here - more than in Venice itself. This is because apart from the three major rivers,The territory of the city is pierced by many canals. Hamburg is a very green city. Moreover, in the parks you will find not only local vegetation, but also tropical flora, which the Germans somehow manage to grow in open ground in the northern latitudes. Hamburg is considered the greenest city in Germany. Severe requirements of local authorities to the type of houses. There are simply no buildings higher than ten floors in the city. And on the shores of the Alster lake, all the houses must certainly be painted white and have a red tiled roof. The Elbe River (Germany) and its tributaries add charm to the city.
How to get to the port
The city flourished thanks to the transportation of goods by water. That is why its beating heart is the port. But do not think that it is a boring docks, warehouses, working cranes and floating platforms. The port of Hamburg, whose address is St. Pauli Fischmarkt 27 (St. Paul's Fish Market), is itself one of the main attractions of the city. Therefore, it is a must to visit. How to get there? If you are not on a cruise ship in Hamburg, the best way to get to the port is by metro. Stations of the local subway are also a tourist attraction. There are light shows to the music of famous composers. A branch line from the main railway station leads to the port. The metro station where you need to get off is called Hafen City. The very name - Port City - testifies to the size of the harbor of Hamburg.
Sightseeing tour of the port
Even if you arrived in NorthVenice on board a cruise liner and used to looking at the water surface from the height of the seventh deck, you should take a ride along the harbor with a breeze. Such excursions, lasting three hours, cost one hundred and twenty euros. But, in addition to tourist boats, ordinary sea trams plow the surface of the harbor. Such trips are covered by a regular public transport ticket. These boats have open and covered decks, a mini-bar, and a toilet. Therefore, you can significantly reduce the cost of your own individual trip around the port. These trams scurry in different directions. After all, the port occupies the area of a small town. A simple trip brings a lot of pleasure. Port activity is seething everywhere: cranes are working, pilot boats are leading ships to the berths, sirens are buzzing. It is especially exciting to sail on a tiny tram right at the very side of a huge cruise ship, the height of a skyscraper and the length of an airport.
Interesting places
We have already said that the seaport of Hamburg located on the river is a tourist attraction. And this is not only because trading activity is in full swing here and goods are constantly being loaded and unloaded. The port performs not only its direct function. This is truly the heart of the city. Museums, shopping centers, galleries, representative offices of well-known companies are concentrated here. Like any city, the port is divided into quarters. For tourists, the area of Sandtorhafen is of greatest interest. There were old ships lined up at the piers. Pleasant shopping awaits you in the Office Quarter. There, on the Deichstrasse, stocks of well-known companies were concentrated. You can relax after sightseeing the port on the terraces of Marco Polo or Vasco da Gama Square. You can see the handsome cruise ships from above if you rise above the harbor in a balloon. There is also a sacred building in the port. The highlight is that this church is floating. It is installed on an old century-old ship. Residents of Hamburg love to hold weddings and baptize children there. And tourists just look there out of idle interest.
What else to do in the city
Despite the fact that the main center of activity is the port, Hamburg can surprise the traveler with other attractions. These include the artificial lake Alster, the Fish Market on the outskirts of Altona, the beautiful Blankenese quarter, built up with villas, the town hall, the churches of St. Michael and St. Nicholas from the Lycian World. If you come to Hamburg with a child, be sure to visit the Hagenbeck Zoo. It is known for the fact that for the first time in Germany they began to use open enclosures, where conditions are as close as possible to the habitat of animals. The city also has many museums and art galleries. The life of Hamburg does not stop after sunset. It has its own street of bar counters, as well as many nightclubs.
When is the best time to visit Hamburg
The city always welcomes guests. The mild climate with warm winters and cool summers allows tourists to feel comfortable all year round. The port of Hamburg is also always open to ships, since the Elbe is notfreezes. North Sea cruise tourism has its low seasons, but Hamburg is full of life all the time. Three times a year - in winter, spring and summer - the largest fair-festival in Northern Germany is held in the city. This "Hamburger House" lasts no less than a whole month. The fair opens with a giant parade. And trays, beer restaurants and other are located on the territory of more than three kilometers square. Rising above all this bubbling fun is a giant Ferris wheel, which is definitely worth a ride.
Hamburg as a tourist center
Tour operators have developed a variety of North Sea cruises. There are many routes on the map of this area. And almost always, cruise ships call at the port of Hamburg, although for this they need to sail one hundred and ten kilometers inland along the Elbe River. This city also has an international airport, railway stations, bus stations. And the concentration of attractions makes Hamburg a popular tourist destination.
Sea travel: what's the beauty?
See Denmark, Norway, Germany, Great Britain in one fell swoop, stand on the pier in Dover and call in romantic Paris - modern cruises give travelers this opportunity. Their prices depend on the duration of the voyage, route, type of ship and cabin. The shortest North Sea cruises last five days. But you can surf the waves for two weeks. The North Sea can also be viewed as part of a larger journey, such as the transatlantic one, or around the shores of Europe. It is possible to go tosailing on a huge cruise ship, ferry or sailboat.
North Sea: cruises, prices
We have already said that it is possible to arrive in Hamburg aboard a huge ship from St. Petersburg. But a much larger number of cruises depart from the port of this city. You can also get to Hamburg by air. Where to go from this port city? Routes to the natural beauties of the North are very popular. They involve sailing along the British coast with entry into the fjords of Norway. Cruises around the cities of Northern Europe are no less in demand. Ships call at Amsterdam, Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Le Havre (with an excursion to Paris), Newcastle, Invergordon, Queensferry and other equally interesting and sightseeing ports. The cost of such cruises starts from 700 euros for seven nights in an economy class cabin, but you can find a tour for 550 Є. A standard sea voyage from Hamburg for ten days will cost the traveler 1000 or even 1400 Є.
