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HAMBURG
Hamburg is a watery city, geographically, historically
and atmospherically. It is Germany’s second largest city
and lies on the Elbe River, for centuries a major port
and trading centre for central Europe. The city has a
network of canals that rival those of Venice (it is said
to have more bridges than Venice) and is centred on two
artificial lakes that take up eight percent of its total
area. Probably because of all the water, Hamburg is also
known as Germany’s 'green city', sporting 1,400 parks
and gardens. Modern buildings sit cheek by jowl with
historic Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and by
night the neon lights dazzle all-night revellers,
particularly in the city’s notorious red light district,
the Reeperbahn.
Hamburg was founded in 810 by Charlemagne and earned its
place in history by becoming the most strategic port in
the Hanseatic League of North German cities which
controlled trade in the Baltic and North Seas between
the 13th and 15th centuries. A great fire destroyed much
of the city in 1842, and a century later World War II
bombing raids again laid it waste, but Hamburg bounced
back with style, thanks to the wealth garnered from its
position as a trading centre. The city’s tourist board
claims that Hamburg is now home to more millionaires per
capita than any other city in Europe.
Most of the sights of interest to tourists in the city
are centred on its maritime traditions, particularly in
the harbour area, where the 'Warehouse district' has
been transformed into an entertaining destination
offering several attractions. Further afield Hamburg is
the gateway to the seaside and spa resorts of the Baltic
and North Sea coastline. |
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