Introduction
Germany's second-biggest city is no also-ran, but a thriving up-and-comer. Squeezed between scenic lakes and huge container ships on the busy Elbe river, Germany's largest port has, so the locals say, much in common with Venice and Amsterdam. Its dynamism, multiculturalism and hedonistic red-light district, the Reeperbahn, originate from its colourful maritime past.
Destination Facts
Time zone: GMT +1
Area: 755
Coordinates: 53.5709991455 latitude and 10.0279998779 longitude
Population: 1700000
Area codes: 040
Getting There
There isn't really a particular time of year that is best to visit Hamburg, because it can be chilly year round. Hamburg is particularly renowned for its Schmuddelwetter; literally this means 'foul weather' but in practice it usually just means constant drizzle. Summer temperatures usually don't creep much over 20 ° C (68 ° F) and winter is prime time if you want to head south to the Harz Mountains.
Getting there and away
Flying into Hamburg is fairly easy; its international airport has flights across Europe, and is well connected to the city centre, with an airport bus running every 15-20min from 06:00-11:00 (25min trip). You can also take an airport bus to Altona or take the S-1 or U-1 trains to Ohlsdorf and change to an airport express bus. The city is well served by trains, with four main train stations. There are hourly trains to L ü beck, Kiel, Bremen, Frankfurt and Munich. There are also regular direct services to Berlin, Cologne, Copenhagen and Paris. Buses connect with Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, with some agencies specialising in trips to Eastern Europe. If you're driving, the autobahns A1 (L ü beck-Bremen) and A7 (Hanover-Kiel) cross just south of the city.
Getting around
Hamburg's extensive system of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and ferries won't leave you stranded. S- and U-Bahn tickets can be purchased at the bright orange machines at station entrances, while bus tickets are available from the driver. City driving is surprisingly easy, with clear thoroughfares cutting through the town centre. The only drawback is expensive parking, particularly in the city centre or at hotel car parks.
Weather
While Germany can have pleasant summer weather, northern areas including Hamburg are known for their year-round Reizklima, or 'healthy, bracing climate'. Summer temperatures don't creep much over 20 ° C (68 ° F). Winter is prime ski time if you want to head south for the alps of the Harz Mountains.
Places of Interest
Squeezed between scenic lakes and huge container ships on the busy Elbe river, Germany's largest port has, so the locals say, much in common with Venice and Amsterdam. Its dynamism, multiculturalism and hedonistic red-light district, the Reeperbahn, originate from its colourful maritime past.
Related posts: Frankfurt City, Germany Country, Berlin city
Germany's second-biggest city is no also-ran, but a thriving up-and-comer. Squeezed between scenic lakes and huge container ships on the busy Elbe river, Germany's largest port has, so the locals say, much in common with Venice and Amsterdam. Its dynamism, multiculturalism and hedonistic red-light district, the Reeperbahn, originate from its colourful maritime past.
Destination Facts
Time zone: GMT +1
Area: 755
Coordinates: 53.5709991455 latitude and 10.0279998779 longitude
Population: 1700000
Area codes: 040
Getting There
There isn't really a particular time of year that is best to visit Hamburg, because it can be chilly year round. Hamburg is particularly renowned for its Schmuddelwetter; literally this means 'foul weather' but in practice it usually just means constant drizzle. Summer temperatures usually don't creep much over 20 ° C (68 ° F) and winter is prime time if you want to head south to the Harz Mountains.
Flying into Hamburg is fairly easy; its international airport has flights across Europe, and is well connected to the city centre, with an airport bus running every 15-20min from 06:00-11:00 (25min trip). You can also take an airport bus to Altona or take the S-1 or U-1 trains to Ohlsdorf and change to an airport express bus. The city is well served by trains, with four main train stations. There are hourly trains to L ü beck, Kiel, Bremen, Frankfurt and Munich. There are also regular direct services to Berlin, Cologne, Copenhagen and Paris. Buses connect with Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, with some agencies specialising in trips to Eastern Europe. If you're driving, the autobahns A1 (L ü beck-Bremen) and A7 (Hanover-Kiel) cross just south of the city.
Getting around
Hamburg's extensive system of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and ferries won't leave you stranded. S- and U-Bahn tickets can be purchased at the bright orange machines at station entrances, while bus tickets are available from the driver. City driving is surprisingly easy, with clear thoroughfares cutting through the town centre. The only drawback is expensive parking, particularly in the city centre or at hotel car parks.
Weather
While Germany can have pleasant summer weather, northern areas including Hamburg are known for their year-round Reizklima, or 'healthy, bracing climate'. Summer temperatures don't creep much over 20 ° C (68 ° F). Winter is prime ski time if you want to head south for the alps of the Harz Mountains.
Squeezed between scenic lakes and huge container ships on the busy Elbe river, Germany's largest port has, so the locals say, much in common with Venice and Amsterdam. Its dynamism, multiculturalism and hedonistic red-light district, the Reeperbahn, originate from its colourful maritime past.
Related posts: Frankfurt City, Germany Country, Berlin city
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