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I love Hamburg in the summer and even in the winter when it is ice cold! It is a beautiful city, and I often just take the” hop on hop off bus” which guides you through
the hidden hills and magnificent countryside, with breathtaking views overlooking the
canals and famous city port. Truly, it should be called a sister city to Stockholm, Amsterdam and Bruges with its lattice of canals running throughout the city –hence its’ name – Venice of Northern Europe!
Throughout the summer months they have motorcycle events and people from all over the world mark their calendars – no matter if you have a Harley or a small self-made motorcycle, all are welcome. I mention this since in my travels, I often seen many US
baby boomers in Europe attending many of the summer motorcycle festivals! I had no idea so many of us made this an annual trip!
Summer is also filled with wine tasting festivals and I particularly enjoy sampling local wines. The Germans are so friendly, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join them!
Prost! - ein Toast!
If you do choose to visit during the winter months – plan on visiting in December for their Christmas Bazaar is wonderful – streets are lighted up and many shops display their traditional German hand-made ornaments and decorations! Don’t be surprised if you are welcomed into a shop with warmed cider!
Recommended Sites:
- Miniature Wonderland – this is the largest model railway system in the world. In 2000, two brothers, Frederik and Gerrit Braun set out to build the largest model railway system in the world. They are still expanding and working on this project, as well as they want to build such systems in Italy, France and England! I have always loved miniature railroads, as I still have my husband’s train set from 1950’s!
- Hamburger Kunsthalle – is the largest museum in Germany. Throughout the year they have over twenty special exhibitions. My favorite painters are the Dutch, (Rembrandt), and paintings of impressionism and classic modernism of which there are rooms filled with this period.
- St. Michaelis Church – is Hamburg’s principal church and northern Germany’s finest baroque-style building. Constructed in 1649, it has undergone multiple reconstructions; being struck by lightning to a fire in 1906 and culminating in total destruction through WWII bombing. The clock tower is the largest in Germany. Above the clock is a viewing platform (accessible by stairs or elevator) where you have panoramic views overlooking the city, the Elbe River and the Alster lakes.
- Tea Time – sorry fellows, but I just have to mention my favorite destination (other than the spas) in Hamburg. Messmer Momentum is a teahouse and museum that honors Hamburg’s role as the port through which much of the tea in Europe flowed. There are hundreds of teas for sampling and for sale. The shop is filled with tea paraphernalia with a wood deck overlooking a canal! Take time to refresh yourself after hours of walking and museum hopping!
- Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall: I don’t generally recommend places to stay but I just love this hotel. Terrific location – everything within walking - summer wine tasting festivals at city centre, as well as sitting on the hotel’s private boat dock, overlooking the Alsterkanal Canals. If you do visit or stay, plan some time in their Seagull Spa – experience you will never forget!
Happy Travels!
August 22, 2023
