Hamburg City Guide
Art, Archaeology & History
With origins that go back to the Stone Age, Hamburg is better known for its maritime history. A strategic location on the Elbe River as well as its political independence is what has made Hamburg an important and prosperous trading centre for centuries. As is reflected in the official name, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This maritime heritage is as important today for the city’s commerce as it is for tourism. In 2015 20th century offices and 19th century warehouses built on timber-pile foundations, the Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt respectively, were added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Hamburg’s music and entertainment scene is as significant as the city’s maritime industry.
Reasons to Visit Hamburg
Museums & Art Galleries,
Architectural History,
Historic Ships,
… and Christmas Markets.
Interesting Things to Know About Hamburg
Wherever you are in Hamburg you are never far from water. Around 61 km² of the Hamburg area is water. With that much water there are going to be a few bridges. There is the Köhlbrandbrücke from the 1970s, which is 135 m high with a total length of 3,618 m. At only 50 m in length, an older and very photogenic bridge is Brooks Bridge built in 1887 in the Speicherstadt. In fact there are over 2,000 bridges. Estimates vary between 2,300 and 2,500. Whatever the actual number is, that is more bridges than in Venice, London and Amsterdam put together. Also, don’t miss the Pauli Elbe Tunnel, opened in 1911, it is free for pedestrians. But the car lifts still work today, taking vehicles down to the tunnel level, 24 m below the surface.
Hamburg has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both added to the list in 2015. They are the Speicherstadt and the Kontorhausviertel. The Speicherstadt is a late 19th century warehouse district. What is unusual about these warehouses is that they are built with timber-pile foundations; made from oak. Using timber for pile foundations is not that uncommon, but the Speicherstadt has the largest number of such buildings in the world. The Kontorhausviertel is collection of large office buildings on the southeastern edge of the Altstadt. They were erected in the 1920s and are typical of what is known as Brick Expressionism common in Germany at that time.
The origins of the Hanseatic League arose out of two agreements between Hamburg and Lübeck signed in 1241. The first stated that both cities would defend their freedoms and privileges together. The second called for securing the road between the two cities against bandits, and that anyone expelled from the one would not be permitted to enter other city. In 1264 the main road between Hamburg and Lübeck was cobbled in Hamburg and called Steinstraße. It is the third known cobbled road in northern Europe, and there is still a street bearing that name in Hamburg.
Find Places to Visit in Hamburg
Five Popular Attractions in Hamburg
Rickmer Rickmers
Speicherstadt
Elbephilharmonie
St Michaelis
U-Boat Museum
Hamburg Travel Ideas
Christmas Markets in the Hanseatic City
From 27 November to the end of December, Europe’s second largest port city is the historical and magical setting to over 30 Christmas markets. In the historic market square in front of the ornate Town is the city’s largest Christmas market. Popular with children is Spielzeuggasse, where merchants from around the world sell their handcrafted toys. Fleetinsel combines Hanseatic tradition with the city’s contemporary urban vibe.
Explore Hamburg more deeply
What to See in Hamburg
Archaeological Museum Hamburg
The museum was founded more than 120 years ago, then with a focus on the history of Harburg. Now drawing on a collection of around 1.5 million artefacts, the archaeology museum in Hamburg tells the story of the history of the greater Hamburg area, from prehistory to the more recent metropolitan times. It is one of the largest museums in northern Germany. The museum is known for its use of innovative display techniques to make the history of a large metropolitan area such as Hamburg accessible to children and adults.
Arts & Crafts Museum Hamburg
One of Europe’s most important museums showcasing the applied arts, with arts and crafts, interior design and photography from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The museum also has important collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artefacts on display. Over 4,000 years of applied arts are displayed in galleries spread over three floors in a building that was intended to resemble a neo-renaissance palace. Some of the highlights include a 5th century BC krater from Apulia, Etruscan reliefs, the red Speigel Canteen and an example of the ‘New Frankfurt’ fitted kitchen.
Cap San Diego
The Cap San Diego is a general cargo ship that is now the world’s largest civil museum ship. Built in the early 1960s, the ship used to sail between Germany and South America until it was decommissioned due to the dominance of container shipping. Almost sold off for scrap, the city of Hamburg bought the ship and group of former dock workers restored the vessel to its former glory. These days the ship is mostly to be found in the port of Hamburg, when visitors are able to explore nearly all parts of the ship, from the bridge to the machine room. As a fully functional ship, the Cap San Diego often takes short trips where visitors become passengers.
Plan Your Trip to Hamburg
Hamburg Travel Planner
Sightseeing Essentials for Hamburg
There are two city passes available for sightseeing in Hamburg: the Hamburg City Pass and the Hamburg Card. They are both available of one or more days. The Hamburg Card includes unlimited transport and gives the cardholder discounts to enter attractions. On the other hand, holders of the Hamburg City Pass get ‘free’ entry to listed attractions, but public transport is extra.
Create Your Own Sightseeing Itinerary
Using our list of Archaeology & History Sites & Museums in Hamburg you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itinerary for your trip to Hamburg. These lists and itinerary can be shared with your friends, privately and on social media. To make use of this feature, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering to use our itinerary builder is free of charge.
