The name 'Planten und Blomen' has its origins in the old Hamburg dialect for 'plants and flowers'. With a huge variety of trees, plants, flowers, a Japanese garden and an ice skating rink for winters, the park attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. One of the major summertime attractions is the water, music and light show. This impressive display takes place on a regular basis attracting a decent crowd of tourists. There is also an adventure playground and numerous other activities to ensure that kids enjoy themselves amidst the scenic beauty that is Planten und Blomen.
The Port of Hamburg, situated on River Elbe, is one of the largest ports of Germany. Founded in 1189 by Frederick I, it has been Central Europe’s main port for centuries. Considered Germany’s “Gateway to the World”, this is one of the busiest ports in Europe, with a history that is almost as old as Hamburg itself. The Port of Hamburg is one of Hamburg’s largest attractions, thanks to a variety of museum ships, bars, musical theaters and restaurants dotted across this massive port.
Spread across 50 hectares (123.55 acres), Wildpark Schwarze Berge opened its doors in 1969 and ever since has been a popular haunt among families and animal lovers alike. This wildlife park enclosed by Harburg Mountains is the habitat of over a 100 species and thousand animals from across Europe. These include wild and domesticated animals as well. Explore the parkland on a train or check out the enclosures of the wildcat, brown bear, European wolf and lynx. Interact with the animals at the petting enclosures or feed animals. Don't miss the air show to get a glimpse of majestic bird taking flight or have some fun at the adventure playground. Or check out the talented craftsmen at the Kunsthandwerkerhalle and buy some unique craft items. You can also picnic or camp within the wild park. Feeling famished with all this activity? Then head to the on-site restaurant for a much needed, replenishing meal.
The 18-hectare (44-acres) Binnenalster (Inner Alster) was separated from the Outer Alster in the 17th Century and is flanked by three promenades: the Ballindamm, Jungfernstieg and Neuer Jungfernstieg. The Binnenalster is the perfect oasis to relax and enjoy the view of some historic buildings, other than partaking in a few water sports and activities in the summer.
Opened in 1869, the Hamburger Kunsthalle houses several centuries worth of paintings. Spread over three colossal structures, it is one of the largest art galleries in the country with a huge display of more than 700 pieces, which is divided into four sections; The Gallery of Old Masters, The Gallery of 19th-Century Art, The Gallery of Classical Modernism and The Gallery of Contemporary Art. Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of the most important public art spaces in the world which takes you through several centuries of art and culture through the works of old and new masters like Manet, Liebermann, Friedrich, Munch, Blue Rider, and Brücke groups. The museum is a regular venue for several art exhibitions and houses a few permanent exhibitions as well. They have a children's room for young artists and provides a platform for art aspirants to showcase their talent. The museum has an in-house cafe and a gift shop within the premises and is available for private events and concerts as well.
Treppenviertel is a quaint, charming riverside neighborhood in Hamburg. The reason for its popularity is the uneven elevation, the whole area can be traversed by a series of stairs, with rustic, thatched houses on both end. The area ends at the river Elbe, where people engage in leisurely activities. Offering panoramic views of the region, it is said that there a total of 5000 steps in Treppenviertel, making it an unmissable attraction.
Built by a group of local merchants and shipping company bosses in 1831, Elbchaussee is without doubt one of the finest streets in Germany. Stretching for 10km along the banks of the River Elbe from Altona to Blankenese, the street is lined by lavish 19th century villas and beautiful parks. While the street is perfect for a Sunday afternoon drive or a relaxing bike ride, walkers would be better advised to take the smaller Elbuferweg or Elbhöhenweg, which run along the riverbank and hillside, parallel to the main road. The views over the harbour and River Elbe are unbeatable.
On Niendorfer Marktplatz in the north of Hamburg you can see a rather unique building by northern German standards-namely a particularly beautiful, genuine baroque church. As it is one of the most popular wedding churches, bridal couples are advised to set a date well in advance. On one hand the church is located on a very busy street, but on the other hand the beautiful Niendorfer Gehege-a park with a deer reserve-is just behind the church and graveyard. That it exists was all down to King Christian VII of Denmark for commissioning this remarkable building-it was built in 1769.
This unique gallery is dedicated to photos of pregnancy and birth, taken by the talented photographer Kerstin Pukall. You can see photos of little children, nude pregnant women, happy families and the process of birth itself. All the photos are vivid and full of emotions. If you are new parents, you can also order a photo shoot by Kerstin Pukall.
A beautiful worship place in the heart of Rellingen, this one is often visited by tourists, who are awed by its magnificent structure. An ancient congregation, it is one of the finest remaining examples of baroque architecture in the area. The church is open throughout the year for sightseeing on every Thursday from 6p to 7p. Masses and other religious ceremonies are also conducted, to keep the community bonded. See website for further details.
St. Petri Kirche is a Lutheran church located in the city of Geesthacht, an hour's drive from Hamburg. The church is the largest in the city, and the recognizable spire is visible from across the Elbe. Inspired by the city's Hanseatic heritage, the church features a unique architecture that draws from the city's nautical past and is believed to be shaped like a fish. Points to note while visiting include the medieval crucifix rescued from the destroyed St. Peter's church of 1648, and the vestibule's sandstone relief sculpted by artist Hans Kock. The church is a popular summer venue for classical concerts thanks to its exceptional acoustics.
There is a bronze statue at Magdeburger Brücke on Brooktor. It was created by Hans-Jörg Wagner and erected in 1982. The statue shows the famous pirate Klaus Störtebeker, hands tied, looking back towards the Speicherstadt where he was executed in 1400. Like most of the pirates of his day, he used to hide on Helgoland island. The villains' heads were tarred on one of Speicherstadt's streets, Pickhuben, before they were lead to the place of execution at Großer Grasbrook. According to the legend, Störtebeker saved several of his men by walking along his lined up crew after being decapitated. The men he passed were allegedly reprieved.