Friday, April 20, 2025 - Hamburg, Germany

Nestled at the crossroads of the Elbe and Alster Rivers, Hamburg dazzles as a vibrant metropolis woven from centuries of triumph, turmoil, and transformation.  Born in the 9th century as the sturdy Hamburg fortress, this city's roots plunge deep into the heart of European history.  Its ancient ramparts once guarded missionary ambitions, but by the 12th century, Hamburg had blossomed into a bustling commercial powerhouse.  The city's destiny took a dramatic turn in 1189, when it emerged as a free imperial city--unlocking a treasure trove of trading rights and privileges that would shape its future.

Despite the fiery devastation of great blazes and the shadow of the Black Death in 1350, Hamburg refused to wither.  Instead, it rose from the ashes, harnessing its strategic perch to master new trade routes as the Age of Discovery dawned.  By the 19th century, Hamburg had cast off the last vestiges of medieval constraint, standing tall as an independent, sovereign state within the German confederation.

Today, Hamburg pulses with the energy of Germany's second-largest city, its skyline a testament to economic might and cosmopolitan flair.  Towering media headquarters and sprawling industrial giants call this city home, while Europe's third-largest port hums with the ceaseless rhythm of global commerce, including constant cruise ships which bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city each year.  Hamburg is not just a gateway to the world--it is a beacon for science, education, and innovation.

The city's soul, however, is most vividly revealed in its cultural kaleidoscope.  Iconic landmarks rise above lively streets where music, art, and festivals spill into every corner.  Hamburg's cultural scene is a living tapestry, woven from its maritime roots and enriched by a symphony of multicultural influences.  Its historic architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with gleaming modern marvels, telling tales of a city forever in motion.

Hamburg's journey is one of resilience and reinvention.  It has weathered storms--literal and metaphorical--and emerged stronger, its spirit undimmed. Today, the city's dynamic festivals and vibrant neighborhoods celebrate a cosmopolitan identity, drawing people from every corner of the globe.  Hamburg's story is a testament to the enduring power of adaptation and ambition, making it not just a German gem, but a true cultural capital of Europe.

Our tour today was at a more relaxed pace.  We have been running at a frenetic pace recently since we have been in port on most days.  We needed a bit of a rest while still seeing the sites of this exciting city so we decided on more of a sightseeing tour.  We took a panoramic tour of Hamburg with its palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades, extravagant shopping malls and the infamous Reeperbahn in St. Paul, which historically was a red-light district, gaining notoriety in the 19th century as a center of prostitution.

 

Day One Tour:  EASTER SUNDAY and Scenic Hamburg Tour

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

We were scheduled to go on tour this morning but we just discovered there will be an Ecumenical church service onboard this morning so we quickly went downstairs and exchanged our tour tickets to an afternoon tour so we could attend the service this morning.   The service was conducted by a Catholic priest and it was apparent he was unfamiliar with this type of service, but he was willing to try to serve us and his effort was appreciated.  This is a day I really miss being at home, celebrating with my church family, but I am grateful the cruise line is attempting to serve those of us to whom celebrating Easter is very important.  I also appreciate that my sweet husband was willing to move our tour to the afternoon so we could attend the service. Their effort is truly appreciated.  Now, this afternoon we will go on our scheduled tour.

Just returned from our tour of this spectacular city.  What a delightful surprise.  Our memory of Hamburg was that it was a very industrial, dull town.  We were sooooo wrong!  There was beauty everywhere we looked.  Thankfully, we had a wonderful tour of this gorgeous town.

Hamburg, Germany's "Gateway to the World" is a city where the past and present dance together along the banks of the Elbe River.  Born from marshland and ambition, its story stretches back to the 9th century, when Charlemagne ordered a castle to be built on soggy ground between the Alster and Elbe Rivers.  From these humble beginnings, Hamburg endured Viking raids, devastating fires, and the Black Death, each catastrophe forging a city of resilience and reinvention.

Our city tour was a vibrant journey through a tapestry of history, culture and modern marvels.  Hamburg dazzles as a cosmopolitan metropolis, where glass towers and historic buildings stand shoulder to shoulder. The city pulses with life - from raucous nightlife to serene parks and vibrant cultural festivals, Hamburg is a tapestry woven from centuries of trade, music, and migration.  At the harbor, the salty breeze mingles with the calls of seagulls and the sight of majestic ships.  As we drove through the harbor area we passed the enchanting Speiherstadt, the largest red-brick warehouse district in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its canals shimmering under gothic arches and area whispers tales of maritime glory.

As we approached the gleaming Elbphilharmonie, the newly built concert center, our guide proudly pointed out that it was built to resemble a glass wave perched on the river, where music and architecture unite in brilliance.  

We had the opportunity to explore the magnificent St. Michaelis Cathedral, one of Hamburg's five Lutheran main churches and one of the most famous churches in the city.  There are 2,500 seats and is built in the form of a Latin cross.  The 433 feet clock tower is a significant feature of the city skyline and was a navigation aid for ships sailing on the River Elbe in the past. 

Along the tranquil Alster lakes, elegant mansions and bustling promenades invite leisurely strolls. Since it was Easter afternoon, hundreds of families filled the numerous parks, enjoying their time together.  Our final stop was at the town square, which bursts with vibrant life, framed by the majestic neo-Renaissance Hamburg Town Hall, its ornate facade shimmering like a jewel in the city's historic heart.  This sprawling square, born from the ashes of the great fire of 1842, pulses with culture and celebration year-round.  The square hosts lively street performers and bustling markets, as well as the famous Christmas market. It is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds.  

As we continued our city drive, our guide pointed out the connection of Hamburg to the Beatles!  It seems that Hamburg's neon-lit St. Pauli district was the crucible where the Beatles forged their explosive sound and swagger. We passed the gritty clubs like the Indra and Star-Club, where the band performed.  The clubs echoed with the newcomer's raw energy, transforming the Liverpool boys into global icons.  In smoky haze and marathon sets, Hamburg's wild spirit sculpted the Beatles' legendary edge. 

Here, history and modernity dance together, inviting locals and travelers alike to savor the rich tapestry of Hamburg's proud heritage and dynamic energy. After our eye-opening tour of this exciting, energetic and spectacularly beautiful city, it was time to return to the ship and get ready for our special Easter dinner.

Day Two:  Relaxing Day on the Ship

After our very thorough and enjoyable city tour yesterday, we decided to relax today, sleep late, and possibly take the shuttle into town this afternoon.  It's quite an overcast day and it feels nice to just stay indoors and out of the cold.  Bob is working on editing his photos and I have time to write this blog so we stay up-to-date on our entries, since the remainder of our world cruise is very port-heavy! 

It's now mid-afternoon and we've decided to order a carafe of coffee and remain on the ship.  The sun is just now starting to break through the clouds but it's still very chilly outside so we'll forego another trip to the city.  It feels good to have a relaxed day.  After so many hectic days recently, and many more to come in the near future, I appreciate having a bit of down time to rest and relax, in anticipation of our hectic future schedule.

Hamburg is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich maritime history.  Strategically located, it boasts a bustling port and diverse cultural scene.  This city is beautifully adorned with canals, lakes, and verdant suburbs, offering a uniquely charming blend of old-world elegance and modern dynamism.  It had been quite a few years since we had been there, so it was interesting to revisit it.  It was also fun to visit as a cruise ship passenger on a guided tour as opposed to the two of us driving through the city on our own and trying to decide which tourist sites sounded the most interesting!  

It's quite enjoyable to be back in Germany again after a few years.  We had forgotten how clean and organized it is, and how safe we feel when crossing a street! It's a totally different atmosphere from Africa, although there are lessons to be learned from both locations. After a couple of lovely days touring Hamburg, it's time for us to sail to our next port, the exciting city of Copenhagen, Denmark.  There are many exciting areas to see there so we are looking forward to beginning our explorations.