Regions of Germany

Hamburg

The city of Hamburg is, by own right, one of the Bundesländer or federal states in itself. Being a port city, Hamburg is a prominent trade centre - the country's most important in fact - and the second most important in Europe.

An industrial, modern city, Hamburg has always been defined by its open-mindedness and tolerance. A devastating fire in 1842 and the Allies bombing campaign during World War II considerably reduced the number of the city's sites. However, it is worthwhile visiting St. Michael's Cathedral, with its 132 meter spire and excellent panoramic views of the city, the old Post Office, now an elegant mall; the Town Hall and the Chile-Haus (Chile House), a red brick construction built in the expressionist style.

However, Hamburg's real charm lies in the harbour with the Clock Tower, St Pauli Landungsbrücken's green dome, the old warehouses and the free port, an area you can visit at no cost, where dozens of bridges can be seen.