Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and the largest city in Europe that is not a capital city. Located in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a city defined by water. Of course, as a Hanseatic city, Hamburg is characterised by the port and trade; the river Elbe is the city’s lifeline.

And water is also predominant in the normal cityscape. Numerous canals and waterways criss-cross Hamburg, creating an image that exudes a certain Hanseatic calm. In Hamburg, everything is in motion, everything is in flux.

In the immediate vicinity of Hamburg, you will find both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea within short distance. All the components that make up northern Germany can be found here: vast landscapes, wind and water. Also nearby is the capital Berlin, which can be reached by train in under two hours.

Visionary by tradition

Cosmopolitan and vibrant, yet smart and eco-minded, Hamburg offers visitors a unique experience. Germany’s second largest city has long served Northern Europe as gateway to the world. Today it is at the height of its transformation into an exciting metropolis where modern life is merged with century-long tradition.

Thanks to its rich Hanseatic legacy Hamburg has the business vibe as well as the infrastructure to empower innovation in technology and urban development. Like a kaleidoscope the city unfolds its many charms.

Across a colourful spectrum of classic culture, contemporary art, dazzling entertainment, food for every taste and fashion from luxury to independent labels. Rising above the waves of the Elbe river, at the crossroads between UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and the newly built HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie has become symbolic of Hamburg’s forward-looking spirit.

Metropolis of culture

Culture from Hamburg hits the right notes – and they ring out far and wide. The North German city has a longstanding reputation as a leading centre for dance, music and theatre, with only New York and London beating it to the position of the world’s most successful city of musical theatre. It is not just the city’s many thrilling musical productions that are making waves, the Hamburg State Opera, Laeiszhalle, Thalia Theatre and Deutsches Schauspielhaus theatre also offer outstanding cultural experiences. Hamburg is pioneering new musical paths.

Visible evidence comes in the form of the concert hall Elbphilharmonie – a cultural landmark for the city and a beacon for the world. Architecturally and acoustically brilliant, the venue will host top international performers from the worlds of classical, jazz, pop and world music. In addition to these world-class offerings for the ear, the treasures and exhibitions of the Metropolitan Region’s over 300 museums have plenty to delight and fascinate the eye.

Maritime beauty

What distinguishes Hamburg from other waterfront cities is a lacework of waterways that shape most of its metropolitan area. Ships and bridges set the scene, starting from the harbour along numerous rivers and canals some of which flow into the two Alster lakes, presenting scenic views to be enjoyed anytime day or night.