City Introduction

Hamburg is divided into seven parts, with Hamburg-Mitte, Altona and Harburg (student area of Hamburg) as the most popular ones among visitors. Scenic spots and recreational activities concentrate in Hamburg-Mitte, but different scenic spots are still accessible through subway since Hamburg-Mitte covers a large area. Hamburg has numerous rivers and more than 2500 bridges since its establishment, which is more than the sum of bridges in Watertown Venice, Amsterdam and London. So, the scenic spots are mainly natural sceneries rather than historical sites. No matter how much time you plan to have for travelling in Hamburg, you should never miss the fish markets in the morning and the bars in the evening. Apart from a variety of cultural activities through the year, all things worthy of experience in Hamburg are related to water. You may choose either Alster Lake or Elbe River to enjoy the beautiful waterside sceneries, or you may randomly select a restaurant to have a taste of the rare fresh seafood in Germany, and possibly you may encounter inadvertently a unique Hamburg rain due to the changeable weather. Hamburg is not an ancient city and, after the war, the historical beauties of the city could only be found in vestiges. The charms of Hamburg need to be discovered with sufficient time. The author believes that Hamburg is a city suitable for the young, because it is not as hustle and bustle as in large cities, and not too quiet and boring. Turbulent flows here and there in Hamburg add a little gentle and softness to the increasingly commercialized city. In the daytime, you may see all kinds of busy people; but when night falls, the passionate hearts hidden behind Western dress and leather shoes will be released in a random manner when meeting companions and sometimes a little dangerous. You won’t be disappointed by the waterside city if you really want to understand it.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

The initial settlement area was formed along Alster River (known as “Ham” in ancient Saxons), near the estuary of Elbe River. In 830 B.C., the Holy Rome Empire once established a town here called “Hammaburg”. In 834, Hamburg was designated as the seat of a bishopric by Ansgar, the Apostle of the North. In 845, 600 Viking ships sailed up the River Elbe and destroyed Hamburg, at that time a town of around 500 inhabitants. In 1100s, Elbe River become more important. Trading embraced a rapid development in northern Europe. In 1189, by imperial charter, Frederick I "Barbarossa" granted Hamburg the status of an Imperial Free City and tax-free access up the Lower Elbe into the North Sea. After 1200s, a free trade alliance, Hanseatic League, was established between Hamburg and North German ports. Cuxhaven near the Elbe estuary became the external port of Hamburg. In 1520s, Hamburg was converted to Lutheran Church and accepted Protestant refugees from Holland and France. At that time, it was ruled by Denmark and also part of the Holy Rome Empire; in 1768, Denmark accepted it as an Imperial Free City. A city alliance was formed in northern Europe in Medieval times: Hanseatic League. Hamburg became the most important port of Hanseatic League, as well as the transfer of foods, clothes, furs, menhaden, condiments, woods and metals. Hamburg was also well-known for its major export product, beer.

City Positioning

The full name of Hamburg is Freieund Hansestadt Hamburg (shorted as HH), and Hamburg is the second largest city of Germany. Hamburg is located at the estuary of Elbe River and Bille River, and over 100km from the North Sea, so Hamburg is the biggest port of Germany and is called the “Gate of Germany to the World”. The city flag of Hamburg is the gate of a city.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Hamburg is located in central Europe, neighboring Poland and Czech to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg and France to the west, and Denmark, North Sea and Baltic Sea to the north; and having a total length of coasts of 2390km.

 

 

 

 

Climate

Hamburg is characterized by temperate marine climate, with long sunshine duration and an average temperature of about 28℃ in summer. It is not so hot. However, Hamburg is well-known for its changeable weather in that it often rains in the morning and is sunny at dusk and has many thundershowers. Particularly in Spring and Autumn, rainy and sunny weather will alternate several times in a single day, so an umbrella is a must for travelling in Hamburg.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

When seeing a doctor in German hospitals, you will basically get a prescription from a doctor and then get medicines with it at the pharmacy. People will often go to clinics, and only to major hospitals in case of emergencies and during holidays. For common cold or vomiting diarrhea due to non-acclimatization, you need not go to hospital and just describe your symptoms to the pharmacists at pharmacies, who then will prescribe for you accordingly. Pharmacies could be seen here and there in Germany, so it is easy to find pharmacies. In case of emergency, just call the emergency phone, and doctors will provide door-to-door service, but with high charge.

Information of Embassy and Consulate

Consulate General of China in Hamburg

Generalkonsulat der Volksrepublick China in Hamburg

Address: Elbchaussee 268, 22605 Hamburg, Deutschland

Tel: 49-40-8227-6018/49-40-8827-6011

Working time: 9:00-12:00, Monday to Friday

hamburg.china-consulate.org/chn

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

1. Germany is one of the Schengen Agreement countries. So any tourist holding a valid visa of any Schengen country can come in, and any tourist holding a German visa can also enter other Schengen countries.

2. All German visas requires appointment for interview in advance, which could only be done online.

3. Materials needed for applying for a German visa:

1) Air ticket (round trip) and accommodation bookings;

2) overseas travel insurance; this insurance policy must cover the following during their stay in Schengen countries: the cost of retuning home due to physical emergencies, emergency medical care costs or hospital costs; this insurance policy has the minimum insured amount of thirty thousand euros.

3) the work proof issued by Chinese company must include: A copy of business license of the company affixed with the seal, a letter of proof issued by the employer (an English document, or a Chinese document with English translation); official company letterhead paper is required with official seal, signature and date; the following information should be confirmed: The address, telephone and fax numbers of the served company; the name and position of the signer from the served company; the name, position, salary, service years and leave of absence of the applicant;

4) The applicant’s bank account records for last three or six months, without needing proof of deposit;

5) in the case of minors, proof of financial source and authorization certificate by their parents or guardians;

6) household register (original and copy);

7) two recent passport photos with white background; 8) the completed application form.

Tourists from EU countries may take personal articles into Germany free of tariff; Tourists from non-EU countries shall not take the articles free of tariff into Germany in the number exceeding the following standards:

(I) Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 100 small cigars, or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco.

(II) Alcohol: 1L liquor containing alcohol above 22 degree; or 2L liquor containing alcohol below 22 degree; or 2L sparkling wine or wine containing alcohol; or 2L common wine.

(III) Coffee: 500g coffee or 200g concentrated coffee.

(IV) Tea 100g tea or 40g concentrated tea.

(V) Perfume: 50g perfume or 0.25L floral water (Eaudetoilette). Special attention should be paid to that tariff-free commodities such as liquor and tobacco of everyone must be separated, or otherwise will be deemed as the commodities carried by one person.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Currency could be exchanged in all major banks at business time in Hamburg, and direct withdrawal is also available through ATMs the city. Generally, currency exchange sites are mainly near railway stations, airports and large department stores, with the exchange rate basically the same.

 

 

 

 

Religion

Christentum is the major religion in Germany, with two main religious groups: R?misch-katholische Kirche and Protestantismus, each having 30% of German believers. For the remaining population, some believe in Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc., and about one third of the population have no religious belief.

 

 

 

 

Tourism Service Number

Emergency medical treatment and fire: 112

Police: 110

 

 

 

 

Notes

In many cases, tips are required apart from bill payment for thanks to waiting staff. Chinese tourists should “Do in Rome as Rome does” particularly, or otherwise it will be impolite. Tips is 5-10% for catering service, 10% for taxi drivers, and 10% for other one-to-one service industries (such as massage). It’s not necessary to be too precise, and usually the bill will be rounded off for tips. You may decide the tip when paying the bill, and the waiting staff will charge according to the figure in cash or card; you may also give pocket money after payment. When attending the activities organized by local tour groups or having guide service, such as cruising, you should also give 1-2 euros as tip to the guide. In addition, you need not give tips to cleaners for accommodation, but should give 1 euro per piece of luggage to the doorman carrying luggage for you in star-level hotels.

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

Altona Street Cultural Week: from June 19 to July 5, 2015

Since 1999, Altona residents cerebrate their holidays in July every year, with near 600,000 participants. During the two weeks, street cultures are the absolute protagonist and the the 3-day street parade puts the celebration to a climax.

April

Easter Day: April 5, 2015

May

Pentecost or Whit Sunday: May 24, 2015

It is the Gregorian calendar holiday after the 50th day after Easter or10 days after Whit Ascension, and all major shopping malls and supermarkets will rest on that day.

Hamburg Port Festival: May 8-10, 2015

The history of the holiday could be dated back to May 7, 1189, when Emperor Barbarossa exempted the tax levied on the ships sailing between Elbe River and North Sea. Since 1977, the weekend after every May 7 became the most famous and the most traditional port holiday of Hamburg, with an annual participants of near one million. Major festival activities are held between Speicherstadt and St Pauli. During the festival, there will be fleets sailing on Elbe River, and many famous ships (such as Queen Marie 2) will dock at Hamburg Port for on-board visiting of tourists. Activities on the wharf include various live performance of bands, program shows and Ferris wheel night-view. Usually, the climax of the festival is the fireworks show on weekend evening. Please log onto the website for detailed activity arrangement.

Homosexuality Parade Day: August 1, 2015

The parade has a history of 30 years, and is also called by foreigners as “Hamburg Pride”. During the day, homosexuality supporters dressing a variety of colored costumes will have parades in the downtown. The goal of parade is to advocate the fair and just treatment to homosexuality and the legitimization of homosexuality spouses.

Harley Motorcycle Festival: June 26-28, 2015

It is held usually from Friday to Sunday in late June. This festival is biggest gathering of motorcycle fans in Germany. During festival every year, 35000-40000 motorcycle fans from European countries will have a pilgrimage here. The cerebration activities are mainly held in downtown old street, and include motorcycle parade, exhibition, evaluation and auction. The end of parade is Reeperbahn. The motorcycle exhibition during the festival is worth seeing, and displays almost all prototypes of Harley motorcycles in past models.

International Summer Days: August 5-23, 2015

Late August every year is the international summer days of Hamburg, which is the biggest contemporary literature and art festival in Hanseatic League cities. During the two weeks, hundreds of contemporary concerts, plays, performances and dances of different kinds from both in and out of Germany will be presented in different regions of Hamburg. It is an important festival that literature and art lovers should never miss.

Alster Lake Leisure Days: August 29-31, 2014

It is an August festival echoing with Hamburg port festival. The activity is mainly held in Inner Alster Lake. During the festival, program performance, snack stands and handicraft sales will show up along the lake, and there are fireworks shows in the evening.

Hamburg Film Festival: October 1-10, 2015

Hamburg Film Festival is usually held in Autumn. During the 10-day festival, 140 German local and international films and documentaries will have their premieres on large screens. Every year, Hamburg Film Festival attracts 40,000 film fans to gather here for cerebration. Hamburg Film Festival is also the best stage for new-generation directors to show their talent. The tickets of film festival are classified into two types, i.e., single performance and package, and students may have discount. For details, please refer to the latest information on the homepage of film festival.

Night of Hamburg Drama

As an important “Cultural feast” after summer, Night of Hamburg Drama presents more than 40 modern cultural programs such as opera, ballet, light comedy and song and dance drama of different kinds and in different locations of the city, including opera houses, culture halls, theaters, and even bars.

China Time

Since 2006, the biennial China Time has become a fixed holiday of “Hamburg-China”. During the holiday, 150 programs will be presented, including traditional ones such as exhibitions, concerts, plays and Chinese foods, and the “China market” in front of the municipal square and the dragon boat race in Inner Alster Lake. This edition of China Time is themed at music, so it has many musical programs, including the Tan Dun Concert, jointly held with the Music Festival in Schleswig-Holstein (the theme of this year is also China).

Hamburg Christmas markets

Though Christmas lasts several days at the end of December, the Christmas markets for more than one month will bring warm to the cold winter through the bustling festive atmosphere in advance. Hamburg has many Christmas markets, and every district has an exclusive market, which is usually located at large squares. The bustling and famous ones include Spital Pedestrian Street in the downtown, the coast of Alster Lake, and Reeperbahn Square.

The stands in Christmas markets mainly display and sell handicrafts, such as Christmas ornaments for house decoration, e.g., wooden ornaments, iron articles and colorful glass products. With the progress of internationalization, the stands also sell the jewelries of Bohemia style, chinaware from China and ornaments of Indian style. Such markets are good places for shopping souvenirs, which are a little expensive. In addiction, there are many delicious foods in Christmas markets, including the above mentioned red wine, the fragrant fried onion mushrooms and roasted sausage , and the lovely Lebkuchen, which are too delighted to leave.