First I should tell you that I've never really been to Hamburg before. I've driven through on my way down to Krefelt one time, but I never had the chance to stop by and check out the city. So I didn't know too much about it before I got down here. And I must admit Hamburg is a bigger city than I thought it was. With a population of 1,8 million it is Germany's second largest city, only Berlin is larger. Hamburg has also got the second largest harbour area in all of Europe! Only Rotterdam in Holland is larger! It is safe to say that Hamburg's maritime heritage and history of sea trade identifies the city in many ways. We in Norway will be familiar with the Hanseatic Union that Hamburg was a big part of. The city Bergen in Norway is also known for being a part of that.
When talking about Hamburg I guess it is impossible not to mention the Reeperbahn. Arguably Europe's most well known red light district. People come here to visit some of the many clubs and bars in the area, but some also head for the more shady places, like the closed off Herbertstrasse where a women of a certain proffession offer their services to men. I haven't spent too much time in this area of town, but I did notice that a lot of the hookers hang out around Burger King of all places.
The hotel I'm staying at is called "Hotel Smolka". It's a small hotel, probably no more than 50 rooms, but I really like it! The staff is very friendly, and the location couldn't be much better. I think the area is called Eppendorf (or perhaps Rothenbaum, one of those two definitely), and it's a very upper class neighborhood. The houses and apartment buildings in the area are very classy, and there are also a lot of consulates here. One of the guys working here has been all over the southern part of Norway, even in Spangereid where I grew up!
Most of the time I spend in Hamburg is work. And when I'm done working for the day I don't always have the energy to go out and do a lot. So my exploration of the city has mostly been done in the weekends. Here are some photos I've taken, and a description of what I was doing when I took them:
- Most of the work I do is done in an office in Hamburg, but I've had a few trips to this drilling rig to set up some computer systems.
- These photos are taken from "Miniature Wonderland", the worlds biggest miniature model train exhibition!
- In center of Hamburg you find the "Rathaus" (town hall). It was completely destroyed during a big fire in the 1800's, but was rebuilt and finished in 1896. I had a tour of this building. Quite interesting actually. Hamburg is both a city and a state in Germany, so they have both a city council and a state government. They're both located in the "Rathaus".
- This is St. Michael's church, often regarded as "the symbol of Hamburg". Walking up to the top gives you a brilliant view of Hamburg, in all directions.
- This is one of the oldest houses in Hamburg. It's located in the Rothenbaum area, where they have a law that says you cannot build a house taller than the trees already located on the property...
- The Planitarium is located in Hamburg's Stadtpark (city park). It's actually a movie theatre with a 180 degree screen in the ceiling. So you buy a ticket, lean back in your chair, and watch spectacular space themed movies! In the movie I saw they simulated a hyper-fast space travel from Earth to the closest galaxy (Alpha Centauri). It was really cool actually!
- One Sunday someone arranged a car race for veteran cars. Thousands of people bought tickets to come and see this! I was just walking around in the park when I suddenly heard some loud engine sounds. Naturally I was pulled towards it and was quite excited when I saw what it was! :)
