Despite its central location and the fact that Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city, it is still not the most attractive tourist city for Norwegians. When they visit the country, many Norwegians choose destinations further south, although Hamburg can also offer everything from historical architecture to museums and beautiful green areas. According to Abbreviation Finder, the city of Hamburg is also Europe’s second largest port city and consequently has a lot of exciting things to offer when it comes to seafood.
Hamburg has for many centuries been an important city with a central location in Europe. With over 1.8 million inhabitants, it is like a real big city to count, which makes the city perfect for both a longer stay or just as a long weekend destination. If you really want to make something big out of it, you can take the Kiel boat from Oslo, and then take the approximately 1 hour long drive from Kiel to Hamburg.
Recommended hotels in Hamburg
- AMERON Hamburg Hotel Speicherstadt-Relatively affordable hotel with a high standard. The hotel is centrally located near the town hall square, perfect for those who want to stay close to the center of Hamburg. Modern, clean and neat rooms and good service. A good hotel with good feedback in the center of Hamburg.
- Lindner Hotel Am Michel- The Lindner Hotel Am Michel is a great hotel in the center of Hamburg with 4.5 stars. Very central location, while being in a quiet area. Here you are within walking distance to most of what is worth seeing in Hamburg.
- ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg- Boys trip to Hamburg? Then this is the hotel for you. The hotel is centrally located for bars and nightclubs. Large and nice rooms with a good standard.
Travel to Hamburg
Getting to Hamburg is usually cheap and efficient. During the summer, several airlines have up to several direct flights a day, while in the winter it may be a bit narrower on the routes. The flight of about an hour and a half makes Hamburg an optimal destination for a long weekend. The official currency in Germany is, as is well known, the euro.
The price level in Hamburg is generally like big cities in European countries with good economics. It will be cheaper than in Norway, but rarely so cheap that you jump on the roof. Beer and food in simpler restaurants will in any case be experienced as quite cheap. With very many inhabitants, something is constantly happening in Hamburg, but it is considered a safe city to travel in as a tourist. Take precautions anyway and pay attention as usual on holiday.
Hotels and restaurants in Hamburg
As Europe’s second largest port city, seafood is of course on the menu of many restaurants. Apparently, the city’s name should also be related to the famous hamburger, although many do not believe it. Therefore, there are of course plenty of such in the city as well. All the international cuisines are well represented, with everything from Indian to Chinese and Turkish.
Accommodation in Hamburg is not necessarily cheap, especially if you are going to stay centrally. However, there are very many hotels in the city, and all the largest hotel chains are to the place, so if you travel to Hamburg on a weekend where the tourist pressure is bad, then you can get a good room at a good price. In the area around the main train station there are many typical tourist hotels.
Attractions in Hamburg
Hamburg is probably not the destination most Norwegians think of for their sights and attractions, but also the German port city has its monuments and old masterpieces from the Middle Ages.
St. Michaeli Church
The most historically important building in Hamburg, and perhaps also the most beautiful, is the Church of St. Michaeli. It was built in the late 18th century and extends over 80 meters from the ground. Tourists can reach the top of the church tower for one of the best vantage points in the city. Also a must visit when traveling to Hamburg.
Hagenbeck Zoo
All zoos are unique, and consequently Hagenbeck Zoo is very unique. Here you can meet animals that live both under and over water, and you can stand face to face with a walrus. In total, the zoo houses almost 2,000 different animals, with everything from elephants to birds, polar bears and penguins. If you travel to Hamburg with children, a visit here is almost mandatory, but it can also be interesting for everyone else.
The fish market
Ever since the early 18th century, the Fish Market in Hamburg has played a central role. Everything from fresh fish to fun products and weird delicacies are sold here. If you are not interested in buying something, then you should go here just for the sake of the experience, and if only to listen to the music that is played.
Speicherstadt
Speicherstadt is the world’s largest department store complex, and has since the end of the 19th century sold clothes and other products to both locals and tourists. It has a unique location with a river channel between the buildings, so you can actually use the boat to take you from one part of the building to the other.
Horror house and erotic museum
Hamburg is an entertainment city of the rare, and can offer far more than just art museums and traditional exhibitions. We recommend a trip to “The Dungeons”, which is an interactive museum where horrific events such as the Black Death and massacres are recreated. The adults will also be able to find joy in a trip to the erotic museum, which contains special works of art created over several centuries.