Hamburg - Germany

Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and is located in the north of Germany, on the Elbe River, where the inner part of the river system meets the North Sea. Hamburg's geographical location has made it an important trading and port city for centuries. The Port of Hamburg, often called "Germany's gateway to the world", is one of the largest in Europe and serves as a hub for freight and container traffic. Hamburg has a clear maritime character, with a network of canals, bridges and quay areas. Historically, Hamburg has been a member of the Hanseatic League, which laid the foundation for its role as a commercial center. Export, logistics, media and the service sector still play a central role in the local economy. Architecturally, Hamburg is characterized by both older brick buildings – especially in the Speicherstadt, the old warehouse district – and modern urban development such as in HafenCity, where new housing, offices and public buildings are emerging. The Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall built on top of an old warehouse, provides a contrast between the historical and the contemporary. Hamburg also has several green areas, lakes and parks. The Alster lakes, which are centrally located, are a popular recreational area for both residents and visitors. Hamburg is also known for its variety of theaters, music venues and museums, and the St. Pauli district is a cultural and entertainment area with a long history.