The train ride from Cologne to Hamburg is a four hour comfortable trek at an average speed in excess of 150kmph. We arrive to our accomodation just before lunch and drop off our bags before heading out to look around.

The difference is immediately apparent that this city is kept clean and tidy and there is a sense of pride here. After a bite to eat we spend most of the afternoon wandering the streets near our apartment and it’s enjoyable. The sidewalks are wide, the people are friendly and the sun is shining, ticking all the boxes we could hope for with the added bonus of both old and new areas and plenty of intriguing stories.

This is a port town with canals, bridges and plenty of characterful architecture. There are remnants from the wars such as the church of St. Nikolai where the main tower still stands and has been stabilised and updated to allow people to take an elevator ride to the top. The 360 degrees views are amazing and the stories told on the sign boards at the top are thought provoking as they tell the tail of a leader trying to take over the world.

These were written well before current times but they tell the compelling story. They state; “After coming to power in 1933, the Nazis made a concerted effort to dismantle all democratic structures in society and prepare for war. The many dead, wounded and bombed out citizens of Hamburg were the victims of the Nazis’ aggressive policies, their attempt to make Germany a world power and the barbarisation of the war that they had started.” Sound familiar? Hopefully, history is not about to repeat itself.

If you are in Hamburg at some stage it’s worth the €6 to travel to the top.

There are attractive buildings and interesting wall art in most directions you turn, plus the canals provide a change from cobbled streets and lead out to the wharf area where rejuvenating works have transformed the waterfront into an area that is worth visiting.

St Michael’s Church is also a standout as it is one of five Protestant churches in the city and is built in the baroque fashion. Think opera theatre meets gothic church style and you can get the picture. It has three separate pipe organs varying in size and a pulpit worthy that is quite theatrical.

There is also the bonus of large lakes on the fringe of the CBD which welcome you to sit and enjoy the sunshine. we enjoyed a refreshing drink while sitting on the deck at Alex’s restaurant, something that you could well become accustomed to if you were a local.

This is a city that we felt comfortable in from the get go. Would we visit here Hamburg again. Absolutely!

One last set of photos where the sun was setting over the canals in the old town area on a warmish Friday night. The silhouettes that were provided leave a lasting impression of a city that has charm, good vibes and a depth of character.

Now on to Berlin…