Hamburg

Rathaus (Town Hall)

We visited Hamburg Germany on both ends of our summer trip to Norway. We enjoyed the people, the food, and the sights of the city. Hamburg was greatly destroyed during World War II, however some important landmarks remain which provide Hamburg with its unique character and tie to its rich history. We walked until we were completely spent. We went from the Speicherstadt (old warehouse district) to the Rathaus (town hall). We visited iconic churches and made it to the Fischmarkt (fish market) that is a Sunday morning event each week.

St Katharinen Kirche

One of the fantastic churches we visited was St Katharinen Kirche ( St Katherine's Church), with its dramatic stained glass windows. St Katharinen is one of the defining landmarks of the Hamburg skyline. The church was founded in the 13th century with its oldest remaining edifice dating back to 1250. The church is known for hosting outstanding musical talent including Jan Adam Reinken and a young Johann Sebastian Bach. The church was heavily damaged during the allied bombing of Hamburg in 1942 but was rebuilt at the end of the war.

Fischmarkt, the fish market is a Hamburg tradition

the top of the bell tower

St Michaels Kirche

St Michaelis Kirche (St Michaels Church) has a distinctive, 132 meter high tower and may be the most recognizable landmark of Hamburg. As usual Scott just couldn't resist the climb to the top of the bell tower and was treated to great views of the city.

The church, first built on this site in 1647,  has been destroyed and rebuilt three times, most recently during the allied bombings in 1944 and 1945. The composer Johannes Brahms was baptized and confirmed here. With 2500 seats this is the largest church in Hamburg. It is remarkable that 2425 people are interred in the church crypt including Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.

The interior of this church is simply beautiful with sweeping curves and wonderful detail. The church houses 5 organs the largest of which has 6674 pipes. The baroque style pulpit along with the 20 meter tall alter and baptismal font are sculpted out of marble.

St Michelis Kirche

We happened to be in Hamburg on the weekend of an international cycle race that transformed the city, a bonus for us. Hamburg is a modern city with dramatic ties to its rich and important history, welcoming and full of energy. We had a great time here!