Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It’s crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.
At the southern tip of the Jutland Peninsula, Hamburg stands on the branching River Elbe at the head of a 110 km (68 mi) estuary to the North Sea, on the mouth of the Alster and Bille. Hamburg is one of Germany’s three city-states alongside Berlin and Bremen, and is surrounded by Schleswig-Holstein to the north and Lower Saxony to the south. The Port of Hamburg is Germany’s largest and Europe’s third-largest, after Rotterdam and Antwerp. The local dialect is a variant of Low Saxon.
The official name reflects Hamburg’s history as a member of the medieval Hanseatic League and a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. Before the 1871 unification of Germany, it was a fully sovereign city state, and before 1919 formed a civic republic headed constitutionally by a class of hereditary Grand Burghers or Hanseaten. Beset by disasters such as the Great Fire of Hamburg, North Sea flood of 1962 and military conflicts including World War II bombing raids, the city has managed to recover and emerge wealthier after each catastrophe.
Currency
If you visit Germany from a country within the euro zone, you are a happy traveller! No need to worry about the best exchange rates before you leave home. While you travel in Germany, you don’t need to calculate prices into another currency.
weather
Hamburg CLIMATE SUMMARY
Hamburg has an oceanic climate, characterized by mild, cool winters and warm, comfortable summers with frequent rainfall and high humidity. Prevailing westerly winds bring moist air from the North Sea, contributing to a generally wet and windy atmosphere. While winters can be cold, snow is usually light, with icy sleet being more common precipitation. Summers are warm, though not excessively hot, with July being the hottest month. Spring is particularly pleasant, with pleasant temperatures and blooming foliage.
Languages
The official language of Germany is Standard German, with over 95 percent of the country speaking Standard German or German dialects as their first language. This figure includes speakers of Northern Low Saxon, a recognized minority or regional language that is not considered separately from Standard German in statistics. Recognized minority languages have official status as well, usually in their respective regions.
Health and security
There’s a threat of terrorist attack in Germany. This includes by right-wing extremists and people motivated by conflict in Iraq and Syria.
The German Government has increased security measures, including at airports and major train stations.
Authorities continue to arrest and charge suspected terrorists.
Recent attacks include:
- October 2020 – a stabbing attack in the street in Dresden killing one person and injuring another
- August 2020 – an extremist deliberately drove a car into several others on a Berlin city motorway injuring several people
- February 2020 – an extremist opened fire on two shisha bars in Hanau near Frankfurt, causing several deaths and injuries
- December 2016 — a truck drove through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, causing several deaths and injuries
- November and December 2016 — several attempted attacks at Christmas markets, despite tightened security
- July 2016 — a stabbing attack on a train in Bavaria, injuring 5 people (Daesh claimed responsibility)
- July 2016 — a suicide bomber injured 15 at a bar near a music festival in Ansbach, Bavaria
Terrorists may plan more attacks that could happen anywhere at any time.
Recent attacks in European cities have targeted:
- planes and airports
- public transport and transport hubs
- places of worship
- sporting venues
- major events that attract large crowds
Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations remain vulnerable.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
- be alert to possible threats
- be cautious around known targets, including in crowds and public places
- report suspicious activity or items to police
- monitor the media for new threats
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the advice of local authorities
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it’s safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
If you visit Christmas markets, avoid busy times. Have an exit plan if there’s a security incident.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
Violent crime
Violent criminal attacks, not linked to terrorism, have occurred:
- February 2020 – a man drove his car into a crowd at the Rose Monday Parade in Volkmarsen injuring more than 60 people
- December 2018 – a man drove his car into a crowd in Bottrop injuring 4 people
- October 2018 — a hostage was taken at a train station in Cologne
- July 2018 — a man stabbed and injured 12 people on a local bus in Lübeck
- October 2017 — a man stabbed and injured 8 people in Rosenheimer Platz in Munich
Despite these incidents, violent crime isn’t common.
Monitor the media for news on crime.
Petty crime
Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from unattended vehicles can occur. Bags and personal items are sometimes stolen on trains.
To protect yourself from petty crime:
- pay attention to your personal security, particularly at night
- secure your valuables when visiting the central districts and larger-city train stations
Harassment
Extremist youth groups have harassed or attacked people for racial reasons or because they seem foreign. This occurs more often in urban areas and in the former East Germany.
Drink spiking
Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and markets, often leading to sexual assault.
To protect yourself from drink spiking:
- don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks alone
- stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
This advice pre-dates COVID-19
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you’re not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
