Hamburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and offers plenty of attractions for tourists

Before the Covid pandemic, about 30 million tourists visited Hamburg every year, but very few of them were Israelis. Hamburg is located in northern Germany, and we had a hard time getting there. A flight of more than 4 hours from Israel to Berlin or Frankfurt, and from there a car or train ride of a few more hours. Now the situation got better. At the beginning of the month, a German airline TLV Air inaugurated a direct flight line between Hamburg and Israel, which also opens up opportunities for trips to a new location. Hamburg will probably become the next hot destination for Israelis

Here is an overview of some of the tourist attractions that await us in Hamburg

Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall

The Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece, stands proudly along the Alba River. This state-of-the-art building features a unique blend of red brick and a 20-story steel and glass tower with a crown-like roof

Inside, you'll find three exquisite concert halls, a luxurious hotel, and elegant apartments and offices. The ninth floor offers a public terrace with panoramic views of the harbor and the HafenCity

The main hall has more than two thousand seats, separated into rounded areas made of soft white material. The walls and ceilings are made of special boards, each containing millions of cells that absorb the sound and produce a special and harmonious echo throughout the hall. The acoustics audio and sound quality are amazing

On the day we visited there, was held a concert of the Violin Concerto by Felix Mendelssohn, the Jewish composer who lived and created in Hamburg. The audience responded with loud applause, and the orchestra also added an amazing encore of Mendelssohn's Wedding Marsh. My wife and I felt like on a second honeymoon

Speicherstadt: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hamburg is a large and important port city. Speicherstadt, or the "City of Warehouses," is a historic area that has been beautifully preserved. These neo-Gothic red brick warehouses once stored import and export goods. Although many were damaged during World War II, they have been meticulously restored and now serve as offices, commercial spaces, shops, and even residences.

Explore the charming streets, numerous bridges, and scenic canals that have made this area a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fleet Canal Cruise

Hamburg boasts more canals and bridges than Venice, Amsterdam, and London combined. Experience the city from a different perspective with a canal cruise through Speicherstadt, along the Elbe River, and around the bustling port

Choose a cruise departing just before sunset to enjoy the changing views from daylight to dusk and into the night. Make sure to select a cruise with English instructions for an immersive experience

Tip: Before buying tickets, you should find out that the cruise also has instructions in English, because there are companies whose ships have instructions in German only.

The Miniature Wonderland

The Miniature Wonderland in Speicherstadt is a delightful surprise for visitors of all ages. This extraordinary exhibition showcases meticulously crafted miniatures of cities worldwide, complete with electric trains, vehicles, and tiny figurines

Explore detailed models of Venice, Rome, Las Vegas, and more, with a keen eye for accuracy and realism. Interactive features, such as an airport complex and animal animations, add to the enchantment of this must-visit attraction

The Germans took the details to an entirely different level. Models of cities around the world and we search and find the tourist sites we have known from our trips there. The same goes for Las Vegas and cities in the US, Switzerland, Sweden, and of course Hamburg itself

In addition to the house models, there are also 100,000 vehicles with an incredible level of precision down to the details of the headlights, and half a million tiny figures of people. 1,040 different trains are constantly moving between them, on tracks that exceed more than 15 km long

There is also a zoo from which the roars of elephants and lions emerge. Next to the exhibits there are power buttons that activate all sorts of things, like the appearance of a balloon or the movement of animals in the jungle

The museum also has an airport complex, with a terminal and parking lots for cars, with aircraft garages, and with shuttle and take-off routes. Even the noises of the taking off and landing jets, and the tractors dragging the planes that landed to the sleeves of the terminal.

Every few minutes the lighting changes from daylight to sunset and night falls, and then we can see the houses lit from the inside

If you come with children, you will not be able to leave until the end of the day

The Immigration Museum: Uncover Your Ancestral Journey

Located in the Padel neighborhood near the port, the Immigration Museum tells the story of millions of immigrants who passed through Hamburg. Many Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, including those escaping pogroms, embarked on their journeys to the United States from Hamburg

Explore photographs and documents, ship details, and passenger records that offer insights into the lives of these imigrants.

An excellent resource for those seeking information about their ancestors who arrived in America via Hamburg

In the Old Town area there are other interesting museums for ships and cars and art

Altona Jewish Cemetery

Hamburg boasts eight Jewish cemeteries, with the most significant being the Koenigstrasse cemetery. Here, renowned rabbis of Jewish history, including Rabbi Yonatan Eibeschitz, Rabbi Yaakov Ettlinger, and Rabbi Yaakov Emdin, are buried. Pay your respects to these scholars and explore this sacred site that echoes the traditions of the yeshiva

Rathaus Town Hall

The monumental Rathaus Town Hall, a Neo-Renaissance architectural marvel, celebrates the unification of Germany. With 647 rooms and a towering 112-meter high tower, it is larger than Buckingham Palace.

Inside, statues of notable Hamburg figures, including Jews like Salomon Heine and Heinrich Hertz, are proudly displayed. Stroll through the charming Old City district and take in the red-brick buildings that give Hamburg its nickname, the "Red City."    i

Alster Lakes

Just a short walk from the town hall, the Alster inner and outer lakes offer a tranquil respite. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the banks, taking in the scenic surroundings

Consider a boat cruise to learn about the historical landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods that grace the lakeshores

Explore the nearby Ballindamm shopping center and the art galleries and boutique shops of the Pöseldorf area

The fish market

A visit to the Fish Market is a must for any traveler in Hamburg. On Sunday mornings, local fishermen showcase their goods with lively songs and dances. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and the aroma of fresh seafood

It's a delightful experience not to be missed during your stay in Hamburg

Discovering the Jewish Legacy: The Museum's Jewish History Section

Located on the second floor, this dedicated section offers a profound insight into the Jewish history of Hamburg. Journey through centuries of Jewish life, from the 17th century to the tragic era of the Holocaust

Explore a rich collection featuring photographs, intricate models of synagogues that graced Hamburg before Kristallnacht, and captivating figures who played pivotal roles in the city's history. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Hamburg's Jewish culture through an array of local costumes and religious artifacts.

This exhibit serves as a touching reminder of a resilient community's enduring spirit and the importance of preserving its legacy

Pro Travel Tip: Make the most of your visit by acquiring a Hamburg City Pass card. This invaluable card not only grants you free access to public transportation within the city but also opens the doors to discounts at numerous museums and tourist attractions. It's your key to an enhanced Hamburg experience

Thanks to Mr. Shlomo Almagor, owner of TLV Air, and to Mrs. Christiane Andreessen of the Hamburg Tourist Board, for their assistance in preparing this article 

The author was a guest of TLV Air