"Auf der Reeperbahn nachts um halb eins" ("On the Reeperbahn at half past midnight") - Hans Albers would be proud if he knew that his song is still sung. The "sinful mile" is known far beyond the borders of Germany.
The "Kiez", as the Reeperbahn is also called, is only a small part of what is so special about the second biggest city of Germany. Hamburg is an important foreign trade centre due to its favourable location on the river Elbe which flows 110 km further into the North Sea. In 1321, Hamburg joined the Hanseatic League and became one of the biggest commercial harbours in the world. Today, more than 3000 import and export companies transact their business over the Hamburg harbour. Cloaked and with a glass of hot grog in typical Hamburg "Schmuddelwetter" (rainy weather), you feel like a true seaman when overlooking the hustle and bustle of the harbour from the bank. But the Elbe has a strong rival: the Alster. Right in the middle of the city, the river forms a lake. This lake is perfect for sailing and jogging along the bank. A walk around the lake is an absolute must-do. All the swans decorate the Alster as if they are part of a sight. Since 1818, a "Swan Father" is employed by the city who looks after the swans. In late autumn, he takes them to their wintering grounds which remains ice free. Although High German since the 16th century has become popular in Northern Germany as well, the natives of Hamburg are proud of their "Missingsch"- a mixture between High and Low German.
