I am leaving colourful Sweden today (I’ll be back in later posts), in order to whisk to our last overnight stop abroad on this holiday: Hamburg. We arrived later than planned (more rail-travel misadventures to come) so explored the city not at all – this time.
Hamburg suffered catastrophic devastation during WWII, most notably during a relentless series of Allied air raids in July 1943 codenamed Operation Gomorrah. The bombing campaign caused a massive firestorm that killed over 35,000 civilians, destroyed more than 60% of the city’s housing, and left nearly a million people homeless. This sombre state of affair indicates why, though Hamburg is a city with apparently lots to offer, we didn’t see it at its best. We were so near to the centre which was first destroyed, then hastily put back together in many cases. These views were taken from the roof-top terrace of our station-handy hotel.
For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness: a theme-free week.
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
Should you go back the magnificent nineteenth-century warehouse district is well worth visiting. Not sure how it survived the bombing.
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I gather the warehouse district is a Must See. Next time ….
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Becky liked Hamburg, didn’t she? It’s not a place I’d considered as a destination but, just passing through, I’m sure there’s plenty to see. I want to hear about your rail ‘misadventures’. xx
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You will jo. All in good time. I’d love to have explored this city. Next time we go Interrailing we’ll allow a bit of time there I hope.
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Architecture works so well in monochrome Margaret,
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It does tend to – thanks Ritva.
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We went back there for a few days in May and rather liked it. The warehouse district is one place, then there are a couple of streets of Art Deco buildings, and nice museums. But more than all this, it is a friendly and lively town.
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I gather so. We had decided to keep things simple and (rightly) acknowledged that further exploration at the end of a holiday isn’t ideal. But going again is certainly on the list.
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We decided that it’s perfect for a weekend, provided you avoid the weekend
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We spent 5 weeks there March/April this year. It is a great city to visit.
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It is indeed. I’d be curious to visit in spring or winter. Next time, maybe!
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Never been there but it’s a city forever associated in my mind with the Beatles.
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Re-visiting Hamburg this August, it’s a city for which we have a great fondness.
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Love the last image particularly. Currently experiencing my own train woes and I’m only going as far as Edinburgh!
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You do get around, and to the most interesting places!
I will be with a group in North Yorkshire mid-month, visiting the Dales National Park, Wensleydale Creamery, and Richard Fawcett, sheepdog trainer. Hoping it will be a bit cooler than here, as South Carolina temps are putting us to the test this summer.
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