A Quick Overnight in Hamburg

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.

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

43 thoughts on “A Quick Overnight in Hamburg”

  2. 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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  4. 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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    1. 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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      4. Indeed. Though I believe they are now supported after. I once talked to a man who’d been guardsman – aged 17 at the time – on a train where this happened. No help whatsoever given. He and the driver just had to get on with things and report to work as usual.

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  9. 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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      1. We arrive in Manchester, visit Arley Hall and then Chatsworth on our way to Yorkshire. We have a full day to explore York before visiting the Dales, including Grassington, then make a stop in Lincoln on our way to East Anglia, where we will visit the RHS Sandringham Flower Show and enjoy a day in Cambridge. We finish with a few days in London before departure. I hope to see the Churchill exhibition at the Wallace Collection but need to busy myself securing a ticket. Any advice or suggestions?

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      2. My goodness, what a lot youre cramming in! Is this an organised tour, or are you going with family and friends? Happy to help, but I doubt if you want any more ‘must see’ ideas. Do ask if there are things you’d like to know in advance if youthink an ‘ear to the ground’ might help.

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  11. I do like the view of the spires – they hint at more interesting architecture to be found (the area immediately around a main station is often the least appealing part of a city in my experience, even without the destruction caused by bombs). I remember Becky’s posts about Hamburg which did pique my interest.

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  12. I, too ,wish I could go back to places I have visited and was short-changed on time. Today marks one year since we took off for Europe for a fortnight plus two days. I have so many regrets of things I didn’t;t see, didn’t do. But I do have some amazing memories which keep me reminded of how my time counted. Peace and joy to you!

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  14. We had planned a day trip to Hamburg while we were staying in Travemunde some years ago but like you, due to problems on the railway we got there much too late to do more than have a quick late lunch and then go back! We loved Travemunde by the way, especially as we were there during the annual sailing race week with boats and sailors visiting from around the world.

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  15. Hi Margaret
    We like Hamburg, for us, it’s the most beautiful city in Germany. We lived there for three years and enjoyed it very much. The water (Hamburg has more bridges than Venice), all the parks and the wide range of cultural activities.
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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