On Hamburg, Hamburgers, castles and prostitution

When you think of places in Germany, which ones come to your mind? Munich and its Oktoberfest? Or Berlin? Most likely, it's not going to be Northern Germany. But since that's where I had lived 20 years of my life before coming to the States, it's my job to convince you that it is well worth a visit. And with Munich and Berlin being only a couple hours away by car or train, it's all doable in one trip!

Hamburg is the second largest city of Germany and has a population of almost 2 million. It's famous for its harbor, its bridges (2500! more than any other European city) and its red-lights district. No need to blush, it's literally nothing forbidden because prostitution is legal in Germany (as it is in some other countries in Europe). So going out in Hamburg is not only going to bars and clubs, it's also seeing prostitutes look for potential clients. But don't worry, it's pretty discreet. Mostly. This district, the Reeperbahn, does kind of remind me of a smaller version of the Vegas strip, though the weather is much worse. Hamburg also has world-class restaurants and more Michelin stars than any other Germany city. And speaking of food, did you know Hamburgers brought the Hamburger to America? It is said that young sailors had buns and patties (Frikadellen) packed by their mommies for their trips overseas. You're welcome :) Hamburg also has pretty great shopping (few malls, but rather long streets full of stores) and a couple of good museums.

It doesn't have any royal palaces or stunning baroque architecture, though, like many other European cities of this size and importance, and there are a couple reasons for that. A huge fire in 1842 that destroyed a lot of historical buildings and the severe bombings of WWII that did the rest. And Hamburg has never been as chic as Berlin or Munich to begin with because it was never a royal residence - it has always been a commercial city famous for its trade and harbor. 

Luebeck

But you won't stay culutreless in the North! There are a couple of smaller towns surrounding Hamburg that were able to preserve their beautiful medieval downtowns - Luebeck, Lueneburg and Bremen, all perfectly suited for a day trip. For the royal palace and garden fix, you need to go to Hannover. Apart from Herrenhausen, there is another gorgeous castle, Marienburg, dubbed the Neuschwanstein (the "Disney castle") of the North. We visited it for the first time this year and were blown away. It's about 2 hours away from Hamburg by car.

Built in 1857, the last king of Hannover gave this beauty to his wife as a birthday present. The family sadly only lived there for a year before being abdicated and sent into exile.

I'd plan about 5-6 days for a first trip of Northern Germany. 

Have you been to Germany? Does this post make you want to go?