Last stop, Hamburg Germany

The last stop of our tour of central Europe was Hamburg. With a population of over 1.8 million people and covering a surface area of 755 square km, Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany. The port of Hamburg is on the river Elbe, which flows into the North Sea. With 1,500 millionaires living in Hamburg, and highest per capita income, it is Germany's richest city.

We were excited to come to Hamburg, not for its tourist attractions or the millionaires, but because it is home to our former Rotary high school exchange student Grischa and his family. We had met his lovely wife Ayla in New York City several years ago. This was our first opportunity to meet his two young sons — Kaan and Batu.

Although the principal reason for our visit was to spend time with this wonderful family, we did some sightseeing too. We paid a visit to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railroad. Part of the fun was seeing the look of joy and wonder on the face of 3-year-old Kaan.

fun with miniature workers interacting with

live miniature circuits controlling the trains

We took a boat tour of Hamburg’s port. Historically the city of Hamburg was the main shipping port of Continental Europe and most of the transatlantic steamships leaving for New York. It remains a vital port, second only to Rottendam, as the largest shipping port in Europe.

Our glass tour boat (foreground)

Today one can see the effects of containerization as commercial shipping has moved outside the old port. The old port is being extensively renovated into new apartments, shops, museums and the future site of an iconic symphony hall (nearly completed, five years late and millions over budget). 

Symphony Hall still under construction

After the harbor tour, we visited the Old Elbe Tunnel that crosses under the river. We got this group photo in the tunnel.

                                                                                                      Kaan
                                Eric               Jessica             Ayla               Grischa

Batu

At day’s end, we enjoyed a panoramic view from the bell tower of St. Michael’s church.

Views from the top

Our journey ended with an uneventful flight back to Paris. All told, our trip by train from Budapest to Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Hamburg covered 1,150 km (715 miles).