Our final destination on this European journey was Hamburg, Germany. Contrary to its reputation as a major port city, Hamburg actually is located 68 miles from the mouth of the North Sea. The Elbe River, with its branching nature, provides an ideal setting for a port complex equipped with warehousing and transshipment facilities. During our two-hour harbor tour, we were fortunate enough to witness numerous gigantic container ships.
In the heart of the warehouse district, we embarked on a journey to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway system. This captivating museum boasts an impressive collection of miniature replicas of Hamburg, the Harz Mountains, the Austrian Alps, France, Italy, North America, and Scandinavia. Recently, several construction sites in South America have been added to the collection. Spanning an impressive 1.545 square meters, this museum houses over 290,000 ‘Wunderländer’ (as its inhabitants are affectionately called). As we explored the museum, we observed the staff at the control center and witnessed the current projects undertaken by talented artists and electricians. Miniatur Wunderland is an absolute delight to visit, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the intricate world of miniature railways.
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The Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s most renowned landmark, stands as a testament to architectural innovation. Its unique design resembles a hoisted sail, a water wave, an iceberg, or a quartz crystal perched atop an old brick warehouse (constructed in 1963) near the historical Speicherstadt. The project, spanning a decade and a staggering 877 million Euros, culminated in a masterpiece of engineering. The Elbphilharmonie boasts a reinforced foundation, a glassy exterior, a wavy roofline, and an impressive 1,000 curved glass windows. Its three concert venues are equally remarkable. The Great Concert Hall, with its capacity of 2,100, features acoustics meticulously crafted using approximately 10,000 individually micro-shaped drywall panels to disperse sound waves. Two smaller venues cater to recitals, chamber music, and educational activities. Beyond its musical prowess, the Elbphilharmonie houses a 250-room hotel and 47 condominiums, offering a blend of luxury and convenience. Visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Hamburg from the public plaza. Overall, the Elbphilharmonie is an awe-inspiring structure that I eagerly anticipate experiencing firsthand, perhaps by attending a concert in its magnificent halls.
I always enjoy the traditional German Roasted Hamhock. We went to a historical restaurant, the Commercial Room. We were astounded by the enormous portion. Even with two of us, we couldn’t finish it. However, the taste was simply divine. After savoring the hamhock, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the lake, where we stumbled upon the Bloom and Plant Garden. Nestled in the heart of Hamburg city, this garden is surrounded by bustling shopping malls, the Congress Center, and the exhibition center. Despite the lingering chill of winter, early-spring flowers like crocuses have already begun to bloom. I marveled at the rhododendrons, their buds promising a breathtaking display in the coming spring. Hamburg’s sister city, Yokohama, is reflected in the presence of a Japanese garden within the park. We thoroughly enjoyed the serene green space amidst the city’s vibrant energy.
Andre Rieu’s performance was the reason we visited Hamburg, Germany. On the last day of our European trip, we attended a captivating concert by the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Andrea had a star-studded lineup, including the three tenors, the sopranos, and Michel Tirabosco, an armless fluteist. The program lasted 2.5 hours, but the encore was an impressive 30 minutes. The audience was so enchanted by the evening that they refused to let it end. Unfortunately, Ray and I were seated in the upper section of the auditorium, so we missed out on the opportunity to join the audience dancing the waltz with the orchestra. It was a truly memorable and enjoyable evening.