Hamburg: An Unconventional German City

NO.1 Stroll Through Ottensen: Shop and Linger at Your Leisure Starting from Altona train station, follow the signs for Ottenser Hauptstraße. From clothing stores and beautiful interior design shops to stationery stores, children's stores, and concept stores, the privately owned shops on the street offer a wide variety of stylish and unique goods. In Ottensen, within the Mercado shopping center, you can also find well-known international brands, with over 30 stalls lined up in the market. Fish and poultry, fruit and vegetables, sweets and flowers: agricultural products from the surrounding area are brought together with specialties from Asia, Italy, and Türkiye. There are also numerous food stalls and fine wine bars for you to choose from. NO.2 Follow a Historic Path to the Elbe River If you walk south from Altona train station towards the Elbe River, you will soon reach Platz der Republik, a green park located between Altona and Ottensen. At the end of the 19th century, when the old Altona train station was moved north, an open space was created between the old and new stations. Today's Altona Town Hall is located on the site of the old train station. This neoclassical bright white building, with its many columns and reliefs, leaves a lasting impression. Hamburg's most popular city registry office is located here. In the summer, popular films are shown in the open-air venue, and exhibitions are held from time to time. Since 1898, a statue of William I has stood on the north side of the town hall, and William II and his wife even attended the unveiling ceremony. NO.3 Admire the Panoramic View of the Harbor from the Banks of the Elbe Walk south from the town hall, across the beautiful Palmaille, and you'll have a panoramic view of the Port of Hamburg. You might even hear the cries of seagulls, the thud of port cranes stacking containers, and the horns of ships bidding farewell to all Hamburgers. From the Altona viewing platform, you can overlook the entire Port of Hamburg. Here, you can do as the locals do: sit on a bench, enjoy the view, and sip a refreshing drink. Continue down the winding path to Große Elbstraße. The Altona fish market opened in 1921. Today, it handles around 36,000 tons of fresh fish every year. There are over 50 fish shops and restaurants in the fish market. The Altona Fish Auction Hall is a famous Hamburg landmark, built in a style similar to a Roman basilica, with red brick walls supporting a vaulted roof made of iron and glass. Every Sunday, the traditional Hamburg fish market is held here.