I am honest. We did not want to go to Hamburg. We wanted to go to the North Sea but when planning the journey it turned out that a flight to Hamburg and an onward journey by train would be the ideal travel route. And since we were in that corner of the world anyway, we included a visit in our planning. Then Hamburg was a huge surprise. I did not expect much but my expectations were exceeded in such a way that I simply had to return.

Hamburg is open, friendly, and full of things worth seeing and furthermore at prices, which are affordable even with a tight budget. We started at the harbour and like everyone who did not grow up at the sea we were astonished about the huge container ships, yachts, speed boats and the huge luxury liner. Since it was Saturday we were able to climb high up in the ropes to the top of a mast of a sailing boat. We were secured and with helmet and thus an accident not possible but it was exhausting and did not just require fitness but courage.

Afterwards climbing the giant wheel and to see the flat city and the harbour from all angles was fascinating and relaxing. When we got off, my youngest one ran to a nearby huge playground. He was taken with the water games. He quickly made friends with the already present children and together they played floods, pumped and ran between the fountains. I could read the entire newspaper from A to Z in peace because it was obvious that it would be difficult to get him away from there. And indeed it was almost impossible.

But then we managed even more. The world’s largest maritime museum has 8 floors, completely filled, one thing more interesting then the next one. But after three floors I was exhausted and my brain denied any further input. Then one sits outside at the water in a beach basked and relaxes with a freshly made crab soup with a cream topping.

What shall not be forgotten with children is the miniature world. Booking in advance is a must, otherwise one cannot even enter. On 230m² there are more than 1300 trains with more than 4000 switches, accompanied by 300’000 figures and trees. There are miniature Switzerland, America, Austria, Hamburg, etc. Cars, ships and little trains are moving. Planes start, children jump on a trampoline, there is fire, thunder, just action without end. It is fascinating, impressive, with countless allusions (such as the naked sculptures on the glacier) and funny scenes. One cannot get enough of it, but here again, at one point the human memory is full and one has to get out. Around the corner the fully functional coffee roasters, where one can try one of the many kinds of coffee.

But that’s not everything. Impressive Hamburg has much more to offer. Hamburg Dungeon with a rather terrible journey to Hamburg’s past. More something for adults (children are anyway only admitted as of the age of 10), since one may not be able to sleep well after murder and fleeing from the fire. The alternatives may be the car museum Prototyp with 45 unique racing cars and prototypes. The Porsche 356 driving simulator has the hearts of small and big boys beat faster.

Or what about Cap San Diego Hamburg? The world’s largest museums cargo ship fit to move, where one can even stay overnight? The Spicy spice museum, the customs museum and the dialogue in the dark we have planned for the next time because in 4 days we did not have time for it anymore.

The first time there was a triathlon across the city when we arrived. We saw top athletes, but also hobby athletes climbing from the water and managing the second leg by bike. The music was firing them up and the historic background of the city hall offered a unique scenery.

One can experience a lot, see exciting things and just get talking with people. When we were leaving the wonderland, we saw in the top of a tree at the edge of the Elbe a balloon with a paper caught in the treetop and unable to continue flying. We stood there with my youngest one and considered how we may be able to fetch it. In that moment a group of young Germans walked by. They did not hesitate long and with a bit of skill the red balloon with the message was in our hands within 10 minutes.

In honour of the occasion we ate red fruit jelly with custard with them.

Yes, a travel to Hamburg is indeed worth for small and big, just plan a bit more time for it because the city has too much to offer for just one weekend.