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Hamburg Hotel Search
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Hamburg, Germany:
Situated on the southern tip of Jutland Peninsula where the river Elbe connects with the rivers Alster and Bille, Hamburg is
the second largest port in Europe. Two beautiful lakes are formed by the three rivers in the center of the city - Lake
Binnenalster and Lake Außenalster. Hamburg is also the second most populous city in Germany, commercial and cultural capital
of the German North. Being a sovereign city state since medieval times (Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg), now Hamburg
forms one of the sixteen Federal States of Germany. The city was founded in 808 by Emperor Charlemagne as a fort, built in
marsh between the Alster and the Elbe for protection against the Slavic invasions. Its old name was Hamma Burg. “Burg” has
the meaning of fort or fortress and “Hamma” in old German is maybe angle or pastureland. Hamburg is governed by Bürgerschaft
or City Assembly which is the parliament of the city and is elected by all citizens. Proud of its rich history, this city has
much to show to its visitors. Many prominent buildings from the past, such as St. Michaelis church and St. Nikolai church,
as well as 2300 bridges that cross the many canals in the city (more than Amsterdam and Venice together) create incredible
atmosphere.
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