Hamburg has announced its new highlights, focusing on arts, new tours and attractions, and new accommodations, among others.
Hamburg’s major art institutions will be dedicating two parallel exhibitions to the life and work of Swiss sculptor and painter Alberto Giacometti. From January 25 until May 19, 2013, Giacometti. The Playing Fields, is presenting four decades of the surrealist artist’s works at Hamburg Kunsthalle. At the same time, from January 26 until May 20, 2013, Alberto Giacometti. Encounters, will focus on the artist’s portraits at the Bucerius Kunst Forum.
Meanwhile, designed for offshore missions and used by Navy Seals, RIB’s (Rigid Inflatable Boats) now take Hamburg visitors on sightseeing tours. Passing the major sights of the harbor and up the Elbe river, the light boats reach speeds of over 60 mph.
Taking visitors off the beaten paths, Eat the World presents a cultural experience by sampling the flavors of Hamburg’s culinary scene. From street food to local staples to delicatessen, the three-hour tours include seven food stops, and information on the city and its culinary scene on the way. Guests can choose between different neighborhoods, including the St. Pauli district and the Ottensen quarter.
Hamburg’s CHOCOVERSUM – open since December 2011 – is an interactive exhibition that explores all aspects of chocolate making, ranging from the cocoa bean to the finished product. Chocolatier Joseph Emile Hachez founded his chocolate factory in 1890, and it still produces chocolate from the original recipes. A stocked gift shop offers Hachez chocolates. Special chocolate events can be arranged.
Open since April 23, 2012 – the anniversary of the 1516 German Beer Purity Law – the Blockbräu Brewery serves up to 1,000 patrons at its new waterfront beer hall located at St. Pauli harbor. Hamburg’s answer to the traditional Bavarian beer hall, the Blockbräu brews its beers on site and serves it with typical Northern German fare.
New hotels include the Arcotel Onyx Hamburg, a four-star superior property that features 215 air conditioned rooms and suites, and a design of warm tones, high quality furnishings, and three theme rooms; Hotel Scandic Hamburg Emporio, an eco-certified and sustainable property; and Barcelo Hotel, which offers 193 guest rooms and suites.
Known for Beatles history, the HafenCity district, Northern Germany’s city of 1.8 million is becoming increasingly popular with travelers from North America. In the first six months of 2012, Hamburg welcomed 74,000 visitors from the US and 8,800 guests from Canada, an increase of 8% and 9%, respectively, compared to the same period a year ago.
