Typically Hamburg

The Alster

The man-made Alster lake is one of the landmarks in the center of downtown Hamburg.

The Jungfernstieg

The Jungfernstieg has existed since 1235. At that time it was called Reesedamm but in 1648 it was officially re-named Jungfernstieg because of the many pretty young ladies that went strolling there.

 

Fleet

As in Venice and Amsterdam, the “Fleete” are canals that wind through parts of the harbour and the city carrying both working and tour boats.

Hammonia

The city patron goddess and mother since the 18th century,  Hammonia has often been depicted on old coins, weapons and in paintings and sculptures in the city.

“Hummel, Hummel”- “Mors, Mors”

This Hamburg greeting is often used as a synonym for Hamburg or it’s citizens. It refers to a traditional Hamburg story: In the 19th century, saucy children often greeted a water carrier, Johann Wilhelm Bentz, with the nickname, “Hans Hummel.” Since he was carrying a heavy load he couldn’t catch the rascals so he simply replied, “mors, mors,” which is a Plattdeutsch abbreviation for “Klei mi am Mors,” which means scratch my butt.

 

Alsterwasser

A drink made by mixing lemonade and beer. No water from the Alster is really used in its creation and most of Germany refers to the drink as “Radler.”

Franzbrötchen

This sweet regional pastry specialty is made from bread dough filled with a mix of caramelized cinnamon and sugar. The name is derived from the French croissant and the German word for bread roll, “Brötchen.”