If asked to think of associations with the city of Hamburg, many people would perhaps struggle to think of much beyond the obvious food product it lent its name to. The hamburger is just one of several snacks that have derived its name from the German city in which it originated; there is also the Frankfurter (hotdog) and the Berliner (jam doughnut). But Hamburg is actually one of the most splendid cities in Europe, and certainly not one to be dismissed so quickly.

Taking its name from the first permanent building that was erected on the site, a castle built by Emperor Charlemagne in 808AD, Hamburg has now grown to be the largest non-capital city in the EU and is Germany's principal port. The great fire of 1842 wiped out much of the old architecture, and coupled with the mass destruction Hamburg suffered in World War 2, this paved the way for it to become a shining example of urban modernity.

Miles of tree-lined canals snake their way through the city, and Hamburg actually has more bridges within its boundaries than any other town or city on earth, more than Amsterdam and Venice combined, and the skyline is etched with the spires of five principal churches.

Culturally, Hamburg is just as rich as the landscape. There are many museums and galleries to choose from, one of the highlights being the Hamburg Kunsthalle, which consists of two buildings linked by an underground passage. The gallery displays many pieces, from medieval portraiture to 20th century classics by both German and international artists alike.

It's also worth paying a visit to Dike Street, one of the last remaining streets from the middle ages. The historical buildings within this pedestrianised street now house shops and restaurants. And there is also Goose Market Square, a triangular square with street cafes that is the perfect spot to wile away some time either people-watching or planning the next move in this activity-rich city.

As is the case with most of the large German cities, a joint fare-collection venture exists between the various transport companies, meaning a ticket bought for one transport service, can also be used on another, making travel around Hamburg far more straight-forward than it otherwise could be. And for international visitors, there are regular flights to Hamburg, from many European cities, including London. Hamburg also has the oldest airport in Germany, which is yet another factor which helps to set it apart from other German cities.

Although Hamburg may not instantly spring to mind as being a major contender among European cities, it could be described as being one of the major underdogs and unsung heroes of Europe. With its impressive landscape, waterways, museums and curiously little-known facts, this all makes it all the more intriguing a place, and would suggest that Hamburg is more than just food for thought!

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