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Hamburg may be miles from the sea, but its location on the confluence of the Elbe, Alster, and Bille Rivers makes it one of the most important ports in Europe. Add to that an extensive series of canals and two lakes and you've got a city that's best explored on the water. Outfits such as the White Alster Fleet offer cruises on every body of water in town. Relax on the deck of one of these handsome steamers for a cruise of the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes, which offer stunning panoramas of the city center, the church of St. Nicolai, and the famous "Alsterhaus" department store. Or ply the river waters and watch an endless parade of cargo ships come and go. But whatever you do, make sure to cruise the city's many canals, where beautifully kept villas and parks and historic buildings provide a scenic backdrop to a cruise through more than 1,200 years of German history. Le Royal Méridien Hamburg is located in the heart of the city on Aussenalster (Outer Alster) Lake.
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MoreRides Galore At Hamburg's Fun Fair
Friday March 21, 2008
I just love those crazy amusement park rides that light up, blast techno music, and host hoards of screaming teenagers. But I don't often take part in the frantic fun. Usually I just watch. Simply observing the wild, gravity-defying rides gets my adrenaline pumping! Each spring millions of fun-seeking people make their way to Hamburg, Germany where they line up for rides with names like "Panic," "Airwolf," and "Big Monster" at the region's biggest fun fair, the Hamburger Dom.
Established in the 14th century, when traveling merchants and craftsmen took refuge in the city's cathedral (Dom), this year's spring festival runs through April 13. A highlight of the event is the Witches Village where visitors can explore a medieval market while keeping an eye out for spell-casting sorceresses. Fireworks take place every Friday night, and every Wednesday is family day, when clowns, acrobats, and jugglers descend on the festival.
The Hamburger Dom takes place at Heiligengeistfeld, a giant open space on the other side of Aussenalster Lake fromLe Royal Méridien Hamburg. Whether you're in town on business or leisure, be sure to get your fill of festival fun. If "Big Monster" isn't your thing, go for the Schmalzkuchen, Germany's take on sugar-coated fried dough.
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