Day 8 - Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪
A full port day in Hamburg - grey but wonderful. The ship arrived early and didn't depart until 10pm, giving us a brilliant long day to explore this fantastic city.
We started with the sail-in up the Elbe, passing warehouses, boats and a beautiful river scene on the way:
Once docked we made straight for the Elbphilharmonie - Hamburg's iconic glass wave concert hall. Even on a grey day it was utterly breathtaking:
The inside is just as dramatic - you ride a dramatic escalator tunnel up to the plaza, with digital screens setting the scene:
Then up to the main atrium escalators - spectacular!
And we spotted this friendly character on the way - a teddy bear mascot!
After the Elbphilharmonie we wandered through the waterfront area and came across this striking modern building:
And then on to St. Michaelis Church - known locally as "the Michel". The spire is imposing, the facade is magnificent, and the interior is just beautiful. One of the most impressive churches we've visited on this trip:
Finished the day at the Speicherstadt waterfront district - our ship looked magnificent in the grey evening light:
But the best was saved until last - as we sailed away, the Elbphilharmonie was beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Magical:
What a brilliant port day. Hamburg exceeded expectations - even the grey weather couldn't detract from how impressive the city is. Another sea day tomorrow before we reach Le Havre!