Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany (after Berlin) and Europe’s second largest port (after Rotterdam). The city takes its name from a castle built by Emperor Charlemagne in 808 AD. The castle was named Hammaburg, ‘burg’ meaning castle. The Hamma part remains unknown, as does the location of the castle.  It is Europe’s wealthiest city with 1.8 million residents. As a centre of media and fashion Hamburg really is a cosmopolitan and lively city full of theatres, museums and art galleries. There is also The Dom Fairground or the Hamburg Dungeons. The city’s harbour is perfect for strolls and sightseeing boat trips. Binnenalster is the town’s commercial hub, offering shopping & dining and the famous waterfront Fischmarkt, which provides a lively spectacle each weekend. You will not stuck for something to do in Hamburg.

Hamburg has much to offer the gay tourist with a large and interesting mix of gay venues in two distinct locations. St. Georg – in the centre – is full of trendy bars and clubs, fetish clubs and shops, gay hairdressers and many restaurants. The scene on the street is as diverse as the people who live here. You’ll feel right at home here with rainbow colours decorating the houses, small cafés and restaurants, where everyone gets together. An abundance of gay cinemas and hotels are also located close to the railway station. Gays and lesbians think nothing of walking around here hand in hand. St Pauli – one of the largest red light districts on the continent – has many hotels complete with rent boy bars, sex shops and gay outlets. Open mindedness and tolerance is very much what Hamburg is all about. The gay scene is very welcome here.