You could say: weird lion! Is it even one? And for a door opener it seems too heavy. Well, guess what?! It is one of the oldest pieces of art we have in Hamburg, and it's accessible for everyone at any time. I love it so much especially when I touch it and hold on to the thought that my predecessors also used to do so -- since 1342. You read it just right! It is a nearly 700 year-old piece in a weird lion shape because at that time nearly no-one knew what a lion looked like, even though my Hamburg peeps have always travelled a lot throughout the world.
The lion's head can be found on the LEFT door (there is a newer one on the right side of the door; don't mix it up) of one of our main churches just downtown, next to the shopping street and the town hall. The church is called St. Petri and I recommend not just watching the lion at the entrance but also checking it out if you're there at the right time and the stairs up the tower.. It's made of wood and moves a little. Impeccable views! From up. And down.
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"Rialto" in Hamburg is on an island, so that makes me feel a little bit like I'm in Venice! The food isn't cheap but it's beautiful -- as are the waiters!
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"Mellin Passage" is the oldest passage in Hamburg (est. 1864). It's a great place to hide from the rain and discover some of the city's oldest shops...
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"BERS" is a top-notch restaurant in Hamburg, mostly for the just amazing love the chefs have for the organic produce. You have to try their wines...
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"Lockengelöt" in Hamburg has little recycled things and pieces the owners have designed themselves. The owners have big hearts and it shows!
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I go to "Wilhelmsburger Inselpark" in Hamburg to hang out in tranquility & watch the water lilies grow. You can enter and exit the park 24/7. Recommended.
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"Nivea Vending Machine" sells the cutest and smallest version of the cream which I like as typical, small gifts! Did you know Nivea is based in Hamburg?
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"Ellerntorsbrücke" in Hamburg is a bridge that connects the old town (Altstadt) with the new city (Neustadt). It dates back to 1668...
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"Hafenerlebnisroute" (or the 'harbor experience route') in Hamburg is a 45-km-long bicycle route which I find perfect for exploring the city and harbor...
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"Café Leonar" is not only a beautiful Jewish café, bar and restaurant! I love it for Israeli wine, reading books, a nice cocktail or an espresso tonic...
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"Das Grüne Leuchten" is a bar in one of the oldest houses in Hamburg. It's a unique place for people who like alternative artcy culture, and it's PWYW.
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