Hamburg Town Hall

Hamburg Town Hall is an impressive building in the center of Hamburg, just behind the Binnenalster. Its architecture combines elements of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque, making it resemble a castle. Visitors can admire the courtyard with the Hygieia fountain, considered one of the most beautiful in the city. Inside, the town hall has 647 rooms, some of which can be explored on a guided tour. During the tour, you can see the ballroom, where the Matthiae-Mahl, the oldest banquet in the world, takes place every year, as well as the plenary hall and the orphan's room. The golden guest book contains signatures of such dignitaries as Chancellor Schmidt, the Crown Prince of Denmark, and Angela Merkel. The town hall is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays until 4:00 p.m. On weekends at 10:00 a.m., special tours are held where a guide dressed as a 19th-century mayor tells interesting stories from Hamburg's history. This place is sure to appeal to architecture and history enthusiasts, as well as families and organized groups.