The Hanseatic City of Hamburg is located in northern Germany on the River Elbe at the gateway to the North Sea. Hamburg is a thousand years old and the second-largest metropolis in Germany with one of Europe's biggest ports, which dominates the economy and structure of Hamburg.

A highly cultural city, Hamburg has a cultural tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages. World-famous composers such as Händel and Mahler have left their marks on Hanseatic cultural history. Gustav Gründgens made theatrical history here with his legendary production of "Faust."

The Hamburg State Opera was founded in 1678 and has a world-famous reputation. Mozart and Verdi as well as contemporary works are performed here plus exciting ballet performances. The theatre scene is no less active with the high point of dramatic arts performed at the renowned Deutsche Schauspielhaus and in the only slightly less famous Thalia Theatre. Comedy can be seen at the Ohnsorg Theater and in the Winterhuder Fährhaus.

Cultural riches, both past and present

In more recent times, Hamburg has been the focus of pop music idolatry. The Beatles honed their sound at the Star Club on the Reeperbahn before taking the world by storm and this fact is celebrated annually with the Britfest event that celebrates the city's link to the Liverpool band.

Hamburg boasts some glorious architecture such as the baroque St. Michael's Church, the Church of St. Jacobi and the city hall. The fact that these buildings and other historical sights survived is a miracle. During the World War II the city was extensively bombed and 55,000 people lost their lives.

Home of German soccer

Hamburg can lay claim to be the home of German football with SC Germania Hamburg the first German club dating from 1887. In modern times, Hamburg SV and St. Pauli are the city's two teams. Hamburg SV are another sleeping giant in the Bundesliga, with their glory years in the late 70s and early 80s culminating in a European Cup win in 1983.

The 50,000 capacity Hamburg stadium will host 5 different matches of World Cup 2006 games including a quarter-final. There are several youth hostels and cheap accommodation possibilities in Hamburg, where the football fans all over the world can stay and enjoy the World Cup.