The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is widely known as the third largest port in Europe and as a vibrant urban metropolitan area linking northern with central Europe. The numerous rivers, lakes and canals that cross and shape the city do not only offer valuable recreational services to its inhabitants and keep them uniquely close to its aquatic environment, but attract tourists alike – as does both the traditional Hanseatic and modern architecture.

As a port city, Hamburg is a node in a dense network of global trade and commerce. The port, still located in the inner city, has a turnover of 9.3 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), thus being an important hub for logistics and transport. What’s more, Hamburg evolved into a science city, hosting numerous universities, research institutions and innovation clusters such as aviation, life science, logistics, maritime economy, media and renewable energy.

In the last few decades, Hamburg reworked its land-sea interface. A significant part of Hamburg’s historic port area has been revitalised as the HafenCity, the largest urban redevelopment project of its kind in Europe. When development will be completed by the end of the decade, the area will be home to around 15,000 people and the workplace of 45,000 people. It also hosts the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

In addition to the high-level urban development projects, the City of Hamburg focuses on the well-being of its citizens, fostering affordable housing and mobility, inclusive education and social participation. It is considered as one of the most liveable cities within Europe.