Epic Honeymoon - Day 47 - Hamburg

Our last full day in Hamburg fell on Halloween – or as the Germans know it: Reformation Day. This was the day that Martin Luther nailed writings, known as The 95 Theses, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, calling for changes to the Christian faith in light of the control and power that the Catholic Church had over the people. Unfortunately, that meant it was a public holiday, and so most things were closed!

I don't think this had anything to do with Reformation Day...

It looks more like a Russian Army parade!

Further to it being just another public holiday, it was in fact the 500^th anniversary of Luther’s actions, so it was a full blown National Holiday. Upon discovering our predicament, we were at a bit of a loss of what to do. We found a food court and had a bite to eat – Avy was back on the noodle soup, as she was quite angry about the situation (and only noodle soup can calm her down!), while I got stuck into some surprisingly decent curry wurst (decent for a food court, I mean!).

My shopping mall food court Curry Wurst!

And Avy's "angry lunch" pho.

Fairly deserted streets.

A cold, late-Autumn public holiday.

There was a smattering of people strolling through the streets, but otherwise it was pretty deserted around town. We paid a visit to Chilehaus, which is an iconic, oddly-shaped building. As for its use, it is simply an office building, but is an example of “brick expressionism”, and was commissioned by a shipping magnate in the 1920s. Good for a quick gawk, but other than that, nothing spectacular!

Chilehaus.

Quite the angular construction.

St. Jacob's Church.

Back in the main square, we stopped in at Arkaden Café for a nice warm coffee and bit of cake – what better way to while away a quiet public holiday? The staff were very friendly, and the café itself has a gorgeous quaint feel about it. It is, however, actually quiet huge, with a basement full of further tables that you don’t realise are there until you venture downstairs.

A few more people out and about.

A charming little square.

Taking in the view over Rathausmarkt.

A bit of cake and coffee to refuel.

We took a walk around the docks and canals, taking in the gloomy afternoon, passing by the Hamburg Dungeon – one of the several gaudy tourist attractions around Hamburg. I believe it details the histories of torture and other such delightful matters! I’d have given it a look, but I don’t think it would’ve been wife’s cup of tea.

Wandering the docks.

Buildings lining the canals.

You could almost dive from the window directly in for a swim! You probably shouldn't, though...

View from the Brooksbrücke.

The Hamburg Dungeon was quite popular on Halloween. Makes sense, I guess!

More canals.

Stopping off for dinner at the same place we’d lunched two days prior, Gasthaus Heimathafen. And with a beer and some sausages, we bid farewell to Hamburg, and to Germany. The next morning found us back at the airport and heading north again…

An ominous crow, telling us what's what.

Time for one last German crafty!

Avy's large salad, and my sausages with mustard.

Time to visit some Vikings!