Germany tours have established themselves as one of the most popular activities in Central Europe, and it's easy to see why. The country offers travelers a wide variety of places to visit, whether they're interested in its cultural, historic or natural side. This is especially true in Hamburg, which recently underwent an ambitious urban renewal project that is starting to pay dividends to both tourists and residents alike, according to The Huffington Post.
The center of the project is HafenCity, which is located along the banks of the Elbe River. While the initiative isn't expected to be fully complete until sometime between 2020 and 2030, the renovation effort is clearly evident around every corner. Among the highlights is the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, which is scheduled to be completely finished in 2015. At that time, it will house everything from a concert hall and shopping center to a hotel and apartments.
While the project will not be finished for some years, it does highlight Hamburg's place as a highlight during Germany tours. For now, there are a number of other landmarks you can check out during your time there, including St. Michaelis, one of the most recognizable structures in the city. Built in 1669, the church has become famous for its 433-foot Baroque spire.
If history and architecture aren't your thing, there are plenty of contemporary endeavors to enjoy, especially when it comes to sports. Hamburg is home to many state-of-the-art venues including Imtech Arena, which holds upwards of 57,000 raucous soccer fans on a regular basis. You can also visit O2 World - a venue dedicated to ice hockey and concerts - as well as Am Rothenbaum, which is one of the premiere tennis venues in Europe.
