Germany at a Glance

22 Blankenese A trip to the picturesque district Blankenese on the river Elbe will enthuse visitors from far and wide. Fishermen, ship captains and pilots once made their homes here. Today, with its hillside location and unusual light, Blankenese exudes a distinct Mediterranean flair. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views from Muehlenberg , Kiekeberg and Suell- berg . Some 5,000 steps lead up and down through the quiet, scenic district of Blanken- ese . • www.blankenese.de Planten un Blomen & Hagenbeck Zoo Planten un Blomen is a park with a size of 47 hectares in the city center. The name is Low German for plants and flowers. It stretches from the Lake Alster to St. Pauli and closely to the old city walls, which was built from 1616–1625 around Hamburg. It was here that the Danes fought to take siege of the city. Besides to a tropical green-house and Europe's largest Japanese Garden, there are many entertainment possibilities such as water-light concerts, public theatre and open-air music performances. Another green landmark of Hamburg is the Hagenbeck Zoo with over 210 different animal species. With its incomparable botanic variety, wonderful panoramas and outdoor enclo- sures, the park has delighted visitors of all ages for over 100 years. Visitors can also explore a four-level tropical aquarium as well as various dining and entertainment spaces. Also, the fact that the zoo is still owned by the founding family is special because it reflects on one side the love of the animals, and on the other side the strong will to continue the founders' lifetime achievement. • www.plantenunblomen.hamburg.de 7 8b 8a