Perfect Homes Magazine - Issue 12 | Page 175

Hamburg, Germany I n addition to its large working port, this city on the Elbe River has more canals than Venice or Amsterdam and the most bridges of any city around the globe, more than 2,000 of them. Water is all around, as are green spaces and parks in fact, Hamburg was named European Green Capital in 2011. Areas near the water are very popular with home buyers, including the riverside districts of Blankenese and Othmarschen, located west of the city centre in the borough of Altona. Parallel to the river is Elbchaussee, the grand boulevard that runs west from the neighbourhood of Altona-Atlstadt out to Blankenese and is very desirable for its beautiful architecture and views. Around Binnenalster (Inner Alster) and Aussenalster (Outer Alster) – the two urban lakes – the area of Harvestehude is popular, as are Winterhude and Uhlenhorst for their central location. Many families look to live in peaceful Alsterdorf in the northeast because of its green spaces and good transport links to the city centre. One of the largest urban developments in Europe,  HafenCity, was built right on the harbour, similar to London’s Docklands, and is popular for its location and modern infrastructure. According to the Engel & Völkers 2013 market report, a desirable waterfront house in t