Gluckstadt on the Elbe River - Historic Market Ferry Town a Short Drive from Hamburg

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FERRY ACROSS THE ELBE TO LUCKY CITY
Glückstadt - Herring, Cycling, and the Market

Gluckstadt Elbe River market town near Hamburg photo

A drive north from Hamburg takes you along the Elbe River where it widens into a broad marsh and flatland in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, a land of farms (where the Holstein cow came from), thatched roofed houses, river wildlife and ferries across the flat Elbe. About 20 miles from Altona, the town of Glückstadt is on the eastern bank of the broad Elbe where it meets the tributary river Rhin. Originally part of Denmark, Glückstadt, whose name means “Lucky City” was founded in 1617 by Danish King Christian IV as a trading port to compete with Hanseatic Hamburg. The area became known as an exporter of processed meat sent to America from the 1830’s until the turn of the century. Continually claimed by Denmark, Sweden, the Holy Roman Empire, Austria and Prussia since the 15th Century, the city and the area was finally annexed into Prussia in 1866, but after WWI, the northern section of the Schleswig peninsula known as the Jutland was taken by Denmark and the lower by Germany.

A visit to Glückstadt’s town square market place is a journey back to the traditional early days, where peddlers trade meats, fish, fresh vegetables and other local goods in a style which hasn’t changed much in 100 years, surrounded by narrow historic streets with a unique architectural style dating back to the 17th Century. It also hosts open air opera performances in the summer as well as other events. And don’t forget to sample the special kind of herring dish created here, Glückstädter Matjes. The old town’s narrow waterfront harbor canal is lined with beautiful buildings and the masts of classic sailing ships and fishing vessels. A peaceful spot for a romantic dinner along the Elbe River.

And for pedalers of the bicycle kind, the Elbe-River Cycling Path which follows the meandering river for 600 miles of its length from the German border with the Czech Republic runs through Glückstadt and ends across the Elbe at Cuxhaven. Take the ferry crossing to Altendorf Wischhafen. If you don’t want to drive, Glückstadt lies along the rail line from Itzehoe to Elmshorn. © Bargain Travel Europe

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		FERRY ACROSS THE ELBE TO LUCKY CITY Glückstadt - Herring, Cycling, and the Market A drive north from Hamburg takes you along the Elbe River where it widens into a broad marsh and flatland in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, a land of farms (where the Holstein cow came from), thatched roofed houses, river wildlife and ferries across the flat Elbe. About 20 miles from Altona, the town of Glückstadt is on the eastern bank of the broad Elbe where it meets the tributary river Rhin. Originally part of Denmark, Glückstadt, whose name means “Lucky City” was founded in 1617 by Danish King Christian IV as a trading port to compete with Hanseatic Hamburg. The area became known as an exporter of processed meat sent to America from the 1830’s until the turn of the century. Continually claimed by Denmark, Sweden, the Holy Roman Empire, Austria and Prussia since the 15th Century, the city and the area was finally annexed into Prussia in 1866, but after WWI, the northern section of the Schleswig peninsula known as the Jutland was taken by Denmark and the lower by Germany. A visit to Glückstadt’s town square market place is a journey back to the traditional early days, where peddlers trade meats, fish, fresh vegetables and other local goods in a style which hasn’t changed much in 100 years, surrounded by narrow historic streets with a unique architectural style dating back to the 17th Century. It also hosts open air opera performances in the summer as well as other events. And don’t forget to sample the special kind of herring dish created here, Glückstädter Matjes. The old town’s narrow waterfront harbor canal is lined with beautiful buildings and the masts of classic sailing ships and fishing vessels. A peaceful spot for a romantic dinner along the Elbe River. And for pedalers of the bicycle kind, the Elbe-River Cycling Path which follows the meandering river for 600 miles of its length from the German border with the Czech Republic runs through Glückstadt and ends across the Elbe at Cuxhaven. Take the ferry crossing to Altendorf Wischhafen. If you don’t want to drive, Glückstadt lies along the rail line from Itzehoe to Elmshorn. © Bargain Travel Europe Find best deals and compare Hotels in Hamburg These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission. Map it SEE ALSO: ST. MICHAELIS - HAMBURG LANDMARK SUPERMODEL SECRETARIES - HAMBURG HAMBURG'S REEPERBAHN Street of adult freedom, an all night party

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FERRY ACROSS THE ELBE TO LUCKY CITY Glückstadt - Herring, Cycling, and the Market

FERRY ACROSS THE ELBE TO LUCKY CITY
Glückstadt - Herring, Cycling, and the Market