THE LONG READ: Offaly students experience the best of Hamburg on German trip

Students from Tullamore College embarked on a memorable journey to Hamburg, Germany, where they explored the city's rich cultural and historical sites while putting their German language skills into practice. Over four exciting days, they visited top attractions, engaged in language-based challenges, and gained insights into German life.

Day 1: A grand welcome to Hamburg

The adventure began early on Thursday, March 20, with a 6.15am flight from Dublin to Hamburg. Upon arrival, students checked into their accommodation before heading into the city centre for lunch.

After lunch, students participated in a language quiz, navigating the city while using their German skills to communicate and locate key landmarks. This was followed by a two-hour walking tour, providing fascinating insights into Hamburg’s history, from its medieval roots to its modern status as Germany’s second-largest city.

A highlight of the evening was the visit to Elbphilharmonie Plaza, one of Hamburg's most famous landmarks. Situated 37 metres above ground, the viewing platform offers a breath taking 360° panorama of the city and harbour.

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Day 2: Exploring miniature worlds and a submarine spy vessel

Friday was packed with unique experiences, starting with a trip to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway system. The attraction, located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district, features meticulously detailed miniature landscapes, nearly half a million tiny lights, and a computer-controlled system that operates the railways, cities, and even day-to-night transitions every 15 minutes!

Next, students visited the Automuseum, where they saw a collection of classic and rare cars, including models from Volkswagen and Porsche. Some even tested their driving skills in an original Porsche 356 driving simulator!

A particularly thrilling part of the day was the guided tour of U-434, a former Soviet spy submarine. This submarine was once used for covert espionage missions off the east coast of the USA. The tight corridors and authentic control rooms gave students a real feel for life onboard a Cold War-era vessel.

That evening, students sampled traditional German specialities like Schnitzel and Currywurst, before going to the Hamburger Dom, Northern Germany’s largest funfair. With attractions ranging from vintage carousels to high-speed roller coasters, there was something for everyone. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Hamburg skyline.

Day 3: Chocolate, wildlife, and a German cinema experience

Saturday started with at Chocoversum, Hamburg’s famous chocolate museum. Here, students learned about the chocolate-making process, sampled fresh cocoa, and even created their own chocolate bars with custom ingredients.

The next stop was Hagenbeck Zoo, where students had the amazing opportunity to feed elephants and observe rare species up close. The zoo, known for its open enclosures, gave students a unique, interactive experience with wildlife.

The afternoon was spent shopping at Europa Passage, one of Hamburg’s most popular shopping centres, before heading to a German cinema. The movie of choice was a new adaptation of the classic German fairytale "Snow White", allowing students to immerse themselves in the German language through film.

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Day 4: A scenic farewell to Hamburg

On the final day, students set off for a scenic boat tour along the Alster River. This tour provided spectacular views of Hamburg’s skyline, historic towers, and beautiful Alsterpark, all while listening to fascinating stories from the boat captains.

After lunch, the final stop was the Hamburg Police Museum, where students explored 200 years of law enforcement history. The museum offers an interactive experience where visitors can test forensic techniques, solve cases, and even take part in a simulated police chase in a helicopter. Some of the most intriguing exhibits include original crime scene evidence and weapons used in Hamburg’s most notorious cases.

A trip to remember

This journey to Hamburg was not just about sightseeing—it was a true educational experience. From using German in real-life situations to uncovering the city’s history and modern innovations, students gained valuable skills, cultural awareness, and unforgettable memories.

A huge thank you to Ms McEvoy who organised the trip, and to Mr McEvoy and Mr Moran for accompanying the students.