June 15: Today we had a quick breakfast at Starbucks. Then we walked the canal to see St. Michaelis Cathedral and dad climbed the tower. Buried in the crypt of the church was JS Bach's son, "Hamburger" Bach. He played the huge organ in the church. After church we walked thru a long tunnel under the water. Then we did the history museum. The city started in 808 when Charlemagne had a castle built here to defend against the Vikings. In 1241 Hamburg started the Hanseatic League which was an alliance of traders to protect against pirates. In 1529 the city converted from Catholic to Protestant and soon after expanded their fortifications so they could survive the 30 years war which started in 1618. For dinner we had sushi. It was great sushi.

View to North Sea from St. Michaelis

"Hamburger" Bach's organ

Crypt 

Grave of "Hamburger" Bach

Tunnel under river Elbe 

Hamburg History Museum

City defences from 1618 Thirty Years War

City Hall across canal