Ruins of the Third Reich: Hamburg Hamburg's ideal location at the end of Elbe River and its significance as the main port of northern Germany have been the backbone of the city's history and wealth. During the Middle Ages Hamburg belonged to the "Hanse League," an empire of mechant and trading cities. Hamburg became extremely important to the German War Machine prior to World War II, as a leading U-Boat hub and submarine industry center. The city was even bestowed Hitler's title among the special "Fuhrerstadte" (Fuhrer Cities). Forty-five percent of all German submarines were produced in Hamburg. It is the second largest city in Germany and the busiest port in Europe.

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