Interview with Martin Siegmann
Cycling at Finkenwerder, strolling through Hamburger Kunstverein & having dinner at Leche de Tigre in Ottensen – we followed Martin Siegmann to his favorite spots in the city and asked him some questions about his personal way of living in Hamburg.
All roads lead to Hamburg. Tell us about yours!
"In 2011 I decided to leave my hometown Cologne to try something new. It wasn’t really a carefully thought-out plan, but more of a spontaneous decision. Following the colognian rule "things will turn out the way they have to" I packed my bags and just left. This kind of positivism seems to have made an impression on the northern gods: Hamburg has welcomed me with open and strong arms and it hasn’t let me off since then."
Describe the city in one sentence.
"Hamburg is divergent: Millionaires and autonomous activists, milieu and wholesale, narrow-minded Moloch and multicultural metropolitan city."
What does Hamburg have that other cities don’t have?
"Tons of water, tide and the harbor."
Do you have a secret favorite spot in Hamburg that you wanna share with us?
"Everywhere and nowhere. As long as my gang is with me."
Do you have a favorite spot at the waterfront?
"The pier in front of Golem, my workplace. It’s the best spot for short breaks and a glass of wine after work."
Ironic whiner or secret sunshine – what’s the typical local like?
"I don’t really think there is a typical Hamburg person. Here in the North I’ve met the type of the "hater" though and I have to admit, I like him. The sense of self-irony and sarcasm matches my sense of humor."
Which alleged touristic tip is being totally underestimated?
"Canoeing on the Alster canals."
Elbe River or Alster? (And why?)
"That’s easy: the Elbe River. Tide, harbor – that has more charm than pomposity."
Is there any place or activity in Hamburg that you haven’t seen/done yet but that you’ve always wanted to see/do?
"I’ve never been to the Planetarium, I would love to go there one day."
Is there a special person in Hamburg with whom you’ve always wanted to have a "Fischbrötchen"?
"If possible, with almost everyone."
Ironic whiner or secret sunshine – what’s the typical local like?
"I don’t really think there is a typical Hamburg person. Here in the North I’ve met the type of the "hater" though and I have to admit, I like him. The sense of self-irony and sarcasm matches my sense of humor."
Which alleged touristic tip is being totally underestimated?
"Canoeing on the Alster canals."
Elbe River or Alster? (And why?)
"That’s easy: the Elbe River. Tide, harbor – that has more charm than pomposity."
Is there any place or activity in Hamburg that you haven’t seen/done yet but that you’ve always wanted to see/do?
"I’ve never been to the Planetarium, I would love to go there one day."
Is there a special person in Hamburg with whom you’ve always wanted to have a "Fischbrötchen"?
"If possible, with almost everyone."
