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Hamburgs Landungsbrücken piers on the River Elbe PHOTO Hans Peter Marten GNTO

By Monique Burns In Northern Germany, Hamburg, the great port on the River Elbe, is festive year round.  In spring, summer and fall, sightseeing boats, freighters, ferries and tall ships fill the harbor while canoes, kayaks and paddleboats ply the leafy Alster Lakes.  Winter brings Christmas Markets with hand-crafted ornaments