“Klönschnack”
In northern Germany, a “Klönschnack” is a cosy, relaxed chat – or a get-together where people swap stories and get to know each other. Here you can get to know Hamburg a little better, with stories from around the Elbe metropolis.
In my podcast I share “Döntjes” – the local word for anecdotes, both true and invented. I reveal some of the city’s secrets and introduce you to Hamburg originals. Locals are just as welcome as visitors – and who knows, perhaps I’ll even surprise a seasoned Hanseatic.
Look forward to the cheerful, the curious, the thrilling and the moving!
Judith’s Podcast
Stories to listen to · in German
The Alster Swans of Hamburg
Swans are a symbol of the city – and much more: they bring good luck and are among Hamburg’s great personalities. In my podcast I tell you all about the cult surrounding these proud wild birds.
A Head Disappears …
Klaus Störtebeker, the legendary pirate – at least as famous and notorious as Captain Jack Sparrow – made the seas unsafe in the 14th century. His raids cost the Hanseatic merchants dearly, so they hatched a plan to catch Störtebeker and his men.
Peking – A Ship Comes Home
After no fewer than 88 years, the historic four-masted barque PEKING returned to her home port. The incredible odyssey of one of the fastest sailing ships of her day – told in my podcast.
The Original Kemm’sche Kuchen
The biscuit that Hamburg calls a “cake” has been part of the city’s history since 1782 – and belongs on every proper Hamburg breakfast table. Johann Georg Kemm created the recipe for these “brown cakes” at his Altona bakery at Lange Straße 10; it stayed in the family until 1889.
The Big Bluff – the Lie Behind the Harbour Birthday
On 7 May 1189 Hamburg received a gift that sealed its success story as Germany’s largest port: Emperor Barbarossa handed the citizens a charter granting them freedom from customs duties all the way to the North Sea … but was that really so?
Underwear for Hamburg’s Women
An 18th-century will still ensures today that every Christmas twelve women in need receive a set of underwear “of medium quality”. Who the noble benefactor was and what lies behind this curious last will, you’ll find out in my podcast.
