Appreciate the journey of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten from a humble family-owned property to the grand European hotel it is today. Opened in 1897 by married couple and established hoteliers Friedrich Haerlin and Thekla Toussiant, the then-called Hotel zu den Vier Jahreszeiten had only 11 guestrooms. The hotel remained in the care of the Haerlin family for almost a century, enduring World War I, a brief takeover by mutinous sailors during the German Revolution of 1918, and its temporary requisition as headquarters for the British Army during World War II. Since then, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has swelled to 156 guestrooms and suites and is not only a Grand Hotel in the European tradition but one of the top luxury hotels in Germany.

Walk in the footsteps of some of the famous guests who have called Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten their temporary home. Known for its luxurious accommodations and distinctive setting in the heart of Hamburg, this opulent hotel has hosted some of Europe's most influential people, with names like Prince Heinrich of Prussia, Princess Irene of Hesse and by Rhine, Thomas Mann, Peter Ustinov, Aristotle Onassis, and Maria Callas having graced its guestlist. In fact, German actor Heinz Rühmann rehearsed for the film The Captain from Köpenick at the hotel before trying out for the part of the main character, Wilhelm Voigt. There, he also discussed the film's overall plot with director Helmut Käutner and playwright Carl Zuckmayer, who had written the original story as a play two decades prior.

Take in sweeping views of Inner Alster Lake from one of the hotel's restaurants, terraces, or lake-view guestrooms. Known as "Binnenalster" in German, Inner Alster Lake is one of Hamburg's two artificial lakes and is so named because it once rested inside the former city walls. Originally created as a reservoir for a mill, the lake is one of the city's most spectacular backdrops. Fortunately, guests will not need to go far to take in the scene. While many guestrooms and a handful of restaurants overlook Inner Alster, the best views of the lake can be had from the waterfront Jahreszeiten Terrace.