The first thing we saw upon our arrival in Hamburg was a bunch of people gathered around the canal watching the police capture swans. Luckily we found a free spanish tour and were able to learn the following: Swans are sort of sacred in Hamburg. The legend says that as long as there are swans in Hamburg, the city will be free. They take this so seriously that during the winter they are rounded up and taken to a winter quarter where they are kept warm, happy, and well fed. Swans are so important to the city that since 1964 there is a law that protects them from any harm, including insults! The fine for insulting a swan is 400 euros.