Hamburg swans sent to winter retreat

In time-honoured tradition it's time for Hamburg's swans to head to their winter quarters.

Under the watchful eye of Olaf Niess, the city's swan-representative, the 120 birds take their journey by boat to Muehlenteich pond in the Eppendorf district of Hamburg.

Legend has it that as long as the proud Alster swan swims in Hamburg the city-state will be free and prosperous.