THE HAFENCITY HAMBURG
A detour to Hamburg's youngest neighbourhood
Hamburg's HafenCity: a city in transition
On the former grounds of the free port of Hamburg, a new city district has emerged that combines modernity and tradition in a unique way. The HafenCity captivates with its innovative architecture, maritime atmosphere and diverse cultural offerings.
HafenCity is one of the largest urban development projects in Europe. A new district combining living, working and leisure is being built on an area of 157 hectares. HafenCity is located directly on the waterfront and offers breathtaking views of the Elbe and the historic harbour.
Architectural highlights
HafenCity is an architectural showcase. It features buildings by internationally renowned architects, who have given the houses a very different look.
- The Marco Polo Tower: The 170-metre-high residential tower is one of the tallest buildings in Hamburg. Its curved shape is reminiscent of a sail and is an eye-catcher in HafenCity.
- The Unilever building: the company’s new headquarters is an example of sustainable architecture. The building is heated and cooled using geothermal energy and has a green façade.
- The Magellan Terraces: the terraced residential buildings offer a unique view of the water and the HafenCity.
The emergence of HafenCity
The idea for the HafenCity emerged in the 1990s. Hamburg’s free port had lost its significance and large parts of the port area were lying fallow. The city of Hamburg decided to develop the area into a new district.
Construction of the HafenCity began in 2001. First, the old harbour basins were filled in and the infrastructure created. Then the construction work for the first buildings began. HafenCity is being realised in several construction phases. Completion is planned for 2025.
HafenCity is not only an architectural highlight, but also a cultural hotspot. Numerous museums, theatres and galleries can be found here.
Where modernity meets tradition
Another highlight is the Traditional Ship Harbour at Sandtorkai, directly in front of the Magellan Terraces. Numerous historic ships are moored here, and can be admired from a 380-metre-long pontoon. Sandtorhafen was opened in the 1860s and is the first man-made harbour basin in Hamburg.
In addition to the historic ships such as the ‘Schaarhörn’ or the ‘Seute Deern’, three harbour cranes are also eye-catching. They were part of the Sandtorhafen and were steam-powered. This marked the beginning of modern port operations, because before that, ships had to anchor on the Elbe; the cargo was unloaded with the help of supply boats.
- Rote Doppeldecker
Stop Nr. 5, Singapurstraße - HVV
U-Bahn:U4 HafenCity Universität
Connection
- Address:
HafenCity Hamburg
Bezirk Hamburg-Mitte