In Short
The Speicherstadt in Hamburg is more than just a historic quarter – it is a living museum that tells stories of tea, coffee, spices and the rise of a cosmopolitan city. With its striking brick buildings and picturesque canals, it is a must-see for every visitor to Hamburg.
A Journey into History: the Speicherstadt
The red buildings form the largest warehouse district in the world, which extends over around 26 hectares between Baumwall and Oberhafen. The impressive buildings stand on thousands of oak piles and were built between 1883 and the 1920s. This historical significance led to the Speicherstadt, together with the Kontorhaus district including the Chilehaus, being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
From Tea to Miniatur Wunderland: the Diversity of the Speicherstadt
Originally, the 15 warehouse blocks of the Speicherstadt were mainly used to store tea, coffee and spices. Today you will find a mixture of offices, agencies and exciting museums. Miniatur Wunderland, the Hamburg Dungeon and the Speicherstadt Museum are just some of the highlights that await you.
Fascinating Architecture and Bridges
The Speicherstadt is also known for its 20 bridges, 14 of which are listed buildings. These bridges give the district its unique charm and connect the various warehouse blocks with each other. The Fleetschlösschen, a small house with steps leading down into the water, offers a particularly beautiful view and makes a great photo opportunity.
From the Elbphilharmonie to the Speicherstadt
The Elbphilharmonie is an ideal starting point for your discovery tour. From there, you can take a leisurely stroll through the Speicherstadt. To make sure you don’t miss any of the many sights, we have mapped out the best route for you. This will take you past the most important attractions and hidden corners that make the Speicherstadt so special.
The Wasserschloss: the Highlight at the End
At the end of your tour, the highlight of the Speicherstadt awaits you: the Wasserschloss. This historic building is a real eye-catcher and a paradise for tea lovers in particular. The castle is all about tea, and you can not only try different varieties there, but also enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. The view of the castle from the Poggenmühlenbrücke bridge is unique, and you can take the classic Hamburg picture for postcards.
Practical Tips:
- How to get there: The city is easily accessible by public transport. The subway stations “Baumwall” and “Überseequartier” are ideal.
- Best time: Spring and summer are the best times to visit when the weather is mild.
- What to bring: A camera for the many photo opportunities and comfortable shoes for exploring.
- Tours: A boat tour is a great way to experience the Speicherstadt from a different perspective and get closer to the buildings.
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