Hamburg, in northern Germany, is one of its largest cities. This normally would equate to crowded, polluted, and just endless. Well, it may be a little of those things but I only felt the latter. Hamburg is really a collection of many areas (as most cities are). Among the most charming parts of the city is the outer district called Blankenese, one of my 12 cool things to do in Hamburg. It is a former fishing village – now one of the most affluent neighborhoods of Hamburg. But its status as a wealthy place is not what makes me recommend it. Instead, it is its “stairs” quarter – its “treppenviertel“.
A friend’s recommendation in Hamburg
A friend who lives in Hamburg recommended heading out to the area west of Altona‘s city center to check out the quarter (“viertel“) where ship owners used to live back in the day. This quarter in Blankenese is in a very steep area leading down to the Elbe River. Houses were built on the hillside and, given the times, roads were not needed/built but stairs (“treppen“) were. And there are plenty!
We drove out from Hamburg passing incredible little mansions right by the Elbe River until we got to Blankenese. We had no precise instructions but, quickly, we realized we had gotten to the point in town in question.
Exploring Blankenese’s “Treppenviertel“
At first, we thought we were looking for one major staircase down to the river until we noticed all the big and small paths and stairs connecting all the hillside houses overlooking the Elbe.
The houses were charming partly due to their architecture, partly due to the views, and partly due to their charming gardens. It was neat to explore though, as we were heading out to Lübeck, we could not walk around too much. Suffice it to say, it was well worth the drive out to experience this unique district and also to enjoy the drive along the river passing all the magnificent houses along the way!
Nice path’s along the stair district – no paths for cars!
Glad this district’s buildings survived the ravages of war
The old hotel by the beach
Other posts about Hamburg:
- St. Nicholas Church: Silent Witness to World War II
- Checking out the city skyline by going through the Old Elbe River Tunnel
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If you make it to Hamburg, perhaps to chase Beatles’ history or something, and have extra time, get out of the heart of the city and check out this part of greater Hamburg. And walk these stairs – it will be good exercise, neat scenery and great views!
