Hamburg is an impressive city in big ways and small ways. And in deep ways. Enter stage: the Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel, as it is called in German) which, odd as it may sound, offers the best views of Hamburg ! Read on…
History of the Old Elbe Tunnel
Hamburg is located by the Elbe River, an important artery for transportation of imports/exports into and out of Germany. Back in the early 20th century, there was a need to connect both sides of the river to facilitate local travel. So, they (whoever that’d be) decided to build a tunnel 80ft (24m) beneath the surface and 1,400ft (426m) in length in what was an engineering marvel at the time: the Elbe Tunnel.
Beautiful mosaics (tile work) at the entrance to the tunnel on the city side
Marker at the middle of the tunnel crossing
The Old Elbe Tunnel opened in September 1911 when, as it was new, was not called the “old” Elb Tunnel but rather the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel (named so as it abuts the “famous” St. Pauli neighborhood of Hamburg).
How does this tunnel work?
While there are many bridges and tunnels connecting both sides today, the Old Elbe Tunnel remains active for local travel and tourists alike. Four large elevators on either side of the tunnel bring up/down vehicles (cars, bikes) and people (locals, tourists) to go through the tunnel. Oh, and it is actually two parallel tunnels…
Two elevators side by side
Another view of the car/bike/pedestrian elevator
It is a neat little experience for visitors for many reasons – an a free one (for pedestrians and bikes; 2 euros for cars)! You can enter the tunnel and either walk down a long staircase or go down the elevator.
Either down the steps (L) or the elevator (R)
I actually recommend going down the stairs (going up would be harder) so you can admire the interior of the structure and see the elevators from a distance. Then go up in the elevator so you can experience that.
Once in the bottom, you will see one lane for vehicles and two one-directional sidewalks. Cars will only come in one direction since it is just one lane. And then pedestrians walk on the appropriate sidewalk depending on which direction you are walking. The tunnel is about 20ft wide (6m). As you walk, you can see some of the terracotta decorative tiles with maritime themes along the walls.
Bikes cannot be ridden if you are going against vehicular traffic
Some of the glazed tiles gracing the walls of the Elbe Tunnel
Some of the best views of Hamburg
The Old Elbe Tunnel comes out across the Elbe River at Steinwerder. I was not aware exactly of whether there was a view point organized for the curious (like me) or whether I just had to walk around to find a good spot. I made a right out of the building and followed its outer wall towards the back, assuming I was headed in the right direction. Sure enough, there was a nice viewing platform after a short walk giving one a full view of the amazing city that is Hamburg. I am glad I went after having explore the city some already as I was able to identify landmarks on the opposite side. If you go, I would suggest doing the same (explore Hamburg first and then cross the river to check out the skyline).
From west to east, here is the skyline of Hamburg from Steinwerder. Enjoy!
Looking towards Hamburg’s famous Fischmarkt (fish market)
Looking towards the St. Pauli district & the Elbe tunnel entrance
Looking towards the massive statue to Bismarck and St. Michael’s Church
St. Nicholas Church (now a memorial I wrote about in another post) in the middle
The Concert Hall on the right
While the view from this side of the Elbe River is from down low and there are other places to get great views from up high (like St. Nicholas Church of which I wrote about), to me, these were the best views of Hamburg !
At the end of my checking out the skyline and taking photos, I made my way back to the Old Elbe Tunnel entrance on this side and proceeded to walk back through the tunnel (which, by the way, is much cooler temperature-wise than the surface so beware) to get back to Hamburg. Oh, and I took the elevator up on the other side 🙂
More off-the-beaten path Hamburg:
Pin this image to your travel board if you are planning to visit Germany – or, if you like engineering marvels!
