Alter Elbtunnel
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Alter Elbtunnel - by Lisa Fecker on Unsplash
Description
The Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel) is 426m long and connects central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the southern bank of the Elbe River. It was built between 1907-11 and considered a feat of engineering with work having to be carried out using pressurized caissons (with the decompression risks associated to it). The two 6m-wide tubes are 24m beneath the water level and cars, bicycles and pedestrians were brought down from the surface via six large lifts on either side of the tunnel. Nowadays, the tunnel has been superseded by more modern infrastructure but, although it is closed to car traffic, it remains accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. It can be hired for events and also holds temporary art exhibitions.
Access & Transport
On the northern bank, access is from the St Pauli's neighbourhood, just east of the Landungsbrücken station (U3, S1, S2, S3). On the southern bank, the tunnel starts near Dock 17 but this is an industrial area so most visitors will be coming in from the northern shore and explore with out-and-back walk. The bus stop Steinwerder (Alter Elbtunnel) is near the entrance and so is the Steinwerder ferry pier that crosses over to Landungsbrücken Brücke.
Instructions & Recommendations
Best visited during daytime for those who would feel uncomfortable near St Pauli's red-light district.
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity environmentally neutral (reuse of an existing infrastructure). It helps preserve an aspect of the city's technological and historical heritages.
Conclusion
The Alter Elbtunnel has some historic and technological significance with impressive lift systems and gives visitors the opportunity to step out to the docks' side and enjoy a view of Hamburg waterfront - for free. Not unmissable but recommended.
Key positive
Opportunity to learn about the civil engineering aspects
Good views over Hamburg from the southern bank
No entrance fees
Key negative
Nothing spectacular per se
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: wheelchairs users can make use of the lifts
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Monday06:00 - 20:00
Tuesday06:00 - 20:00
Wednesday06:00 - 20:00
Thursday06:00 - 20:00
Friday06:00 - 20:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00