Warehouse District (Speicherstadt)
1 / 5
Speicherstadt - by Robert Katzki on Unsplash
Description
The Speicherstadt or Warehouse District is located with the HaifenCity area in Hamburg. It was built as a duty-free trading free zone in the late 19th century and born from a political and economic trade-off when the city was pressured to join the German Customs Union in 1881; it was essentially a custom carve-out to the Union. It is 1.5km long, lined with loading canals and the red-brick buildings originally stood on timber-pile foundations. The neighbourhood is being redeveloped quite extensively but many buildings are still used for their original warehousing purpose. The most famous building is probably Speicherstadtrathaus (literally translating as the 'warehouse district town hall').
Access & Transport
The district is just south of the city center with several bus services and the Baumwall (U3), Überseequartier (U4) and Steinstraße (U1) metro stations all within a 5-10mins walk.
Instructions & Recommendations
The neighbourhood is also worth exploring in the evenings for its different lighting. Attractions in the area include Miniatur Wonderland, the International Maritime Museum and the Prototype Museum.
Environmental & Social
Walking around the neighbourhood doesn't create any carbon footprint and the buildings already existed (or are being reconverted) Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and historical heritage and helped rejuvenate the neighbourhood
Conclusion
Hamburg's Warehouse District is tightly woven into the city's identity, visually enjoyable and an excellent opportunity to learn more about Hamburg's history and the Hanseatic League. We do think it is getting a little overhyped but then it is centrally located with several attractions located there and no entrance fees so really there is no downside in heading there.
Key positive
Very photogenic and unique in the country
Centrally located with several tourist attractions
Key negative
None
Suitability
Suitable for everybody
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo