Hamburg’s New Docklands district, or “HafenCity”, is undergoing the largest inner-city redevelopment in Europe. The project to transform this former port and industrial area was launched in 1997, with the aim of creating a top-quality residential environment, complete with excellent cultural and commercial facilities. Whilst work is scheduled to continue until 2020, there is already a wealth of attractions to discover.
A good place to start your visit is the HafenCity InfoCenter, situated in Kesselhaus, a distinctive red-brick building from the 1880s that once served as an industrial boiler house. Here, you’ll discover the history of this important trade hub and get an overview of all the ambitious projects yet to be completed.
The InfoCenter also offers free guided tours of the area, either on foot or by bicycle, both during the day and by night. This two-hour experience will give you an excellent insight into the past, present and future of this rapidly changing district.
Enjoy an aerial perspective of HafenCity from the top of the ViewPoint. This striking bright-orange steel tower allows you to identify all of the new buildings taking shape along the waterfront, thanks to the map and information panels.
Development is progressing from west to east, and 51 of the construction projects have already been completed. Head to the Am Sandtorkai/Dalmannkai quarter to admire striking examples of architectural design. Here, you’ll find the iconic Elbe Philharmonic Hall building, the city’s newest concert venue, conceived and designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. Built on the top of Kaispeicher A, a former warehouse, this glass structure echoes both the ripples on the canal below and the peaks in the clouds above. This world-class facility is scheduled to open in 2016.
Reach New Docklands using Line 4 of the U-Bahn. Stop at either the Überseequartier station, an area that has plenty of shops and restaurants, or the HafenCity University station. Parking is available in the vicinity of Überseequartier.
The New Docklands area is open 24 hours a day and there's no charge to enter.
