beer tours hamburg

• 1 Day Itinerary
• 2 Days Itinerary
• 3 Days Itinerary
• How Many Days
• Photography Spots
• Hiking Trails
• Historical Sites
• UNESCO Sites
• Art Galleries
• Churches and Cathedrals
• Christmas Markets
• Live Music Venues
• Comedy And Theater
• Spa & Massage
• Cologne Carnival
• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Old Town
• Belgian Quarter
• Chocolate Museum
• Flora & Botanical Garden
• Cologne Zoo
• Fragrance Museum (Farina House)
• Museum Ludwig
• Rhine River Cruise And Boat Tours
• Walking Tours
• Brewery (Brauhaus) Tours
• Street Art Tours
• Self-Guided Tours
• Wine-Tasting Tour
• Segway Tour
• Ford Factory Tour
• Festivals and Holidays
• Does It Snow?
• Cologne or Koln? koeln? Is it the same?
• Best Restaurants
• Best Schnitzel
• Best Burger Joints
• Best Michelin Star Restaurants
• Best Breakfast and Brunch
• Best Italian
• Best Korean
• Best Mexican
• Best Chinese
• Best Indian
• Best Wine Bars
• Best Bars and Clubs
• Best Beer Gardens
• Best Romantic Restaurants
• Best Vegan and Vegetarian
• Is Cologne Worth Visiting?
• Koln Card (Cologne Card)
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Old Town)
• Best Boutique Hotels
• Best Business Hotels
• Best Luxury Hotels
• Best Cheap Hotels
• Best Family Hotels
• Best Gay Hotels
• Best Spa Hotels
• Near Train Station
• Near Cologne Airport
• Near Cologne Cathedral
• Near Cologne Christmas Market
• Near Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre and Lanxess Arena
• Hotels With Swimming Pool, Balcony And Parking
• Best Castle Hotels
• Best Bed And Breakfast
• Best Hostels
• Camping Sites
• Train Stations
• Cologne Bonn Airport
• Airport to City Centre
• Luggage Storage
• Renting a Car
• To Phantasialand
• Cologne to Dusseldorf
• Cologne to Bonn
• Cologne to Aachen
• Cologne to Dortmund
• Cologne to Essen
• Cologne to Munster
• Cologne to Duisburg
• Cologne to Bochum
• Cologne to Gelsenkirchen
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary
• Basilika St Lambertus
• Stadtmuseum (City Museum)
• Goethe Museum
• Hetjens Museum
• Theatermuseum
• Classic Remise (Car Museum)
• Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum
• Museum Kunstpalast
• Botanical Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Apollo Theatre
• Capitol Theatre
• Savoy Theatre
• Photo Spots
• Dusseldorf Old Town
• Rheinuferpromenade
• Medienhafen
• Königsallee
• Schloss Benrath
• Schlossturm
• Little Tokyo
• Düsseldorf Kaiserswerth
• Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth
• Segway Tours
• Brewery Tours
• River Cruise & Boat Tour
• What to Pack
• Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?
• Best Burger
• Best Breakfast & Brunch
• Best Japanese
• Best Halal Restaurants
• Düsseldorf Card
• Best Hotels In Old Town (Altstadt)
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Stadtmitte)
• Near Dusseldorf Christmas Markets
• Near Dusseldorf Airport
• Near Train Station (Hbf)
• Near Messe Dusseldorf (Exhibition Centre)
• Best Campsites
• Dusseldorf Airport
• Dusseldorf to Cologne
• Dusseldorf to Dortmund
• Dusseldorf to Bonn
• Dusseldorf to Aachen
• Dusseldorf to Essen
• Dusseldorf to Munster
• Dusseldorf to Duisburg
• Dusseldorf to Bochum
• Dusseldorf to Gelsenkirchen
• Dusseldorf to Phantasialand
• With Family
• For Couples
• On A Rainy Day
• One Day Itinerary
• Two Days Itinerary
• Three Days Itinerary
• Flea Markets
• Fish Market
• Comedy Clubs
• Hamburg Old Town
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Elbphilharmonie
• Planten un Blomen
• Alter Elbtunnel
• Schanzenviertel (Sternschanze)
• Karolinenviertel
• Beatles Platz
• Hamburg Dungeon
• Harbor Tours
• Red Light District Tours
• St Pauli And Reeperbahn Tours
• Speicherstadt Tours
• Beatles Tour
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Altstadt & Neustadt)
• Near Hamburg Airport
• Near Hamburg Train Station (Hbf)
• Best Hotels In St Pauli
• Best Hotels In Reeperbahn
• Best Hotels In Blankenese
• Best Hotels In HafenCity
• Best Hotels In Sternschanze (Schanzenviertel)
• Best Bed And Breakfast (B&Bs)
• Hamburg Card
• Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?
• Best Burgers
• Best Beer Halls
• Romantic Restaurants
• Vegan and Vegetarian
• Best Breakfast Places
• Best Cafes & Coffeeshops
• Best Brunch Spots
• Public Transport

6 Best Hamburg Brewery Tours

Updated on  January 29, 2024  

Looking for the best Hamburg brewery tours? Look no further. This blog post will guide you through the top brewery experiences in Hamburg, giving you a taste of the city's finest craft beers and the stories behind them.

Top Hamburg Brewery Tours

#1 TOP PICK

Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour

• Best Hamburg Brewery Tour
• 7 beers included

St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour

• Tour the iconic St. Pauli district
• Includes entry to breweries and a bar

Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour

• Alternative area of Hamburg
• Includes beer + currywurst!

1. Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour

Dive deep into Hamburg's beer culture with the Craft Beer Tasting Tour . It's not just a sip here and there; you get to taste at least 7 different local beers over the course of 3 hours. 

Learn as you drink, discovering why Hamburg was once hailed as 'The Brewery House of the Hanseatic League'. This tour is for those who love history as much as they love beer.

You'll meet your guide at "Schulterblatt 73" before setting off on an adventure that mixes medieval brews with modern craft twists.

Each stop introduces a new flavor and a piece of brewing lore, making sure your palate and brain are equally entertained. The constantly varied selection means every tour offers something fresh, ranking it top-notch among brewery experiences in Hamburg.

What sets this experience apart is the seasonal updates to their beer lineup—always keeping things exciting—and insights into ancient brewing methods that shaped today's techniques.

Experience traditional beers from centuries ago alongside innovative craft options by microbreweries blazing trails in the industry. Wrap up this boozy journey through time feeling like a true connoisseur of all things hops and barley!

• Taste over 7 local beers on a 3 - hour tour of Hamburg.
• Explore 1,000 years of brewing history at different venues.
• Try some of Hamburg's best craft beers and learn about the unique local craft beer scene.
• Experience traditional Hamburg beers as well as new craft offerings and get insights into medieval brewing techniques.
• Limited availability of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer options for those who prefer such choices.

2. St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour

Hop into the heart of Hamburg's brewing culture with the St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour . 

This isn't just any pub crawl; it's a voyage through centuries of beer history led by local experts who know their hops! Picture yourself sipping on fine craft brews from three distinct breweries, each bursting with unique flavors that capture the soul of St. Pauli - Hamburg's Red Light District .

As you zigzag between lively taprooms, spectacular views of bustling docks and serene shipyards unfold before your eyes. The tour hits a high note at "Zur Ritze," where you'll not only get to quench your thirst but also peek into its iconic boxing cellar—a hidden gem where legends have thrown punches!

This sip-and-stroll adventure offers more than just tasting—it’s an education in pint-sized form.

Learn how Hamburg rose to be a beer-brewing powerhouse while making stops for hearty samples along the way. Wrap up your experience picking out your favorite beer for one last free sample—the perfect end to an invigorating 2.5-hour journey.

The St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour blends entertainment with enlightenment, creating memories that stick long after the last drop has been savored.

Who would've thought that beer-tasting could give such rich insight into Hamburg's heritage? Cheers to discovering new favorites and stories worth telling over a cold one!

• Explore three unique breweries and savor diverse craft beers
• Soak in stunning harbor , shipyard, and dock views
• Gain fascinating insights into global beer history
• Relish a refreshing beer at the famous "Ritze" pub and tour its renowned box cellar
• Brewery admissions and beer tastings included
• Limited availability, may not be suitable for last - minute bookings
• Participants must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the beer tastings
• Tour may involve walking and standing for extended periods, so comfortable footwear is recommended

3. Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour

Get ready to step into Hamburg's heart of beer and bites with the Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour . 

This is where you dive deep into the city's brewery roots, dating back to when Hamburg led Europe's brew scene. Imagine kicking off at Ratsherrn Brewery, feeling each step echo through halls steeped in hoppy history, then watching master brewers at work.

It's not just a peek; it's a full-on journey from grain to glass.

Next, stroll through the Schanze district—a place buzzing with cool vibes—and suddenly find yourself in front of mind-blowing currywurst that'll have your taste buds dancing!

Keep wandering and end up sipping beers that break all the rules—think wild fruit flavors and bold new craft blends among hip locals and fellow travelers.

This food tour packs it all: hidden gems, live German storytelling by your guide, two-and-a-half hours pulsing with culture. Tip: wear comfy shoes for easy exploring! With sips shared and stories swapped, this isn't just another tour—it’s your backstage pass to authentic Hamburg flavor adventures!

• Explore the trendy Schanze district
• Learn about beer production at Ratsherrn Brewery
• Sample interesting and delicious beers
• Taste the best currywurst in Hamburg
• Limited time for each stop
• Potential crowds in popular locations
• Additional expenses for souvenirs or extra snacks

4. Walking Craft Beer Tour in the St. Pauli District

Sip your way through St. Pauli's history with a craft beer in hand! The Walking Craft Beer Tour takes you on a three-hour journey to Hamburg's coolest breweries and bars.

Imagine strolling along the cobbled streets, guide by your side, chatting about the city's beer-soaked past. With six different beers to try, your taste buds will thank you at every stop.

Your local guide knows just where to take you for that authentic German drinking vibe. Picture yourself at ÜberQuell brewery, surrounded by industrial chic decor as you sip a fresh pint.

Or maybe you'll be clinking glasses in Musikbar Eldorado, feeling like one of the regulars. This walking tour isn't just about tasting; it's about connecting—with people, places, and pints.

Booking is super easy—reserve now without paying upfront and cancel free if plans change.

You'll walk away from this experience not only buzzed but also filled with fun facts and new friends. It's more than just a pub crawl; it’s a cultural deep dive into Hamburg’s crafty pours! Cheers to making memories one beer at a time!

• Explore the St. Pauli district on a 3 - hour walking tour
• Sample 6 different craft beers along the way
• Expert guide included for an immersive experience
• Book now, pay later for flexibility in travel plans.
• Limited availability on specific starting times may not suit everyone's schedule.
• Not suitable for individuals under the legal drinking age.

5. Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

Step back in time and explore Hamburg's beer heritage with a Private German Beer Tasting Tour .

Your personal guide is not just any guide; they're beer experts! They'll lead you through the cobblestone streets of Hamburg’s Old Town, sharing stories of medieval breweries that quenched the thirst of sailors and merchants long ago. Imagine sipping on Germany's finest beers where it all began.

With this brewrey and city tour , you dive into a world of hearty laughter and clinking glasses. Choose from 2 to 4 hours of adventure, each tailored to tease your taste buds with select popular and craft beers.

Matched perfectly with traditional German appetizers, every sip reveals more about the local brewing passion. The convenience is unmatched – cancel for free up until 24 hours before or book now without spending a dime.

So why pick this? It's simple: authentic experience meets flexibility. Opt for the extended tours if you crave deeper dives into Germany’s pub culture or wish to feast on moreish dishes alongside your brews.

Each step of your journey brings new flavors and tales, told by guides fluent in many languages ready to make your day unforgettable at Hamburg's best pubs and breweries.

• Customizable private beer tasting tour in Hamburg Old Town
• Options for 2, 3, or 4 - hour tours with various beers served
• Includes popular, regional, and craft beers in generous quantities
• Food served at one venue includes snacks, appetizers, and hot dishes
• Indulge in popular, regional, and craft beers with German - style appetizers at the best pubs and breweries.
• Limited availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
• May not be suitable for those with limited mobility due to walking involved during the tour.
• Additional costs may apply if you wish to purchase extra food or drinks beyond the included selection.

6. The "Fischkopp" Food and Beer Tour

Imagine stepping into the bustling streets of St. Pauli , where the smell of fresh fish sandwiches fills the air and laughter echoes around you. The "Fischkopp" Food & Beer Tour lets you dive right into this lively scene.

You'll start with a delicious bite to eat and some Astra beer, setting the tone for an adventure through Hamburg's historic brewing culture.

As you wander past vibrant landmarks, your guide fills each step with stories that bring old Hamburg to life. You get to hang out at Brewdog's craft beer bar – it’s like being let in on a local secret as you sip on varied brews.

Your journey concludes at ASTRA Brauhaus, tasting three unique beers that are as rich in flavor as they are in history.

This tour isn't just about eating and drinking; it's a doorway to experiencing Hamburg’s spirit through its love for breweries.

Each stop serves up more than just good food and drinks – they're chapters in a storybook brimming with tradition. With friendly guides eager to share their knowledge, you leave not only full but enlightened too, carrying memories from one of the best walks around town.

• 5 beer tastings included
• Try the legendary fish sandwich
• English - speaking live guide
• Limited time to fully savor each beer and dish
• May not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or non - drinkers
• Tour may be affected by inclement weather, impacting the overall experience

What to Expect on a Brewery Tour

Brewery history and process.

Hamburg's brewing roots run deep, with a beer history of over 1,000 years. Picture this: generations of skilled brewers crafting their beers with passion and precision. Today, you can step into that legacy on a Hamburg brewery tour.

At spots like the Holsten Brewery in Altona, they'll show you the ropes—how they mix water, hops, and malts to create liquid gold. See massive kettles that bubble with future brews and towering fermenters where yeasty magic turns wort into beer.

As you wander through these historic halls, you're following in the footsteps of countless brewers before you. They've all been part of Hamburg's famous beer scene. Watch modern craft converge with ancient tradition right before your eyes.

Dive into each stage from boiling to bottling while sipping on samples that range from hoppy to sweet-smooth maltiness. Every sip tells a story—a tale of taste honed over centuries right here in Hamburg.

Beer tasting

Explore the rich flavors of Hamburg's local brews on your beer tasting adventure. As you sip different craft beers, feel the unique notes dancing on your tongue – from bold hops to smooth malts.

Each brewery tells a story through its signature blends, and you'll learn why these German beers stand out in taste and tradition.

Embrace the camaraderie among fellow beer lovers as you discuss the distinct profiles of each brew. You may find yourself favoring a light zesty ale or being drawn to the dark side with a robust stout.

Local food pairings

Pair your beer with mouth-watering local eats. Imagine biting into a juicy, savory bratwurst right after sipping a hoppy craft brew. It's an adventure for your taste buds! Each pub or restaurant on the Hamburg brewery tours offers its own special pairings.

You could be munching on crisp potato pancakes one moment and tangy pickled herring the next, all while enjoying freshly brewed beers.

Discover traditions through flavors that tell Hamburg's story. Brewery tours give you this awesome chance to taste dishes straight from the brauhaus kitchen.

Think of soft pretzels with mustard, hearty meat platters, or sweet local pastries; each bite complements the unique German beers you're tasting.

Tips for a Successful Brewery Tour

Make reservations in advance.

Secure your spot and guarantee the best price by booking popular beer tasting and brewery tours in Hamburg ahead of time.

Get Your Guide offers top-rated options with reviews, photos, and free cancellation, making advance reservations essential for a successful experience.

Pace yourself

Take your time during the brewery tour, savoring each beer tasting without rushing. Enjoy the unique flavors and aromas with small sips, allowing yourself to fully appreciate each brew's characteristics.

As you pace yourself, you can truly immerse in the brewery history and process, absorbing the fascinating details behind each beer's creation.

Soak in the ambiance, indulge in local food pairings that complement the beers perfectly, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Cheers to pacing yourself for an unforgettable brewery tour!

Bring a designated driver or use public transportation

Ensure a safe and responsible brewery tour by bringing a designated driver or utilizing public transportation for worry-free travel after enjoying the beer tasting experience.

Plan ahead to eliminate any concerns about getting home safely and focus on savoring the unique flavors of each brew, knowing that transportation arrangements are taken care of.

Conclusion: Best Hamburg Brewery Tours

From traditional breweries to innovative craft beer establishments, these Hamburg brewery tours provide a rich taste of Hamburg's brewing heritage. With knowledgeable guides and diverse tastings, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the art and craft behind each brew. 

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the best tours in Hamburg promise a memorable and flavorful exploration of the city's brewing culture. Cheers to discovering Hamburg's beer scene in the most enjoyable way possible!

Still undecided? I recommend Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour as the best brewery tour in Hamburg!

References:

1: Brewing History, retrieved from https://www.ratsherrn.de/en/brewery/about-us/brewing-history.html

About the Author

Stephan Drescher

Stephan Drescher, founder of germanytravel.blog, is a German travel expert and insider, providing trusted tips and advice for a perfect trip to Germany. Born & bred German.

• Norsk Bokmål

Select currency

• Czestochowa

Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

Discover the centuries-old brewing traditions of the Hanseatic heritage during an exclusive beer tasting tour in Hamburg’s Old Town. Taste 4-8 types of beer with paired food and learn about the local breweries and drinking customs from a Private Guide!

• Discover the best of Hamburg’s beer scene with a 5-Stars Private Guide
• Taste 4-8 different beverages including popular, regional and craft beers
• Learn about food pairings and try German appetizers and hot dishes
• Visit 2-3 carefully chosen pubs, beer gardens and breweries in Hamburg’s Old Town
• Learn about Oktoberfest, Reinheitsgebot and local drinking customs

Check Price

Data *   (optional)

Godzina  (optional)

Available trips:

Activity details.

• 2 - 4 hours
• Private Tour Exclusive only for you
• Just buy and we instantly organize Your booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
• Live Guide English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian
• Walking tour

Back in the Middle Ages, Hamburg was a self-declared “brewery of the Hanseatic League”. Although farmers markets were lost and the brewing traditions have changed, a handful of breweries still operate within the city. Join our fun-loving Beer Expert on a search for the best popular, regional and craft beers in Hamburg’s Old Town!

The 2-hour tour is a perfect introduction to the long history of brewing in Germany, which in Hamburg can be traced back 1000 years to local monasteries and small family-run breweries. The tour will be led by a Private Guide who is full of beer knowledge and knows the best spots in Hamburg to enjoy the national drink in a cozy setting.

During the tour, you will visit 2 modern beer venues that offer an excellent selection of popular, regional and innovative craft beers that bypass the German Beer Purity Law, or the Reinheitsgebot. For the tasting experience, you will be served 4 beers. This includes 2 craft beers that will make you understand the local passion for brewing. Don’t miss out on this fun and cultural experience that will surely enrich your holidays, birthday celebration or bachelor party.

The extended 3-hour tour will give you a better understanding of German beer culture and nightlife. The guide will invite you to 2 venues, such as a traditional pub and an independent local brewery. You will enjoy a tasting of 6 different beers along with paired German appetizers that make the beer taste even better.

Choose the 4-hour option to enjoy an exclusive beer and food tasting tour that will surely satisfy your hunger! Visit 2 beer venues and 1 local restaurant to sample 8 beers and a complimentary meal that includes hot dishes and appetizers. German food is a perfect match for different styles of beers, and your private Beer Expert will teach you the best way to enjoy popular, regional and craft beers in Hamburg.

• Private Beer Tasting Tour at the best pubs and breweries in Hamburgs’s Old Town Beer-Expert Guide with Official Hamburg License, who is fluent in the chosen language
• 4 beers including 1x popular, 1x regional, 2x craft beers (2-hour option)
• 6 beers including 1x popular, 1x regional, 4x craft beers and German-style appetizers (3-hour option)
• 8 beers including 1x popular, 2x regional, 5x craft beers and German-style snacks, appetizers and main dishes (4-hour option)
• Additional food and drinks

Important information

What you should know.

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information
• The amount of served beer is as follows: popular 0,5l, regional 0,5l, craft 0,2l
• Food will be served only in 1 of the visited venues, as pubs and breweries usually don’t offer food options
• Food tasting includes a variety of different snacks, appetizers and hot dishes. Appetizers include snacks but also simple hot starters

Why choose Rosotravel.com

Customer reviews

• Customer Service: 4.56 4.56 / 5
• Organization: 4.56 4.56 / 5
• Value for money: 4.56 4.56 / 5
• Guide: 4.56 4.56 / 5

You must be logged in to post a review.

You might also like

2-hour: Port of Hamburg & St Pauli-Landungsbrücken

Hamburg: Old Town & Speicherstadt Private Walking Tour

Hamburg Private German Wine Tasting Tour

Hamburg Traditional German Food Tour with City Sightseeing

The brewery of the Hanseatic League

For hundreds of years, Hamburg was the ‘Brewery of the Hanseatic League’. Then the beer industry disappeared. Now, though, it’s making a comeback!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: October 19, 2023

Best beers and breweries in Hamburg, Germany

Germans like their beer.

Ok, there’s nothing surprising about that statement. It’s like saying the French like their wine. But, much like the variety of wines in France, Germany has a huge variety of beers. And also a lot of different histories when it comes to making beer.

For Hamburg, for example, brewing is an extremely important part of its story and began many hundreds of years ago.

Hamburg was once known as the brewery of the Hanseatic League , the alliance of powerful northern European cities that controlled the maritime trade between the 14th and 17th centuries.

When your clients are the richest people in the richest continent – you’re doing pretty well!

The first beers were being produced in Hamburg more than 1000 years ago but it was during these Hanseatic years the the industry really grew into its own. At the height of this period, there were more than 500 private breweries operating in the city.

Huge ships poured out of Hamburg’s port , full of barrels of beer. They took the strong amber drink to Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the Baltic countries.

It’s estimated that during the 14th century, more than 10 million litres of beer was produced in Hamburg!

Gradually the industry declined, though. By the end of the 17th century, it was a dire situation.

Beer was being produced in more places, schnapps was becoming more popular and even drinks like coffee and tea were taking a slice of the market. It was the end for Hamburg’s beer producers.

It took a long time before the beer industry began to have a resurgence in Hamburg. It all began again at the end of the 19th century and in 1900 there were 15 breweries in Hamburg (a long way from that height of 500!).

Over the past century, small beer makers have come and gone, and the focus today seems to be on the craft beer market. Only the Holsten Brewery is doing any large-scale production.

But don’t judge the city on the number of breweries because, much like 600 years ago, there’s a real emphasis on beer again in Hamburg.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more for yourself (and, of course, sampling some of the local brews), I would recommend the following three places:

Holsten Brewery

This is by far the largest brewery in Hamburg and is the producer of the local beer – Holsten Pilsner, which is a pale lager. The production complex also makes the German beer Astra and produces the foreign beers Tuborg and Carlsberg for the German market.

The Holsten Brewery in Altona has a production capacity of about 320 million litres and, when you see it for yourself, it’s not surprising. The great thing is that you can see the brewery for yourself.

There are regular tours that take you through many of the stages of production to see the inner workings firsthand. Most of it is done by computers and machines these days but it’s fascinating.

Of course, a tour of the brewery would not be complete without a tasting and there’s plenty of time put aside at the end to try a few of the different beers that are made on the site.

Ratsherrn Brewery

The Ratsherrn Brewery is relatively and only opened in 2012 in the Schanzen-Höfen part of Hamburg . It is a craft brewery and places a real emphasis on the taste of its small range of drinks.

Although they say they are influenced by the tradition in Hamburg, they have also taken modern inspiration from countries like the US, Denmark and Italy.

There are about half a dozen regular beers made by Ratsherrn plus seasonal varieties. It’s all done in a relatively small room that has a glass wall that you can see into it through.

If you want to get beyond the glass wall, never fear, you can also arrange tours by contacting the brewery directly.

For most people, though, it might be enough just to go and taste the beers on offer. As part of the Ratsherrn Brewery is a very cool pub with indoor and outdoor areas to relax and have a couple of drinks.

Joh Albrecht Brewery

For something a bit more traditional, it is worth checking out the Joh Albrecht Brewery on the canal right near the Town Hall. This is a small business that seems like a pub from the outside.

In fact, it really feels just like a restaurant. The giveaway that it’s also a brewery are the large metal vats above the bar at the entrance.

The food here is great and I can highly recommend the schnitzel. There are no tours and there’s not much information about the brewing process – although you can, of course, ask the staff there if you have any questions.

Instead, I think this is a good place just to relax for a little while and get a delicious local meal with some excellent beer.

I hope all of the helps your hunt for some local beers in Hamburg. If you would like to learn more, I recommend this guided tour of Hamburg’s beer scene !

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HAMBURG

There are some wonderful luxury and design hotels around HafenCity, but you’ll also find good options in most neighbourhoods

For an affordable and friendly hostel, I would recommend Jugendherberge Hamburg-Auf dem Stintfang .

For good value right near the train station, Hotel Terminus am Hauptbahnhof is a decent option.

I absolutely love the design at the very cool 25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt .

And when it comes to views and architecture, The Westin Hamburg is absolutely stunning!

Time Travel Turtle was supported by the German National Tourist Board but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

4 thoughts on “The brewery of the Hanseatic League”

Very cool! We were in Hamburg last December and loved it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit any of the breweries; hopefully we can check out a few on our next trip!

You should always make time to try the beer in Germany. Otherwise, what’s the point in going?! 🙂

So many breweries! They all seem to have their own unique flavor. Great list!

hallo i am choi yongkwan. Actually i am preparing Ausbildung to be Bruwer. i learning german now for doing the ausbildung. and few days ago i visited you’r place Gröninger Privatbrauerei here. i was really pimpressd a lot. i thought i have chance to work there i can do my best. Can i ask you if you guys have ausbildung system?

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Find me on the socials:, subscribe for news and deals:.

top stories:

THE BEST Hamburg Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in hamburg.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Citybeering - Walk with funny and interesting stories while having local beers

2. Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

3. Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour in English

4. Pubcrawl Hamburg

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Lubeck Old Town

• Reeperbahn Touren
• Speicherstadt-Touren
• Bier-Touren
• Spezial Touren
• Hafenrundfahrt & Lichterfahrt
• Motorradtouren
• Firmen und Vereine
• Touren für englisch sprachige Gruppen
• Junggesellenabschied
• Schulklassen
• Busunternehmen
• Restaurants für Gruppen in Hamburg
• Vormittags-Touren
• Nachmittags-Touren
• Abend-Touren
• Datenschutz
• Gewinnspiel

Bier-Touren in Hamburg

- bier tasting hamburg touren der kiezjungs -, sankt pauli bier tour - die astra story, sankt pauli food & bier tour, schanze food & bier-tour, beer pong kieztour.

Bier Tasting Hamburg - die Bier Probier Tour

Schon mal bei einem Bier Tasting in Hamburg mitgemacht? Eine Brauereiführung in Hamburg mitzumachen davon träumen viele Bierliebhaber. Bierhauptstadt Hamburg, das Brauhaus der Hanse. Hamburg ist als eine Stadt der Brauereien und Bier-Innovation zu verstehen. Glaubt Ihr nicht? Dann kommt mit auf unsere Bier  Tasting Touren durch die Craft- und Mikro-Brauerei Szene von St. Pauli und der Speicherstadt. Von Hell bis Dunkel, ober- und untergärig und von leer bis voll – oder umgekehrt. Die Biergeschichte Hamburgs wird Euch begeistern.

Hamburger Biertouren der Kiezjungs

St. pauli biertour – die brauhaus tour.

Wer sich auf eine Bier Tasting Hamburg Entdeckungstour durch die Brauereigeschichte einlässt, lernt während der St.Pauli Biertour die neue Bier-Brauer Generationen mit ihren Craft- sowie Micro-Brauereien kennen. Diese docken an der alten Tradition an und brauen mit viel Liebe leckere Biere.

Auf der  St.Pauli Biertour besuchen Sie klassische Braustätten im Umkreis des Hamburger Hafens. Dort werden in den Schankräumen die einzelnen Spezialitäten verkostet. Vorab gibt es eine Erklärung der Tap-List, mit der Sie wissen, welche Biere Sie frisch vom Fass erhalten können. So haben Sie die Wahl für eine Gratis-Probe Ihres Lieblingsbieres. Gefällt das Bier? Machen Sie einfach mal eine Bier Tasting Tour in Hamburg mit. 

Unsere Stationen

Brauereiführung Block Bräu ,  Brauereiführung Überquell , Brauerei­führung ASTRA Brauerei in Hamburg

Während der Bier Tasting Hamburg Tour genießen sie verschiedene Biere der Brauereien aus Hamburg.  Auf der St.Pauli Biertour erzählt unser Guide interessante und wissenswerte Fakten zum Bier und der Geschichte von Hamburg als Brauhaus der Hanse. Fragen wie beispielsweise “Wer hat das Weizenbier erfunden?” oder “Was ist der Unterschied zwischen obergärig und untergärig?” werden hier beantwortet und machen Sie zum wahren Bier-Experten nach der St. Pauli Biertour.

Außerdem erfahren Sie bei der St. Pauli Biertour, warum ausgerechnet Hamburg einst die Welthauptstadt des Brauens war. Die Biertour Hamburg beinhaltet insgesamt drei verschiedene Brauereien in einem Zeitraum von circa 2,5 Stunden durch Hamburgs Hafenviertel St. Pauli. So macht Bier Tasting in Hamburg viel Spaß.

Food & Bier Tour – Bier Bummel durch die Schanze

Die Hamburger Schanze war früher das Viertel der Schlachter und der Kellerkneipen. Heute ist es vielmehr ein Szeneviertel, das die lebendigste Craft-Bier Kultur Hamburgs beheimatet. Auch wenn es nur wenige ahnen : Hamburg war einmal eine enorme Brauereihochburg!

Seit 2013 schafft die Craft-Bier-Bewegung in Hamburg immer mehr Begeisterung für das Bier, das eines der ältesten Kulturgetränke der Menschheit ist. Wer alte und traditionelle, aber auch innovative und neu interpretierte Biere kennenlernen möchte, findet vor allem in der Schanze eine große Gelegenheit hierfür. Auf unserer Bier Tasting Hamburg Tour - der Schanzen Craft Bier Tour besuchen Sie die Ratsherrn Brauerei sowie zwei weitere Craft Bier Bars. Sie haben während der Food &  Bier Tour  die Möglichkeit, aus einem großen Angebot an Bier zu verkosten. Wer sein Lieblingsbier gefunden hat, kann dieses gleich bestellen.Die erste Brauerei, die besucht wird, ist die RATSHERRN Brauerei in Hamburg

In der Hamburger Schanze sind in den Bars mehr als 100 Biere auf der Getränkekarte vertreten. Aber auch für die Damen gibt es leckere Bierspezialitäten : Von fruchtigen Bieren, die eher nach Fruchtsaft schmecken bis hin zu Bier-Cocktails wie einem Erdbeer Daiquiri – hier kommt jeder auf seine Kosten!

Unsere Tour-Stationen

Beer Pong Kieztour 

Mit der  Beer Pong Kieztour  bietet sich eine lustige Kombination aus einer Reeperbahn- und anschließender Beer-Pong Party! Damit ein guter Einblick in das Viertel gewonnen werden kann, gibt es zu Beginn eine Tour durch das Quartier mit Guides aus St.Pauli. Dabei informieren die Guides alle Tour-Teilnehmer über wichtige Fakten über das Bier und erzählen hier auch die ein oder andere Anekdote, sodass alle perfekt auf den Abend vorbereitet werden mit beispielsweise interessanten Infos zur Geschichte vom Hamburger Bier und zur Geschichte von St.Pauli.

Daneben erhalten Sie Infos zu aktuellen Bars, Clubs und kuriosen Orten der Reeperbahn, die für einen Besucher oftmals verborgen bleiben, da sie schwer zu entdecken sind.

Die Kombi-Tour dauert etwa 2,5 Stunden, dabei werden unter anderem die Geile Meile, Reeperbahn oder auch die Herbertstraße besucht. In einem alten Bordell gibt es 1 x kostenlosen Schnaps!

Nach dem Rundgang der Kieztour in St. Paulis Reeperbahn geht es dann zur einzigartigen “Beer-Pong-Bar”. In der Bar ist Beer Pong ganz hoch geschrieben! So gibt es professionelle Tische, Becher, Bälle und professionelle Drinks. Auch hier kommen die Guides zur Hilfe : Mit einer kleinen Einweisung werden nun Teams gebildet, sodass Sie sehen : Dieses kleine Turnier hat eine ganz große Wirkung. Das Motto von Beer-Pong lautet hier : “Du gegen den Rest der Welt.”

Für die Bier Tasting Hamburg Tour durch die Reeperbahn kann man auch individuelle Gruppenführungen und Brauhausführungen zu jedem Anlass buchen. Dafür muss lediglich ein individueller Termin festgelegt werden und die maximale Teilnehmerzahl bei 25 Personen in jeder Gruppe betragen. Auch hier ist es möglich, Parallelführungen mit mehreren Stadtführern bei größeren Gruppen durchzuführen (hier beträgt die Mindestteilnehmerzahl ebenfalls 10 Personen bei Brauhaustouren).

Nicht nur die St. Pauli Tour, sondern auch die Kieztour eignet sich perfekt für den Junggesellenabschied, Betriebsausflug und für Feiern unter Freunden!

Du möchtest immer über neue Touren und unsere Aktivitäten informiert werden? Dann melde Dich an und erhalte ab sofort unseren regelmäßigen Newsletter.

Sie sehen gerade einen Platzhalterinhalt von Youtube . Um auf den eigentlichen Inhalt zuzugreifen, klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass dabei Daten an Drittanbieter weitergegeben werden.

11. Elbschloss Brauerei

• German : Deutsch
• English : English

Google translator for other languages

Please note that this is an automatic translation. For better information, you can always switch to the German or English version

• Inspirations
• All destinations
• Arts & Culture
• Best of Europe
• Cosy Winter Breaks
• Food & Drink
• Join the joy with Aperol
• Sharm El Sheikh
• Santa Margherita Ligure
• Isle of Man
• The Algarve
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Costa del Sol
• Cosy winter breaks
• Green List Destinations
• Holidays in Europe
• Join the Joy
• easyjet.com

A match made in himmel: beer and pizza at ÜberQuell

The 7 best places to drink beer in Hamburg

From super-trad bierhalles to new-school craft bars and avant-garde breweries, these are the best places for a hoptastic time in the German city

Words by Andy Hill

Tobias Hess, head brewer at this groovy spot, studied his craft at the esteemed Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Science. He then supplemented formal education with spells brewing as far afield as the Caribbean, Uganda and Mexico. So as you’d expect, the beer at ÜberQuell has an eclectic, international breadth and scope, going way beyond your garden-variety IPAs and bringing energy and verve to the St Pauli drinking scene. It's also big on community involvement – check out the roof garden – and the pizza absolutely rocks.

28-32 St Pauli Fischmarkt, St Pauli ueberquell.com

Gröninger Privatbrauerei

If you’re craving a more venerable, traditional sort of sup then Gröninger Privatbrauerei has been doling out fat steins of the foamy stuff for over 225 years now. In fact, the business, as a guesthouse, has been going since 1260, but medieval punters didn’t have an on-site brewery to enjoy. Lucky you. The gimmick here is you can tap your own pilsner from proper oak barrels, and when you’re feeling peckish, summon a steaming plate of savoury pork knuckles and crackling. Deliciously old school.

47 Willy-Brandt-Straße, Altstadt groeninger-hamburg.de

At the opposite end of the hipster scale – in a good way, mind – Bunthaus is the first brewery to have set up shop in Wilhelmsburg in two centuries. It's the brainchild of Jens Hinrichs – who was home brewing to great acclaim and decided to expand his operation – and biologist Jens Block, who joined forces in setting up a crowdfunding campaign to get the keys to this, their first proper premises. The lads do a splendid line in classic pale ales and porters, but the cutting-edge stuff is where they shine – shout out to their Vietnamese gose (sour beer) with fish sauce and lemongrass, chock-full of eastern promise.

Kurdamm 24, Wilhelmsburg bunthaus.beer

Ratsherrn Brauerei

The staunch squad of brewers at Ratsherrn love showing you around their vats and gauges. But you needn’t even take the tour – from the brewpub’s courtyard you can peer through the glass and watch them at work, over a nice nectar, like a civilised person. Seeing themselves as squarely in the millennia-or-so old tradition of making beer around these parts, the Ratsherrn crew take immense pride in their smooth, malty  rotbier . Still, they aren’t totally stuck in the past – the brewery's chocolatey Baltic porter is a complex as anything knocked up by their lavishly bearded counterparts across town.

30a Lagerstraße, Sternschanze ratsherrn.de

You really can’t fault the location – under a sturdy clocktower on the harbour front, with great views over the busy Elbe from the terrace on fine days. And if what you’re after is a no-nonsense German sesh on the pilsner or helles, Blockbräu is where you’ll want to make a beeline for. The vibe isn’t hipster – there’s plenty of that elsewhere in Hamburg – but it is most certainly about hearty fellowship and rocking live bands, gallons of cold beer and steaming plates of salty, meaty carbs.

Bei den St Pauli Landungsbrücken 3, St Pauli block-braeu.de

Landgang Brauerei

On an industrial estate somewhat off the beaten track, in the oft-overlooked district of Bahrenfeld, a team of brew obsessives has set up an award-winning little taproom inside their brewery. The bar itself is in a shipping container, with furnishings (apparently) reclaimed and repurposed from a now-defunct Reeperbahn brothel. Get a load of their ‘Dark Might’ smoked porter or ‘Weizheit’, a wheat beer with intoxicating berry top notes. 

12 Beerenweg,  Bahrenfeld landgang-brauerei.de

This design-conscious little Neustadt spot serves as a de facto taproom for the Buddelship brewery, which pours alongside potent spirits from modish Dutch brand Filosoof Jenever. There are 50 bottles of beer on offer at any one time, and 15 taps that promise to push the boundaries of what you thought possible in a brew. Don’t believe us?   Try ‘Seewoatr’, a barrel-aged wild ale (the natural wine of the beer world) with apricots and juniper. Not mad enough? ‘Jam Session’ is a rice-wine based lager that’s been carefully aged in traditional vino barrels. Heady stuff.

29 Kohlhöfen, Hamburg-Neustadt oorlam.de

You might also like

How to spend 24 hours in Zurich

Join the Joy in London: Enjoy the best sunsets

Join the Joy in Milan: Enjoy the best sunsets

Discover more

We use cookies to give you a better experience on easyJet.com. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies as set in our Cookie Policy .

THE 10 BEST Hamburg Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in hamburg.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Distilleries
• Farmers Markets
• Distillery Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Grosse Freiheit 36
• Sightseeingforyou
• Polizeikommissariat 15 Davidwache
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Citybeering - Walk with funny and interesting stories while having local beers

2. Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

3. Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour in English

4. English guided tour Reeperbahn "Red light and Offence"

5. Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer

6. English guided Tour of the "Sinful Mile" Reeperbahn and Red Light District

7. Reeperbahn Tour In St. Pauli

8. ENGLISH GUIDED TOUR ST. PAULI - The Black diamonds of Hamburg - the sinful mile

9. SIXX PAXX Theater Hamburg

10. Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

11. Pubcrawl Hamburg

12. ladies night party tour in hamburg including cocktail, sparkling wine and shots.

13. Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate

14. Hamburg St. Pauli (18+) Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

15. JGA Bartour - Hamburg PubCrawl Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Lubeck Old Town

What travelers are saying.

The Original

Hamburg walking tours in English.

Discover Hamburg

Moin moin! Join one of our expert guides and Discover Hamburg today! This 2-2.5 hour walk takes you through the 1200 year history of one of Germany’s wealthiest city. From a fort on a hill to one of the world’s most important ports, Hamburg is a city full of stories. On this stroll through Hamburg’s historic old town you’ll take in the stunning 19th Century neo-renaissance Town Hall, with more than 600 rooms, built at the peak of Hamburg’s fortune, the UNESCO world heritage Speicherstadt, and of course the architechtual highlight that is the Elbphilharmonic.

Hamburg Local Craft Beer Tour

You can’t think of Germany without thinking of healthy helping of frothy beer. This means that the craft beer scene has smashed into the traditional German brewing scene, and you really have to try the results.

Our tours include

Elbphilharmonic

Speicherstadt

Kontor Houses

Nikolai church

Albert Ballin

World Wars Memorial

Deichstraße

Meet the team.

Our guests say

Entertaining and interesting. learned a thing or two while having a fun tour. thanks to our guide Jason.

— Stephen, United Kingdom

I joint Adrianas tour earlier this month and had a wonderful, very informative morning. I lived in Hamburg for over a year already but haven't visited quite a few places of the tour. She knew a lot of information about the history of Hamburg and shared even some funny stories. I already decided to take my mum on one of her tours the next time she is visiting Hamburg.

— Rick H

We booked this tour through Viator. The description of the meeting place, the war memorial near the Rathaus, is somewhat confusing but we found it without too much difficulty. Adriana was waiting for us and was well prepared. Our party was small, only four people, so it was like a private tour and absolutely excellent value. Adriana was well informed, a great communicator and aware of the needs of her party. She told us much of the history of Hamburg and pointed out the major sites of interest. She gave us time to both digest the wealth of knowledge which she had shared and to explore the Rathaus and St Michaelis at our own pace. The tour could not have been better, thank you, Adriana.

— TripAdvisor review

We’ve developed a holiday pattern of once a year going to a new European city for a week, learning as much as we can about the history of the place and part of that has always been fulfilled through a walking tour. This pattern started in Berlin with the Original Berlin Walks a few years ago, so this year whilst on holiday in Hamburg we decided to use the sister company. John Silk was our guide and as with the Berlin walk, what we really loved is that you get to spend a few hours with a knowledgable local who’s also studying in the city, and they give you a far more engaging experience than your usual ‘To your left is something or other’ type of tour. We learnt lots about both the history, attitudes and personality of Hamburg, aswell as getting some great recommendations from John (Alles Elbe craft beer place in St Pauli - Danke Sehr!) Thoroughly recommend weaving a Hamburg Original Walks tour in to your holiday.

Best Things to Do in Hamburg, Germany

Weekend in hamburg itinerary – top things to do in hamburg germany.

H amburg, Germany’s Harbor City, is still a relatively undiscovered treasure among foreign tourists, but well worth a visit. I had been to Hamburg and Northern Germany a few times as a child/teenager, but not recently and so I was really excited when I was invited on a press trip to Hamburg for a few days to explore the top things to do in Hamburg, Germany.

What makes the city of Hamburg so special? Despite being Germany’s second largest city, it is still overlooked by many international tourists. Yet this city is full of surprises and lots of cool stuff is happening here. Did you know that Hamburg is considered the coffee capital of the world? Or the craft beer capital of Germany? Or that The Beatles spend more time performing in Hamburg than anywhere else in the world?

The Hamburg itinerary I followed was incredible and showed me not only the top tourist attractions in Hamburg but also some stuff only the locals know about. I can’t wait to share some of my favorites sights, travel tips, and things to do in Hamburg with you.

Insider Tip:  If you plan a jam-packed Hamburg Itinerary and want to see and experience all the top things to do in Hamburg, I highly recommend getting the Hamburg Card . It not only includes free public transportation but also up to 50% discounts on all Hamburg Museums, many tours, Alster cruises, experiences, and even restaurants. You can buy your Hamburg Card here in advance and either print it or use it on your smartphone.

And here is a great guide for the best Restaurants in Hamburg Germany .

Elbphilharomonie Hamburg

Let’s start with the top Hamburg tourist attraction: The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Built on top of a historical warehouse in the heart of Hamburg’s HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall has not only become a stunning addition to Hamburg’s cityscape but is becoming one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in Germany.

Elbphilharmonie Acoustics

The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg – lovingly called Elfie – opened its doors for the first concert in January 2017 and has impressed music aficionados with its acoustic excellence.

The large concert hall is not only visually striking but also optimized the architecture to create the perfect sound experience from every seat in the audience. No seat is more than 30 meters (98 ft) from the conductor and the vineyard-style seating allows undisturbed views of the orchestra.

Elbphilharmonie Concert

I was lucky to enjoy a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, which was definitely a highlight of my Hamburg itinerary. The piece, written by the conductor himself, was perfect to showcase the sound capabilities of this renowned concert hall.

You can find a list of upcoming concerts at the Elfie here .

Elbphilharmonie Tickets

If you like to attend a concert at the Elbphilharmonie during your Hamburg trip, I recommend you book tickets ahead of time, in case of popular artists or performances even months in advance. Make sure that you get tickets for the Grand Hall (Großer Saal in German).

In case you decide spontaneously, you can always try to get a ticket on the day of the performance at the ticket booth inside the concert hall.

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Platz der Deutschen Einheit

20457 Hamburg

Find the Elbphilharmonie on Google Maps here>>

Westin at the Elbphilharmonie

My already perfect evening at the Elfie became even more memorable because I spend the night there. Yes, you can sleep inside one of the most famous concert halls in the world. Inside the Elfie building, surrounding the concert hall is the Westin Hamburg .

This 5 Star Hotel is one of the best Hotels in Hamburg and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of luxury and comfort. If you book a premium room, you will be spoiled with stunning views over the city or the Elb river, which connects Hamburg to the North Sea.

Book your room at the Westin Hamburg here>>

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District of Hamburg

Germans are practical when it comes to naming places, so the name Speicherstadt is nothing but a literal translation of “storage city”. I have to say, the German name sounds a bit more idyllic and fitting for the beautiful buildings that make up the largest warehouse district in the world.

UNESCO recognized the Speicherstadt in Hamburg as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, but it has been a magnet for tourists long before.

What makes a warehouse district so special, you might wonder? Three things:

• History: Learning about the importance of Hamburg as one of the major trading cities (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) in the world is fascinating. Starting in the 11th century, the Hanseatic League – a confederation of merchant guilds and trade towns in Northern Germany and Scandinavia dominated the Baltic trade in Europe. You can learn more about this at the Maritimes Museum Hamburg . The port of Hamburg is still known as one of the largest trade centers for coffee and rugs in the world. Lots of warehouses are still used for their original purpose. While the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District were extensively damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt in an authentic way.
• Architecture: The red brick warehouses, built between 1883 – 1927, are absolutely stunning. Rows and rows of Neo-Gothic style buildings, alternating with cobblestoned streets and canals make the Speicherstadt extremely picturesque.
• Modern Use: While it is forbidden to live in the Speicherstadt due to flood management restrictions, many of the old warehouses are now office space or specialty shops, restaurants, bars and more. I really liked that these historic buildings were not turned into a museum, but rather are part of the city, where tourists and locals enjoy themselves, go to work and hang out.

Kontorhaus District

The Kontorhaus District is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site , but not directly located in the Speicherstadt. It is famous for 8 Kontorhouses: The Chilehaus, Messberghof, Sprinkenhof, Mohlenhof, Montanhof, former Post Office Building at Niedernstrasse 10, Kontorhaus Burchardstrasse 19-21 and the Miramar-Haus.

These huge office buildings were built between 1920 – 1950 and are prime examples of modern city planning in dense urban areas. Pure office buildings were a new concept, as it was more common to have mixed-use buildings in urban settings.

Due to the rapid expansion of the Hamburg Harbor and the Speicherstadt, the demand for office space also increased and the Kontorhaus District was the solution to provide office space for trading companies as well as port authorities.

Chilehaus Hamburg

The most iconic and famous Kontorhaus in Hamburg is the Chilehaus designed by architect F. Höger and a prime example of expressionist architecture. The wavey facade of the building leads to a sharp corner, looking like a ship’s prow.

Inside, you will find stunning tile work, art deco details, and beautiful staircases, as well as one of the only still working paternoster elevators in the city. Also, don’t forget to check out the nice courtyard in the center.

Chilehaus on Google Maps>>

Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt, Kontorhaus, HafenCity Walking Tour

Because the history of the Speicherstadt and the Kontorhaus District is so interesting, I highly recommend a walking tour of the area. This one includes a visit to the Plaza of the Elbphilharmonie, a tour of the Speicherstadt, Kontorhaus District and HafenCity and you can book it here .

Hotels in Hamburg HafenCity:

Westin Hamburg  

My stay at the Westin was a real treat. The service is impeccable and nothing could beat the view from my room. Sleeping inside one of the most iconic buildings in Hamburg is an unforgettable experience and simply walking through the lobby to access one of the most famous concert halls in the world can’t be topped. If you want to treat yourself, I highly recommend the Westin Hamburg .

25 Hour Hotel Altes Hafenamt

I stayed here for 2 more nights during my weekend in Hamburg and really enjoyed it. The decor feels like Indiana Jones meets National Geographic with a hint of Hipster. The rooms are very large and the location is very convenient. Their breakfast is also noteworthy – they had an extensive buffet selection and offered made to order dishes as well, including omelets, shakshuka, and of course eggs in all shapes and forms.

Top Attractions in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

• Elbphilharmonie
• Miniatur Wunderland (see info below)
• Coffee museum
• Dialogue in the Dark
• HafenCity Visitor Center (with an impressive model of Hamburg City)

Miniatur Wunderland

Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg myself, but my father and my nephew went there last year and they both absolutely loved it.

What can you expect from Hamburg’s top tourist attraction and who should visit? The Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg is the world’s largest model railway. If you think that is a bit nerdy and not for you, I think you should at least watch this short video to see how cool it actually is:

Pretty cool, isn’t it? Over 1 Million visitors a year will probably agree with you. You can book your tickets in advance here: Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

St Pauli & the Reeperbahn – Visit Hamburg’s Red Light District

Let’s continue with a little Hamburg tourist attraction that is a little less suitable for kids: St Pauli and the Reeperbahn are in Hamburg’s Red Light District. So what is there to see, other than seedy strip clubs and brothels?

A lot, actually. St Pauli is actually a pretty large neighborhood and the Red Light District around the Reeperbahn is only a tiny fraction. There is the famous FC St Pauli soccer stadium, for example. I did a Beatles Walking Tour (see more below) in St Pauli and it was one of my favorite neighborhoods in Hamburg with a lot of charm, cool bars, and restaurants (once you get away from the Reeperbahn).

Große Freiheit

This street is filled with clubs and bars featuring the hottest DJs as well as live music, some of them for 80+ years. If those walls could talk. Some of the bars and clubs hosted stars like The Beatles, Bill Haley, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. In the 60s, Hamburg was THE place to be for young and up and coming musicians.

Beatles Walking Tour

This was another highlight of my Hamburg itinerary, the Hamburg Beatles Tour. If you are a Beatles fan – and who isn’t, really – you might already know that they performed in Hamburg.

The tour led me all across St Pauli and showed me some of the iconic places like the Kaiserkeller or Club INDRA, where The Beatles performed for the very first time on August 17, 1960. Steffi Hempel, the tour guide, knows EVERYTHING about the Beatles and her passion for this band and their music is contagious.

Here are some of the fun facts that Steffi shared with me on the tour:

• The Beatles were the second choice band that the agent selected to go play in Hamburg
• They had NEVER performed together and only had a handful of practices together before coming to Hamburg
• They performed more hours on stage in Hamburg than in any other place in the world
• They slept for months in unheated broom closets in a movie theater in the heart of St Pauli (which showed children’s movies during the day and adult movies at night)

If you are a Beatles fan, this tour is a MUST, but even if you are only remotely interested in the band and their history, you will find the tour interesting. This is also a more child/teenager appropriate tour to see and experience St Pauli and the Reeperbahn.

Herbertsstraße

The most sinful street in the Kiez, the Herbertstraße, is the epicenter of the Red Light District near the Reeperbahn. The entrance is boarded up and only men over 18 are allowed in . Yes, you read this right. Women are not allowed. And ladies, DO NOT TRY TO GO IN! In all seriousness, this is not a game, especially not for the Madames working there.

What will you find in the Herbertsstraße? As I am a woman, I can’t tell you from personal experience, but from research and stories, this is what you will see: Ladies in Boots, as the locals call the working women in Hamburg, sit scantily clad behind windows and use their feminine charms to siren men to their room of pleasure.

*Disclaimer: Prostitution is legal in Germany and most of the women are working as independent contractors or even employees, pay taxes, and receive social benefits just like any other worker in any other industry.

St Pauli Walking Tour

This is an 18+ tour that will take you in the heart of the Kiez and the Red Light District. You will learn about the history of the most sinful mile in Germany, the sex, the crime, and all the other debauchee details.

It also includes visits to some of the most legendary bars and clubs of the Kiez and definitely promises a fun time for the grown-ups. You can book your spot on the 2 hours St Pauli Sex and Crime tour here!

Hamburg Fish Market

Sunday morning is Fish Market in Hamburg. It starts early – at 5 AM – but the only ones you will find there at that time are over-eager tourists and Reeperbahn zombies trying to sober up from last night’s debauchery.

However, at 10 AM sharp, the market sellers have to pack up their stuff and leave, so I recommend getting there at 8 – 8:30 AM to check out the Fish Market.

This gives you enough time to listen to the barkers praising their fish offers and eat a traditional Matjesbrötchen (a bread roll with pickled herring) or a Backfischbrötchen (bread roll with traditional “fish cake patty” and remoulade or any of the other delicious treats you might enjoy.

They do have limited options for people who don’t like to eat fish, but other than fresh produce and fruit, I have not seen anything that might be suitable for vegetarians, so consider that when you have dietary restrictions.

After that, head to the Fish Market Hall right next to the Market and enjoy some live music, coffee, beer, more fish and definitely a good time.

Fish Auction Hall on Google Maps 

Hamburg Harbor Tour by Boat

If it is Sunday, and you already are at the Fish Market, I recommend that you do your Hamburg Harbor Boat Tour right after. It is a nice 15-20 minutes walk along the river to get to the Landungsbrücke (Pier), where the Harbor Tour takes off.

The Hamburg harbor is the 3rd largest port in Europe and Germany’s largest port city, and also plays an important part of the city’s incredible charm. Seeing those huge container ships close up and learning about the history, day-to-day operation and lots of interesting fun facts make the Harbor Cruise a must for your Hamburg itinerary. Book your 1-hour harbor cruise here.

Old Elbe Tunnel

After your harbor cruise, I recommend another Hamburg attraction, which is just around the corner from the cruise pier: The Elbtunnel in Hamburg. Just walk along the bank of the Elbe and you will run right into it.

The Elbtunnel opened its doors in 1911 and was a real sensation for the time and is still amazing to see in today’s time. The 1400 feet (426 m) long tunnel lays 80 feet (24 m) beneath the surface of the river Elbe.

On each end, there are 4 large elevators that hold cars and motorcycles. Yes,  you heard that right, this tiny tunnel was made for cars and is still used as a regular way to commute to and from the city for locals. In 2008, 700,000 pedestrians, 63,000 bicyclists and 300,000 cars used the Old Elbtunnel ( Source Wikipedia ).

When you get out on the Steinwerder side, turn right and follow the signs to the viewpoint and you will have a great view of Hamburg’s skyline and the Elbphilharmonie.

Opening Hours Old Elbtunnel:

Pedestrians/Bicyclists: 24/7, except New Year’s Eve (closed from 9 PM to 4 AM).

Cars and motorized vehicles:

Monday – Friday:

8 AM to 1 PM: One-Way traffic from St. Pauli to Steinwerder

1 PM to 6 PM One-Way traffic from Steinwerder to St. Pauli

Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: Closed for Cars.

Insider Tip: Due to exhaust fumes, I highly recommend pedestrians and bicyclists to only use the Elbtunnel when it is closed for motorized vehicles. I walked through the Old Elbtunnel on Sunday after the Fish Market and it was a fun stroll, but if I had to walk next to cars with their motors running, I probably would have turned back.

Elbtunnel on Google Maps

Dialogue in the Dark Hamburg

When I first heard about Dialogue in the Dark, I thought it was an interesting concept. I didn’t know that this would be such an incredible experience.

So, what is Dialogue in the Dark?

Dialogue in the Dark is a social concept exhibition that has locations around the world. When you visit, you are experiencing a glimpse of the daily life of a blind person. You will be guided by a visually impaired guide through an exhibit that simulates situations of daily life, such as walking through a park, exploring a living room, crossing a street and even sitting in a boat – in complete darkness.

Why should you visit Dialogue in the Dark?

This is difficult to answer, but let me tell you my personal experience of Dialogue in the Dark and what I got out of it.

• It pushed me outside of my comfort zone as I had to relearn the most basic daily tasks, such as crossing a street or identifying vegetables by touch and smell.
• It made me realize how different my life would have been if I had been born with a visual impairment or if my eyesight had been taken away through disease or an accident.
• A sense of accomplishment, when I was able to identify an object with the senses that I usually pay much less attention to.
• I got to talk to several guides and learned about their personal story, some of them blind since birth, others who lost their eyesight later in life. It was interesting to see and learn more about the difficulties they encounter and actually experience a few of them myself.
• I learned more about how I can become more proactive in helping visually impaired people the right way. I am working on updating the photos on EuropeUpClose to include a better description of the photo and make my website more accessible for visually impaired visitors.
• It also made me feel thoughtful and even a bit somber, as I was able to walk out of the exhibit and see again, while my guides could not. It is their daily life.
• It made me aware of the ingenuity that visually impaired people have to master their lives. I am in awe of their problem-solving skills, their creativity, and their memory skills.

Dialog in the Dark on Google Maps

Explore the Craft Beer Scene in Hamburg

Everyone knows that Germany is the country of beer. German beer is good, some of it even great. But Craft Beer has been a bit slower to take off in Germany than in most other countries. I think this is due to three reasons:

• Part of it is because of the strict German Purity Law, which does not allow any ingredients other than water, barley, and hops. You can’t get too creative with just those three ingredients.
• Another reason might be that because German beer has always been decent, there has been less of an urgent need to come up with more tasty beer recipes.
• And lastly, because Germans are not very adventurous when it comes to their favorite beverage. I know people who have bought the same brand of beer for decades and they simply don’t see a reason to try something else. They buy what they know and what they like. Thankfully, this is slowly changing.

So Craft Beer Breweries and Beers are not as readily available in Germany as in many other parts of the world. If you are a craft beer lover, and you have been missing your Craft Beers while traveling, you should definitely check out these Breweries/Tap Rooms/Brew Pubs when you are in Hamburg:

This brewery/brewpub is located right along the Elbe. This colorful brewery and brewpub was by far my favorite Craft Beer stop in Hamburg.

Their beers are really good and balanced. Many IPAs I have tried in Europe are on the sweet side, but the Supadupa IPA and the World White IPA were nice and dry with a fruity hop aroma. Their Lieblings Lager and the Original (Helles) are a great choice if you don’t like too much hops.

I talked to their Head Brewer and he knows what he is doing. He has brewed all over the world and you can taste his passion in his beers.

They also have amazing pizza there. I had the Margarita and even it was the perfect pairing for the beer flight I had. The dough is fluffy, but not doughy and the toppings are fresh and flavorful.

Überquell also likes to do fun events with other breweries in the area, collaboration brews, live music, and other fun stuff.

Überquell on Google Maps

Ratsherrn Brewery

The Ratsherrn Brewery is located in the Schanzenviertel of Hamburg and offers a brewery experience similar to what you would get in the US. They offer a brewery tour with tasting, have a craft beer store and next door is a brewpub.

They offer English speaking tours every Friday at 1 PM and I highly recommend booking in advance. If you can’t make it on Friday, you can also join any German tour and they will provide you with an audio guide in English. The tour was good, but more targeted towards people who have never been on a brewery tour before. What I liked a lot about the tour was that I learned a lot about the history of beer in Germany and especially Hamburg.

They have a very large selection of beers and I liked their variety of different beer styles. However, they all were a bit too sweet and malty for my personal taste.

Ratsherrn Brewery on Google Maps

Altes Mädchen

Next door to the Ratsherrn Brewery is the Brewpub Altes Mädchen (Old Girl). They have 30 taps on draft and countless bottled beer options, so you will most definitely find something to your liking.

Prices are mid-range and you should definitely try their bread. They take the German bread obsession to the next level with their own Bread Sommelier. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to eat there, but they served their bread during the beer tasting at Ratsherrn brewery and it was knock-your-socks-off DELICIOUS.

If I lived in Hamburg, this would probably be my hangout spot. It is a tiny little bar in a residential neighborhood with about 20 beers on tap. Most of them are from the region and you can get a taster before you commit (which is NOT common in Germany).

The interior design is part dive, part mid-century modern living room with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. There is not a lot going on, no TVs or loud music or other distractions. It is the kind of place, where you go to talk to your friends, drink some beers, even read a book, write in your diary and just hang out.

Bar Oorlam on Google Maps

Coffee Museum

Most of us drink it every morning yet we know so little about it: Coffee. Did you now that the largest Coffee Wholeseller is located in Hamburg. Every 7th cup of coffee you consume is sold by a family-owned company based in Hamburg. This makes Hamburg de facto the Coffee Capital of the world.

I visited the Kaffeemuseum Burg  in the Speicherstadt. During my visit, I toured their coffee museum and also had a coffee tasting. If you like coffee, I highly recommend this experience. I not only learned interesting facts about coffee and its history but also great tips on how to find good quality coffee, how to prepare it properly and why cold coffee often tastes horrible.

Opening Hours/Tickets Coffee Museum Burg:

Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM ( please see this site for exceptions )

Public Tours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 12 PM – 14 PM – 16 PM

Saturday & Sunday: Every full hour

Ticket Price: 10 EUR for adults, 8 EUR for teenagers (12-18 years), and free for children under 12

Kaffeemuseum Burg on Google Maps

Relax at the Alster

After all this exploring, let’s finish with something more relaxing. I told you that Hamburg is a city surrounded by water. Aside from the Elbe river, there is also the Alster. While the Alster is only about 30 miles long (50 km), it is one of the favorite outdoor recreation areas in Hamburg.

You can learn sailing or do a sunset sailing cruise, rent a SUP or paddleboat, or do an Alster Cruise, that takes you around the Alster and lets you peek into the backyards of Hamburg’s rich and famous. You will see beautiful villas and gardens, parks and bridges along the way as your enjoy one of the boat tours.

If you like walking, running, or cycling, you can do that along the Alster banks in Alster Park. It is also a great spot to let the kids run around and enjoy themselves if you travel as a family. Hamburg’s stunning city hall with its green copper roof is also with a look, as it is right around the corner from the Jungfernstieg.

Jungfernstieg on Google Maps

Planten un Blomen

This beautiful park is a favorite among the locals and especially during the spring and summer months a nice spot to hang out, relax and enjoy the greenery. If you are traveling with kids to Hamburg, check out the large playground at the southern end of the park.

St Michael – Hamburger Michel

This baroque church in Hamburg’s Neustadt is one of the iconic steeples in Hamburg’s cityscape. What makes this church special is that it was built as a Protestant church, unlike most other churches which were converted from Catholic churches after the Reformation.

So you see, there are so many things to do in Hamburg that you definitely have enough options to fill a few days in this beautiful city. In fact, a weekend in Hamburg might not be enough time to do all the things and see all the sights in Hamburg that interest you.

Hamburg is one of my favorite cities in Germany because it is so full of history and charm, but also has such an international feel to it. I love the architecture in the Speicherstadt and the history of centuries of trade that influenced the city to have such an open-minded character.

If you are looking to add another city to your Europe or Germany trip, I highly recommend Hamburg. It has a very different atmosphere than Berlin and Munich and I am sure you will enjoy your stay.

Things to Do in Hamburg – Pin for Later: