walking tour of hamburg

Discover Hamburg with the best-rated Tour Guides

Hamburg Free Tour

The best-rated hamburg free walking tour, secure your space now.

The best introduction to Hamburg

Town Hall Square (Rathausmarkt)

2 h Hamburg Free Walking Tour

Hamburg is one of the most fascinating cities in Germany . Recognizable by its maritime environment, Hamburg has more bridges than any other city in the world and more canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined.

The Hamburg Free Tour starts everyday in front of the Town Hall. On this 2 hours Free Walking Tour , your guide will show you the most captivating and beautiful spots of Hamburg's Old Town.

Every day at 11 am

What’s included?

English-speaking guide

What's the price?

Pay-what-you wish walking tour

Tour Description

Surrounded by two lakes and crossed by three rivers: Elba, Alster and Blle, Hamburg’s entire history revolves around the water . Its port has been for centuries the most important port of Central Europe and its narrow canals, called fleete, are one of the city landmarks.

The Hamburg Free Tour starts everyday in front of the impressive Town Hall and ends in HafenCity, from where you will find a short walk back to the start point. Your Tour Guide will be more than happy to give you directions wherever you need to go.

To ensure the highest quality of our Free Tours, groups of more than 6 people should book a Private Tour .

If you are arranging a booking for a School Group , please book a Private Tour .

This will allow us to give you a more personalized experience. Thanks for your understanding!

Secure your spot now for the Hamburg Free Tour!

You will have priority with a booking if tours reach their capacity.

Meeting Point

The Hamburg Free Tour starts every day at 11 am in Town Hall Square (Rathausmarkt), in front of Hamburg's Town Hall main entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tours, do our free tours run everyday, where does the free tour start, how do i recognize the guide, where does the tour end, how long does the free tour last, why are the tours free, which languages are the tours offered in, are the routes suitable for disabled people, are pets allowed on the free tour, questions about bookings, are the free tours suitable for groups, do i need to book a space for the free tour, how can i join the tour if i don’t have a booking, about our free tours.

Hamburg Free Tour runs informative and historical walking tours around the Old Town. Each tour guide has their own favourite tracks to follow but culture, entertainment and lifestyle are all on the route at our Hamburg Free Tours.

Original, amusing and enlightening, this relaxed Free Tour will help you to explore the most interesting parts of the unique Hamburg’s Old Town.

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THE 10 BEST Hamburg Walking Tours

Walking tours in hamburg.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking 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
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• 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. The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre

2. Private 2-Hour Hamburg Highlights Walking Tour

3. Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour

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

5. Discover Hamburg Walking Tour

6. Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

7. Highlights of Hamburg Shore Excursion from the port of Kiel

8. Private Walking Tour Visit to Hamburg with Licensed Guide

9. Hamburg Private Guided Tour

10. Private Tour: Speicherstadt and HafenCity Walking Tour in Hamburg

11. rydde walking tour MAYDAY AT THE WATERFRONT

12. From Down Town to Speicherstadt, HafenCity and Elbphilharmonie

13. Discover Hamburg: Private Walking Tour

14. Private Romantic Urban & Street Photoshoot

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

16. Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer

17. Hamburg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

18. The Beatles in Hamburg - Private Tour

19. Mister X Hamburg Tour City tour, hunting and games

20. Reeperbahn Tour In St. Pauli

21. A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Hamburg‘s Red Light District

22. Hamburg St. Pauli and Red Light District Private Walking Tour

23. Running tour Hamburg with insider tip guarantee

24. Interactive Mystery Hunt by The City Hall in Hamburg

25. Jewish Hamburg - Private Tour

26. Private Hamburg Walking Tour With A Local, 100% Personalized

27. Lübeck Day Trip From Hamburg By Train With Private Guide And Lunch

28. Essential Hamburg - Private Tour

29. Interactive city rally SOS Speicherstadt Hamburg

30. Hamburg: Red- & Bluelight - Private guided Reeperbahn Tour

What travelers are saying.

• The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre
• Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour
• Mister X Hamburg Tour City tour, hunting and games
• Private 2-Hour Hamburg Highlights Walking Tour
• Discover Hamburg: Private Walking Tour
• Robin and the Tourguides - Hamburg Free Walking Tours
• SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Hamburg
• Hamburgo A Pie
• Original Hamburg Walks
• Adventure World Tours

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

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

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

— Stephen, United Kingdom

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.

— TripAdvisor review

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.

Grandeswerderstraße 20457 HafenCity

Unter Jungs Tour

Gerhardstraße 7 20359 Hamburg

Architektur Highlights

Van-der-Smissen-Straße 9 22767 Hamburg

Um die Alster

Jungfernstieg 20354 Hamburg

Beats & Bier

Hamburger Berg 25 20359 Hamburg

Best of Drehorte-Tour

BOOK NOW Learn more on a city tour

Activities, tips, events City Areas in Hamburg

Away from the popular spots, such as the harbour or the Alster, Hamburg also has a lot to offer. Take a look at Hamburg's hidden corners and learn about all the insider tips and favourite places. Discover now

Discover. Sustainability. Green Hamburg

Hamburg is not only among the world's Top 10 greenest cities. Its residents are also tops in sustainable use and management of their city. More

Parks and outdoor areas Green Hamburg

Far away from the Elbe and Alster, Hamburg also offers many other places for relaxation, play and sports in large, modern but also historic areas. More

Rediscover Hamburg Insider tips

Our Top lists let you really get to know Hamburg's shops, restaurants, cafés, places and much more. More

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• German : Deutsch
• English : English

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Best Rated Tours in Hamburg *

Hamburg Free Walking Tours

* Robin and the Tourguides is No. 1 on Tripadvisor out of 275 tours and activities in Hamburg, as of the 26th of April, 2024. Based on 4936 reviews.

Experience the Best of Hamburg

Come along with us to discover Hamburg’s special charm as well as its little blemishes that make it the dynamic city we love and live in.

We are an independent and local company which gives us the flexibility and freedom to show Hamburg as it is and are ensure you will fall in love with our city as we do every single day.

Historic City Centre – Free Tour

This tour is a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the beauty and charm Hamburg has to offer. It incorporates the all around aspects to get to know the city and what the city has to offer.

St. Pauli & Harbour – Free Tour

This is the perfect tour to get to see the economic engine of the city, the ports, as well as its neighboring leftist red-light district, St.Pauli. It is a combination of the industrial harbour and social themes the city has dealt with in the past decades and still today.

Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour

Get an excellent overview of Hamburg’s unique craft beer scene with 7 locally brewed craft beers. With a professional guide you will delve into Hamburg’s brewing history and different brewing techniques.

Your Personal Private Tour

Whether a private group, business trip, travel company, school field trip, team building event, or family get-together, We can plan a special event just for your group. Let us help you in organising your event in Hamburg!

Discover Hamburg, an Incredibly Unique City

Hamburg is known to be an extremely honest city… probably due to its sometimes harsh and stormy weather. We offer you the real Hamburg and give in depth and personal tours that can’t be found in all of the tourist brochures. Whether you are a first time or a regular visitor to the city, get an insider’s view with all its many facets.

Best Rated Tours: No. 1 on TripAdvisor in Hamburg

Join our happy customers

Our Hamburg Tips

In our blog we show you our Hamburg as we love it. Hidden gems, quirky stories from the past and our favourite places. Enjoy!

5 Parks to Enjoy the Autumn in Hamburg

by Nawaz Brohi | Oct 17, 2023

As the summer comes to a close, Hamburg’s lush green parks metamorphosize into an ocean of colors with many shades of green, yellow, orange and brown depicted on their trees.

Hamburg’s Delicious Fast-Food, the Fischbrötchen

by Nawaz Brohi | Sep 4, 2023

While hamburgers may have originated in Hamburg, its most popular sandwich does not have a beef patty in it, but fish. Yes, put a piece of smoked, fried or pickled fish inside a bread roll and you have the Fischbrötchen – one of Hamburg’s most widely consumed snacks...

The Alster Lakes: Hamburg’s Liquid Soul in the Heart of the City

by Nawaz Brohi | Jul 4, 2023

Hamburg is a city defined by its relationship with water. And no other element in the city’s geography drives this point home than the existence of the Alster lakes as its center. The outer and the inner Alster have been ground zero for Hamburg’s urban life since the...

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Free Walking Tour Hamburg

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN HAMBURG

• Select Tour
• PRIVATE TOURS

Free Tour of Hamburg

Book the original Hamburg free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local gui ...

St. Pauli & Harbor Tour

Join us as we take you to all the highlights of St Pauli on this special Reeperbahn tour

2-hour Hamburg Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Hamburg's main attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour Hamburg Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Hamburg's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Hamburg with a passionate local guide

With the largest port in Germany, Hamburg is often referred to as the Gateway to the World, and for Ringo, John, Paul and George, it was where they learned much more than just how to play music. This is your chance to see this incredible city through the eyes of some of Hamburg’s best local tour guides.

It can be hard finding free things to do in Hamburg, but the original Free Tour  starts at the Rathausmarkt and covers many of Hamburg’s top attractions in the city center. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us!

You can explore the Port of Hamburg and the Red Light District on the  St. Pauli & Reeperbahn Tour , or discover the world’s largest and most famous warehouse district on the Speicherstadt and Habor City tour .

Want to check out Hamburg’s infamous nightlife for yourself? Join the  Hamburg Pub Crawl  and check out different bars and clubs with a professional party guide. One thing’s for sure; the top things to do and see in Hamburg can all be found on a SANDEMANs tour!

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Hamburg is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in Englis, Spanish and German, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Hamburg's best local tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the Free Tour, in Hamburg you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

• Over 2 million guests per year
• Over 160,000 five-star reviews
• Over 100 tours daily, rain, hail or shine
• Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

Things to do in Hamburg

Ready to start exploring Hamburg? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be tricky - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Hamburg

The best places to eat in Hamburg

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Hamburg recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from authentic German beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Hamburg

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Hamburg

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, its staff members, nor any of the freelance guides we work with will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides and tour leaders reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Free walking tour in der Nähe von Hamburg

Besuchen sie nach hamburg auch diese städte, wohin reisen sie.

The 10 BEST Free Walking Tours in Hamburg

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

When visiting Hamburg, Germany, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture is by taking a walking tour. Walking tours offer a unique and personal way to discover the city, allowing you to explore hidden gems, learn intriguing stories, and experience the local atmosphere. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a nature admirer, there’s a walking tour in Hamburg that’s perfect for you.

1. Historic Hamburg Tour

If you’re fascinated by history, this tour will take you on a journey through Hamburg’s past. Begin at the iconic Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, with its stunning brick Gothic architecture. Walk along the canals, learning about Hamburg’s role as a major port city and how it evolved over the centuries.

Continue to the Kontorhaus District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find unique expressions of brick expressionism. Explore St. Michael’s Church, known as the “Michel,” and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. End the tour at the Hamburg Rathaus, the impressive city hall that reflects the city’s rich history and present-day importance.

2. Culinary Delights Tour

Hamburg is known for its diverse culinary scene, and this tour will take you on a gastronomic adventure. Start at the bustling Fischmarkt and savor freshly caught seafood while taking in the lively atmosphere. Venture into the historic warehouse district, where you can indulge in a traditional Hamburger Labskaus, a regional specialty.

Explore the quirky Karolinenviertel district and taste some local craft beers at the microbreweries. Sample mouthwatering pastries and desserts in the charming Altstadt, or Old Town. Along the way, your guide will share insights into Hamburg’s food culture and recommend the best places to dine like a local.

3. Harbor and Elbe River Tour

The harbor and the Elbe River are at the heart of Hamburg’s identity. This tour combines the city’s maritime history with the beauty of nature. Begin at the Landungsbrücken, the iconic waterfront promenade, and hop on a ferry to explore the Elbe River. Admire the impressive container terminals, shipyards, and marvel at the massive cargo ships.

Disembark at the famous Finkenwerder district, known for its fish restaurants, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. Take in the views of Hamburg’s skyline and the Elbphilharmonie, an architectural masterpiece. End the tour at the historic St. Pauli Piers, where you can relax with a drink, watching the boats come and go.

4. Parks and Gardens Tour

If you’re in need of some fresh air and tranquility, this tour will guide you through Hamburg’s parks and green spaces. Start at Planten un Blomen, a beautiful park that boasts colorful flower beds, water features, and even an ice-skating rink in winter. Stroll through the Japanese Garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to the stunning Tiergarten, Hamburg’s central park, where you can spot various bird species, relax by the lake, or have a picnic. Finally, visit the verdant Stadtpark, which is famous for its picturesque lake and the Planetarium. This tour is a perfect escape from the bustling city streets.

5. Alternative Hamburg Tour

If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour will take you to the alternative side of Hamburg. Start at the Schanzenviertel, a vibrant neighborhood known for its street art, independent shops, and trendy bars. Learn about the area’s history of activism and its influence on the city’s culture.

Explore the unique warehouses turned creative spaces in the Sternschanze area and discover local artists’ studios. Visit the alternative music venues and enjoy a taste of Hamburg’s underground music scene. This tour offers a different perspective on Hamburg, uncovering the hidden gems that many tourists don’t get a chance to see.

Final Thoughts

Hamburg is a city that rewards exploration, and walking tours provide an incredible way to uncover its many facets. Whether you choose to delve into its history, indulge in its culinary delights, embrace its maritime charm, connect with nature, or explore its alternative scene, there’s a walking tour for everyone.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and be prepared for various weather conditions. Most tours are led by knowledgeable and passionate guides who will enhance your experience with their fascinating stories and local insights. So, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to create lasting memories as you discover the captivating city of Hamburg, one step at a time.

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Free Walking Tour World Heritage - Warehousedistrict

Overview of the tour in Hamburg

It is located southeast of Altstadt, the old city of Hamburg. After one hundred minutes of history by foot, we will enjoy the modern view of the "HafenCity" and the imposing Elbe Philharmonic. We will visit the largest warehouse complex in the world, culminating in Chilehaus. You will be fascinated by this beautiful old city! Speicherstadt - Warehouse City With a neo-Gothic architectural style of exposed red brick, built on a wooden pile system, it is the largest port warehouse complex in the world: It is located in the port of Hamburg, in the vicinity of HafenCity - Harbour City. It is crossed by bridges and canals where valuable goods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cocoa, spices, tobacco, and the world's largest oriental carpet warehouse are stored. Chilehaus - House of Chile A building with history, located in the port city, famous for its facade and pointed architectural design, reminiscent of the bow of a ship, with a very sharp angle on one side.

This activity includes:

• Speicherstadt
• Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
• Information and fun

Meeting point

Baumwall, Hamburg, Germany

Under the subway station U 3 Baumwall

Things to note

Outdoors: Not suspended due to bad weather Wear appropriate clothing No additional costs Not suitable for wheelchairs

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Historic Hamburg: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Join a Local Expert for a two-hour exclusive journey through Hamburg, a can't-miss experience that invites you to admire historic landmarks, relive storied pasts, and dive into the city's rich culture. • Discover Hamburg’s past with the guidance of a Local Expert. • Uncover how the historic Speicherstadt has defined Hamburg's history. • Experience a personalised tour, tailored to your interests. • Get curated recommendations for further city discovery. • Enjoy a private and intimate tour, exclusively for your group. Immerse yourself in Hamburg's heritage and let its history become part of your own journey.

Ticket Options

2 Options Available

Discover in English: $599

Discover in German: $599

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Exclusive Private Tour
• Tailored Itinerary
• Local Expert Guide

What's not Included

• Personal Expenses

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is hosted by an independent local.
• This is an exclusive private tour.
• The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.
• Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.
• Entry tickets for transportation, museums, and monuments excluded.
• Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility

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Exploring Hamburgs new science area on foot Green-Field Site, Office and Residential Buildings, Modern Infrastructure—the Science City Has a Lot to Offer

8 April 2024, by Claudia Sewig

Photo: UHH/Göttling

Thorsten Gödtel welcomes students for an overview of the Science City area on the floor of the infocenter.

Before embarking on the tour the urban planner explains the history and development of Hamburg’s new research quarter.

The first stop is the Bahrenfeld racetrack. This is where the Quartiere am Volkspark will be built.

At the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Thorsten Gödtel and his group climb to the rooftop garden.

The students from all over the world take many pictures on this day.

The tour leads them past the Hamburg Advanced Research Centre for Bioorganic Chemistry (HARBOR), one of Universität Hamburg’ newest research buildings in the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld. 

Another project is already in the making: This is the future home of the Learning Center for Universität Hamburg students.

The Science City infocenter advertises free tours of Hamburg’s new science area with the slogan: “Talk as you walk: Learn more about the city and science.” Participants in a course at Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg accepted the offer. What found these students from across the world particularly noteworthy? Impressions from the tour.

Prof. Michael Jonas, head of the digital design program at Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, is delighted and welcomes this opportunity. Once a year, he takes his respective students in the brand strategy master’s program from their rooms above Hamburg’s Fish Market to Bahrenfeld to discuss Hamburg’s growth against the backdrop of a vastly different environment that will be significantly transformed over the next 2 decades. Another central question is: “Why does innovation happen in some places and not in others?”

Only 11 of his 28 students are showing up on this gray, cold, and wet morning—not for a lack of interest but due to a scheduling conflict. The participants are as international as their degree program with a focus on marketing in a rapidly changing business and brand landscape: Coming from China, Argentina, the USA, France, Poland, and India, they bring different ideas about academia and the associated urban development.

Science showcase

From Thorsten Gödtel’s perspective these are ideal conditions. The university-trained urban planner is a freelance tour guide for the Science City GmbH. Today’s tour begins with an interactive map of the Science City on the infocenter floor. Gödtel thus provides the students gathered around him with a first impression of the size and location of the site and makes them aware of its many facets. “Some parts will be planned and built from scratch, such as the Quartiere am Volkspark which will cover the racetrack area and today’s urban allotment gardens. In other parts existing buildings will be converted, modernized, and complemented by new buildings. Just like the Science Center infocenter building,” says the urban planner.

The students are astonished. The former office building on Albert-Einstein-Ring 8–10 hardly looks like a world-renowned scientific hub. Gödtel explains that the building had been renovated in the past months so Universität Hamburg could move the physics internship for beginners, part of the House of Computing and Datascience (HCDS), and the Center for Bioinformatics (ZBH) here, for example. This may grow into a showcase of science on Luruper Chaussee right next to the infocenter. So far, however, there is nothing much to show yet.

3,800 new apartments

Switching to the other side of the street for the first stop of the tour, the Bahrenfeld racetrack area, the students can see for themselves. “3,800 new apartments, a new S-Bahn line, kindergarten daycare and schools:” Sweeping his arm, Thorsten Gödtel seems to be using the wide open oval as a canvas for painting the future, as he gazes across the greenfield lot. Six international teams collaborated on the planning. Three designs, selected in February 2024, are competing in the race—the final decision is expected this summer. The Science City will not only be a place for research but also a live-work-play neighborhood with “shopping opportunities, coffee places, and bars,” says Gödtel.

Back across the Luruper Chaussee, the group takes the eastern entrance to the Science City’s actual research area. This side entrance is commonly called “Uni entrance,” as most University buildings are located on this side of the lot, for instance, the physics school lab Light and Schools or the Institute for Laser Physics. Haonan Liang is thrilled with the school lab idea. The student from China asks: “We have a science museum in Hong Kong. Will there be one here as well?” Thorsten Gödtel reports on the status of the Desyum, that is to open in Summer 2025 and will also offer a multimedia exhibition. “However, it will likely seem small compared with the one in Hong Kong.”

Rooftop gardens

The Desyum is the future visitor center of the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), one of the major players in the Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld alongside the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) or European XFEL. At the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Thorsten Gödtel and his group climb to the rooftop garden. The students pose for a photo on the lovingly designed green platform. In fact, the Danish design that won the competition for the new HAFUN lab building (Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory) for researchers of Universität Hamburg’s Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe also includes a green roof. This is to add more green to the lot—home to a number of old trees and greenery worth preserving.

On their way to today’s last stop of the shortened tour, the group passes a few old, low brick buildings with cars aplenty parking in front of them. Fermin Uriz from Argentina asks: “What will the future of mobility look like here?” “There will be a mix of cycling, walking, and public transport. The Science City will offer everything at a short distance; fostering a private car culture is not an aim,” says Gödtel. This is likely to correspond with the mobility and commuting behavior of the over 5,000 students expected to study here. Thorsten Gödtel points to the fence on the property line and some office buildings: The future home of the Learning Center for Universität Hamburg students. This is why, among other things, we must consider which parts of the fence can be removed.” Gödtel believes that in this day and age science also means opening up to the public. “The Science City is doing exactly this.”

Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld

The Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld will span 125 hectares in Hamburg’s western suburbs, right next to Altona’s Volkspark, a public park. Besides the University, various renowned institutions, such as DESY; the European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser GmbH; the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter; and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory already make for a research campus. Moreover, 2 out 4 Universität Hamburg clusters of excellence are located here: CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter and Quantum Universe.

And the area continues to grow. By 2040, lively residential areas, sports and leisure facilities, and shopping opportunities will supplement research, training, and businesses. The A7 expressway will be covered and Hamburg’s racing track will be moved, facilitating the construction of 3,800 new apartments and 2 schools.

Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld GmbH is responsible for the development of the premises. It has a center that offers, in addition to information for visitors, guided tours around the area. Every Thursday at 6 pm, there are tours for interested members of the public. You do not have to sign up! The free tours start from Infocenter Science City, Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10. Find more information on the homepage .

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Photo: UHH/Feuerböther

Photo: Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld GmbH/Luftbild: Fotofrizz B. Kuhn