Chilehaus

Chilehaus

For most visitors, the most captivating building in Hamburg isn’t the Town Hall, but the Chilehaus in the southern business district. This ten-story office building was originally a typical brick structure from the 1920s. It’s called the Chilehaus because the shareholder who funded its construction did business with merchants from Chile—who made a fortune importing saltpeter from Chile—and the building was thus named after that connection.

Constructed between 1922 and 1924, the Chilehaus is the most striking work of architect Fritz Höger and is considered a prime example of commercial architecture in Hamburg’s history. Covering an area of around 6,000 square meters across ten floors, the building was constructed using nearly five million dark Oldenburg bricks. The use of red brick not only symbolizes the revival of German brick architecture but also reflects the designer’s meticulous intent.

The building’s exterior is predominantly reddish-brown, with staggered balconies resembling a ship’s deck, while its curved walls echo the shape of a ship’s bow. Its architectural highlight is the sharp triangular façade design, which has amazed many visitors. However, what most tourists particularly love is viewing the building from the east side, where its most beautiful façade is on display—visitors to Hamburg must not miss this magnificent structure. Additionally, the Chilehaus is currently being considered as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chilehaus

Must-visit reason: The most iconic building in Hamburg’s business district

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Germany[Germany]

State/Province: Hamburg[Hamburg]

City: Hamburg[Hamburg]