Speicherstadt

Speicherstadt

Introduction In the 16th century, this area was home to Dutch people who had been expelled due to religious issues. At that time, it was nothing more than traditional residential buildings, along with commercial premises and Dutch-style canals within the city.

In 1888, driven by Bismarck’s insistence on including Hamburg in the customs zone, the idea of constructing Speicherstadt emerged. After decades of development, it now covers an area of 300,000 square meters, making it the largest warehouse complex in the world.

Six- to seven-story brick Gothic-style buildings form the long warehouse blocks accessible by both land and water. Behind the thick walls are stored “treasures” from around the world — not only coffee, tea, cocoa, and tobacco, but also carpets and high-end electronics. These goods are not only stored here, but some are also cleaned by knowledgeable staff to enhance their quality. Speicherstadt is home to the world’s largest warehouse of oriental carpets.

The Speicherstadt Museum, Customs Museum, Spice Museum, and other museums here tell the story of both the traditional and modern sides of Speicherstadt. Visitors to the Hamburg Dungeon can vividly experience a dark chapter in the city’s history — a truly spine-chilling experience.

Since April 27, 2001, Speicherstadt has featured nighttime illumination. Eight hundred lamps cast a beautiful artistic glow on the red-brick buildings and stone bridges. Visitors can experience the vibrancy of Speicherstadt from three perspectives: aboard a romantic little steamboat on the Elbe River, directly from the street, or from one of the buildings within the Speicherstadt complex. Transportation: Metro U3 to Baumwall Station. It’s two stops from City Hall and within walking distance.

Hamburg, Germany