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HafenCity is Hamburg's newest district, and it can be explored entirely on foot. This route leads from the edge of Speicherstadt to Baakenhafen in seven stages, with breaks already planned. Allow about two hours, or more likely a morning with children. The route follows the waterfront from west to east.
Station 1: Speicherstadt on the edge
The walk begins at the border between Speicherstadt and HafenCity. Strictly speaking, the brick warehouses and canals are no longer part of HafenCity, but they make the perfect starting point. A view from one of the bridges is enough for a first impression. Those who want to delve deeper can save that for the return journey.
Station 2: Elbphilharmonie Plaza
From Speicherstadt, it's just a few minutes to the Elbphilharmonie. The Plaza is the building's public viewing platform, and the view is free. You can see the harbor, the Elbe River, and the city all around. A walkway leads around the outside of the building. Bring a jacket; it's almost always windy by the water. A queue forms at peak times, so an early start or a little patience will help.
Station 3: Marco Polo Terraces
From Kaiserkai, you walk along the waterfront to the Marco Polo Terraces. The wooden and grass steps open up to the Grasbrookhafen harbor. This is the first built-in break: sit down, look at the water, do nothing. You can get a coffee nearby; the terraces themselves are simply public space.
Station 4: Grasbrookpark with rest stop
Directly behind the terraces lies Grasbrookpark, a green park with a large playground. For families, this is the longest stop on the route, so allow plenty of time here. Everyone else will find meadows and benches.
Those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle will find it right by the park: The NAIPO Relax Lounge Located at Am Grasbrookpark 1, you can book a private, air-conditioned room with a massage chair online, even spontaneously from your mobile phone. You remain fully clothed and don't need to prepare anything. There's also a light area, an open space. What's available for booking is shown on the [website/page/etc.]. Overview of the Relax LoungeAnyone interested in the armchairs themselves can try them out in the same store. After that, you continue on your way; half the route is still ahead of you.
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Station 5: Overseas Quarter
Further east lies the Überseequartier, the commercial center of HafenCity. Shops, restaurants, lots of activity. To be honest: if you're looking for peace and quiet, just walk through quickly. The area is still convenient, though, because here you'll find restrooms, places to eat and drink, and everything else you might otherwise miss on a walking route.
Station 6: Lohsepark and Hanoverian Station Memorial
Lohsepark is the main green space of HafenCity, wide, open, and considerably quieter than the surrounding area. The Hannoverscher Bahnhof Memorial is located within the park. It commemorates the people who were deported from this station during the Nazi era. Take a few minutes to visit it. It's not a place to rush through, and it's an integral part of this route.
Station 7: Baakenhafen with play island
Finally, the route leads to Baakenhafen, the eastern end of the trail. In the harbor basin lies an artificial island with a playground and grassy areas, connected by a bridge. For children, the island is the second major playground stop on the route. Everyone else sits by the water and looks out at the harbor basin instead of shop windows. A train station for the return journey is not far away.
If you have more time
Deepen the Speicherstadt area. On the way back, a detour through the canals and over the bridges is worthwhile. It's most beautiful at dusk when the facades are illuminated.
International Maritime Museum. The museum is located in a historic warehouse in the heart of HafenCity and easily fills half a day.
Continue until you reach the Elbe bridges. From Baakenhafen, you can extend the promenade eastward. At the end, you'll find a view of the Elbe bridges and a train station for your return journey.
Frequently asked questions
Is the route suitable for strollers?
Yes. HafenCity is flat and consistently well-paved, and the promenades are wide. Stairs can generally be avoided. Only in Speicherstadt are there sections with cobblestones. Grasbrookpark and the playground are easily accessible with a stroller.
How long does the walk take?
With breaks, it takes about two hours. Add playground stops and a museum visit, and it can easily take a morning or more. The route can be shortened at any point; the next train station is never far away.
Do I need to plan my break in the Relax Lounge in advance?
No. Appointments can be booked online and even spontaneously on the go. How a visit proceeds is explained in the Relax Lounge Guide.
Suitable products and services for Hamburg
Frequently asked questions
By the NAIPO editorial team Massage and product experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians and massage enthusiasts from Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with its own workshop and showrooms for test sitting.
Reviewed by David Eberst, co-founder of NAIPO
