The Old Elbe Tunnel, also known as the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel, is a real piece of Hamburg history. Back then, it was way ahead of its time, connecting the landing bridges in St. Pauli with the opposite bank of the Elbe in Steinwerder, which it still does today.

What makes the Old Elbe Tunnel special?

The tunnel runs at a depth of 24 metres below the Elbe and is over 426.5 metres long. It consists of two tubes, each with a diameter of six metres, which were originally intended for both pedestrians and vehicles. The entrances and exits of the tunnel can be recognised by dome-shaped buildings, each containing four large lift cabins.

Originally, the tunnel was built to enable workers in the harbour and shipyards to get to their workplaces on the south side of the Elbe more quickly. Before the tunnel was built, the ferries were often overloaded, especially during shift changes, and the diversions via the Elbe bridges was time-consuming. The tunnel significantly shortened the journey to work and contributed to the efficiency of the Port of Hamburg.

Once you are there, you should definitely take a closer look at the ceramic tiles  on the walls of the Röhren. At regular intervals, there are reliefs of animals that were native to the Elbe at the time the tunnel was built. These ornate decorations lend the tunnel a unique charm and are of course also inspired by Hamburg's maritime history.

Today, the Old Elbe Tunnel is not only a functional transport route, but also a popular tourist attraction. A walk through the tunnel offers a fascinating insight into this special engineering achievement of the early 20th century and allows you to cross under the Elbe in a very special way. At the southern end of the tunnel, in Steinwerder, you can also enjoy a fantastic view of the Hamburg skyline, especially at sunset
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Secret tip: A visit to the tunnel in the early morning or late evening is particularly worthwhile. It is often quieter at these times and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the tunnel in peace and quiet. The tunnel is also a very special photo opportunity when lit up at night.

1. During the construction of the tunnel, over 600 workers fell ill with caisson disease because they were working under pressurised conditions, which led to dangerous nitrogen bubbles in the blood.
2. The tunnel was opened in 1911 as the first underwater tunnel in Europe, making it a real milestone in engineering history.
3. During the tunnelling period from 1907 to 1911, three workers lost their lives, which was unfortunately not uncommon for major projects of the time.
4. The wall reliefs in the tunnel not only show animals from the Elbe, but also unusual motifs such as rats and discarded shoes, which were intended to symbolise everyday life by the river.
5. Between 2000 and 2009, a marathon was held in the Old Elbe Tunnel, in which runners completed 48 tunnel crossings in one go - the equivalent of exactly 42.195 kilometres.
6. The load supports of the tunnel were originally also designed for horse-drawn vehicles, which shows how old the original traffic planning actually is.
7. The tunnel has been used as a film set on several occasions, including in the cult film „Absolute Giganten“ from 1999.
8. The Elbe Tunnel was originally supposed to have just one round tunnel, but during the planning phase it was decided to build two parallel tunnel routes.
9. The construction method used a then innovative shield tunnelling technique, in which the earth was pushed away under pressure and supported at the same time - a method that was later adopted worldwide.
10. The tunnel was used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War, and temporary accommodation was set up in some of the shafts.

The Old Elbe Tunnel is open to pedestrians and cyclists around the clock and use is free of charge. The tunnel is currently closed to motor vehicles due to renovation work.
 

The Old Elbe Tunnel is an impressive testimony to Hamburg's engineering skills and the city's history. A visit is not only worthwhile for those interested in technology and history, but also for anyone who wants to get to know Hamburg from a different perspective.

The combination of historical significance, special architectural features and the opportunity to cross under the Elbe in an unusual way is what makes the tunnel so appealing.