Located directly on Rathausmarkt, Hamburg City Hall is the seat of the city's parliament and senate, right in the centre. From the outside, the richly decorated façade with gables, bay windows and the 112 metre high tower immediately catches the eye. But there is also history at every turn inside.

What makes Hamburg City Hall so special

What is immediately noticeable: The town hall is not a restrained administrative building. The architecture is characterised by the Neo-Renaissance style, with many small and large details that you can discover on closer inspection: Figures, coats of arms, sculptures and inscriptions.

The building was erected at the end of the 19th century after the old town hall was destroyed in the great fire of 1842. The people of Hamburg took their time – the new town hall was to be something special. And it is: opulent, well thought-out, full of symbols from Hamburg's history.

The location is also special: situated directly on Rathausmarkt, you can reach many other highlights of the city centre from here - whether Alster, Jungfernstieg or Mönckebergstraße.

Secret tip: Look up in the Wandelhalle on the hour – an inconspicuous little door opens above the arch and a small figure appears for a few seconds. A little-known detail with a lot of charm

1. The U3 underground line runs directly underneath the town hall - without causing any disturbance to the building.
2. In one of the rooms there is an oversized model of the city of Hamburg, which is regularly updated.
3. The ballroom has its own lighting technology, which was designed during construction to allow candle smoke to escape upwards.
4. The doors in the representation rooms are made of solid oak and some are over three metres high.
5. There are small water spouts on the façade, which channel the water away when it rains - many in the shape of animals.
6. The cellar houses a historic wine cellar, which was once used for catering for guests.
7. The town hall has a separate bunker entrance, which was set up during the Cold War.
8. The famous Senate staircase in the entrance area was made of Swedish marble.
9. Small chimes are built into the town hall clock, which are precisely synchronised with the bells.
10. Every year, a large Youth Parliament is organised in the festival hall, where young Hamburgers discuss real proposals.

The town hall is interesting for anyone who is interested in city history, politics or architecture - regardless of age. School classes can take an exciting look behind the scenes on guided tours, while those interested in history will appreciate the many details and symbolism. The stopover is also worthwhile for visitors to Hamburg, if only because of the architecture and central location.

The barrier-free design also enables people with mobility impairments to visit. And for photographers, not only the façade but also the view from the Rathausmarkt towards the Alster - especially in the evening light - is worthwhile.

Tip: At events such as the „Open House Dayür“ you can visit many rooms that are otherwise not publicly accessible – free of charge and without advance booking

Those who walk through the arcade, look out at the inner courtyard, or take a guided tour through the rooms will get a good sense of the significance of this building. It is magnificent, but not overbearing. Open, yet respectful. And that is what makes it appealing.