The Paula Karpinski Square is located in Hamburg's HafenCity and is a manageable place for relaxation. Named after the resistance fighter and Hamburg city councilor Paula Karpinski, the square was established as an important meeting point after the completion of the neighborhood in 2015. Here you will find planted areas, cozy seating options, shady trees, and a play area for children. Surrounding it are modern office and residential buildings, while you also enjoy views of the water and the maritime atmosphere of the new district.

What makes the Paula Karpinski Square so special?

The special thing about the Paula Karpinski Square is its calm yet vibrant effect in contrast to the surrounding urban development. The square was intentionally designed to create space for tranquility – right in the midst of the transformation of the old harbor, new residences, and workspaces. A network of accessible paths weaves between flower beds, low hedges, and strategically placed trees, while benches invite conversations or short breaks.

The play area is also designed for children and equipped with wooden play equipment, making it a safe stop for families. The square is also intended as a place for art and encounters: Regularly, small exhibitions, readings, or after-work meetings take place – unnoticed from the tourist hustle and bustle, but close enough to the river to feel the maritime ambiance.

The namesake also adds significance to the place: Paula Karpinski fought as a politician for social justice and equality. These values are intended to be experienced through the design and use of the square – here, generations and lifestyles meet without being separated from each other.

Insider Tip: If you enjoy having breakfast out, grab something and sit on the southern benches at sunrise – the reflection of the surrounding glass façades makes the morning particularly vibrant.

1. The square was officially opened in 2015 as part of the Hafencity construction project and serves as a green oasis between residential and office buildings.
2. It is named after Paula Karpinski, who sustainably advocated for social projects as a city council member of the Hamburg-Mitte district assembly.
3. The central play area features wooden and climbing elements that do not rely on traditional plastic materials.
4. The planting is designed so that different flowering phases provide color throughout the year – from the cherry tree in spring to autumn perennials in late fall.
5. An underground rainwater management system infiltrates precipitation on site and, together with plants, contributes to natural cooling effects.
6. Every summer, smaller music or cultural events take place here, organized by local residents and initiatives.
7. Benches and lounging areas combine robust materials – wood, steel, and natural stone – and are intentionally interlinked in groups.
8. In winter, subtle light installations shine on certain evenings, initiated by volunteers, without overshadowing the ensemble.
9. The square is fully accessible and provides pleasant access and freedom of movement for wheelchair users.
10. Numerous insects are supported by specially placed wildflower islands – contributing to the ecological balance in the heart of the city.

Young families use the user-friendly play area as a meeting point for children. Professionals from the surrounding offices come here for lunch breaks or to have conversations outdoors. Culturally and artistically interested individuals occasionally experience spontaneous exhibitions or readings in an open-air setting. Even strollers or tourists looking to discover lesser-known, more relaxed corners of HafenCity find a stop here with a good view of the water.

Area	Entrance Fee	Note
Use of the space	free	Open for access at any time
Participation in cultural events	variable/donation-based	Small events for the neighborhood

Period	Opening Hours
Year-Round	Accessible 24/7

Note: There is no official lighting, so a visit during daylight is recommended; however, the open facility can be used at any time spontaneously.

The Paula-Karpinski-Platz offers peaceful breaks in the city, opportunities for socializing, and small cultural formats. Whether you're taking a walk, soaking up the sun, making a stop on your way to the subway, or looking to unwind after work – this square is a successful meeting point in the new city district. Its subtle green charm and proximity to the water make it a pleasantly unobtrusive yet important place in the vibrant fabric of HafenCity.