Starting Point: Elbphilharmonie

You start at the Platz der Deutschen Einheit in front of the Elbphilharmonie. Access to the public plaza is free – you'll get a 360° view of the harbor, the city center, and the historic warehouse district. If you want to dive deeper, the exhibition “Elbphilharmonie – the Experience” inside is worth it.

Continue to the Magellan Terraces & Vasco da Gama Square

From the “Elphi,” head towards the Magellan Terraces. This large open space is like a living room by the water. Locals, tourists, students – everyone meets here. You look at modern houseboats, old cranes, and have a good view of the Maritime Museum. Nearby is Vasco da Gama Square – with peaceful seating areas, water features, and often surprising art in public spaces.

Sandtor Harbor & Traditional Ship Harbor

Right opposite, historical ships are anchored. The walkways in the Traditional Ship Harbor are freely accessible. Especially on a light windy day, you can feel how close you are to real harbor life here.

Vasco da Gama Square – a Quiet Transition

Vasco da Gama Square is a small square with water basins and benches. It’s quieter and more relaxed here – a good place for a coffee or snack.

Stop: International Maritime Museum

Now you’ve arrived at the oldest building in HafenCity. The Maritime Museum is full of stories – from miniature fleets to uniforms to a real captain’s bridge. Anyone interested in shipping will find this place fascinating.

Detour: Oversee Quarter

In the middle of the quarter: modern offices, dining options, and a subway entrance that looks like a spaceship. Everything is open, urban, and thoughtfully designed. Here you experience how former harbor area became a city – and continues to evolve.

Stop: HafenCity InfoCenter

In the historic kettle house, you’ll learn through exciting models and information panels how HafenCity was planned and how the district is developing. Particularly impressive is the large city model with light projections.

Lohsepark

A few minutes further lies Lohsepark, the largest green space in HafenCity. Quiet, spacious, and with plenty of room to breathe. On the edge is the memorial of the Hanover Station, an important memorial site for the deportation of Hamburg's Jews, Roma, and Sinti during National Socialism.

Baaken Harbor & Baaken Park

Cross the bridge to reach the eastern part of HafenCity. Here you will find Baaken Park, a green peninsula in the water with sports areas, swings, climbing equipment, and plenty of space – a worthwhile stop, especially for families.

Viewpoint Baakenhöft

You reach the easternmost point of HafenCity. It is quieter here. In front of you lies the Elbe, behind it container terminals and the vastness of the harbor. A strong finale for your walk.

Return Trip by HADAG Ferry

If you don’t want to take the same route back: The “Elbphilharmonie” dock (Line 72) is very close by. With an HVV ticket, you can simply hop on one of the HADAG Elbe ferries and comfortably ride to the Landungsbrücken or back to the Elphi. The view from the water is another real highlight – completely free of charge compared to the harbor tour. Or you can start a second round trip from there along the waterway.

Tip: Between Station 9 and 10, it’s worth taking a short detour to the pedestrian bridge “Baakenhafenquerschlag.” From there, you get a rare perspective of both harbor basins – especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the light casts a soft glow over the water. Almost no one knows this spot – yet it’s right on the route.