In the west of Hamburg lies the Treppenviertel in the district of Blankenese. As you can guess from the name, it has made a name for itself with its narrow alleyways, numerous staircases and unrivalled views of the River Elbe. Originally a fishing village, over time the Treppenviertel has developed into one of Hamburg's most sought-after residential areas.

What makes the Treppenviertel Blankenese so special?

The architecture of the neighbourhood is characterised by a mixture of old fishermen's houses and modern villas. Many of the historic buildings have been lovingly restored and give the neighbourhood its special charm. The winding paths and staircases lead you through a unique scenery that invites you to linger and explore.
Historically, Blankenese was an important fishing village. Some of the oldest surviving fishermen's houses, such as Elbterrasse 6 from 1570, bear witness to this past. These buildings tell stories from times when life here was still characterised by fishing and seafaring.

The location on the Elbe slope gives the neighbourhood a special flair. The steep slopes and narrow alleyways are reminiscent of Mediterranean coastal towns and always offer surprising views of the surroundings. Especially from the Süllberg, the highest point in the neighbourhood, you have an impressive view over the Elbe as far as the Altes Land.

Secret tip: If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, visit the Treppenviertel in the early hours of the morning. Then you will have the alleyways almost to yourself and can enjoy the special atmosphere in peace and quiet.

1. Number of stairs: The district has about 5,000 steps, spread over 58 staircases.
2. Beach staircase: The most famous staircase, the beach staircase, has 170 steps and leads directly to the Elbe beach.
3. Oldest house: The house Elbterrasse 6 dates back to 1570 and is one of the oldest preserved buildings in Hamburg.
4. Highest point: The Süllberg, at 74.7 meters, is the highest elevation in the district and offers an impressive view.
5. Waste disposal: Due to the narrow alleys, waste collection here is traditionally done by bag collection, as garbage trucks cannot reach the houses.
6. Origin of the name: The name "Blankenese" derives from the Low German "blank ness," which means "white land tongue."
7. Transport connections: Some areas of the district are only accessible by foot, contributing to the quiet atmosphere.
8. Popular filming location: The picturesque ambiance makes the staircase district a sought-after location for film and television productions.
9. Parks: Several parks, such as Baurs Park and Hessepark, are located nearby and invite visitors to linger.
10. Population: Blankenese is one of the wealthiest districts in Hamburg, boasting a high quality of life.

The Treppenviertel is an ideal destination for everyone who enjoys being out and about on foot and wants to explore winding alleys. For families with children, the area offers exciting discovery opportunities; however, parents should be aware that the numerous stairs can be a challenge for strollers. For individuals with limited mobility, visiting is less suitable due to the many steps.

A visit to the Treppenviertel is free of charge. There is no entrance fee, so you can explore the neighbourhood at your own pace.

Tip: Use public transport such as the S-Bahn or ferry to get to Blankenese. This way, you can relax on your journey and concentrate fully on exploring the neighbourhood.

The stair district is a publicly accessible neighborhood and is therefore open around the clock.

The stair quarter of Blankenese is not a classic excursion destination with fixed attractions – that is exactly what makes it appealing. It's about slowing down, consciously exploring pathways that wind in all directions, and discovering surprising perspectives on the Elbe and its surroundings. If you enjoy being outdoors, aren't afraid of heights, and are up for a walk off the beaten track, you are in the right place here. Despite its popularity, the district never feels overcrowded – as long as you avoid weekends around lunchtime. Those interested in unusual neighborhoods will find what they are looking for here. Particularly lovely is the combination of the Elbe view, proximity to nature, and the feeling of being in another world, even though you are only 30 minutes away from the center of Hamburg.