Image by Gängeviertel Hamburg (by: http://das-gaengeviertel.info/)

In the middle of Hamburg, in one of the countless office districts made out of glass and steel there is the Gängeviertel. Between Valentinskamp, Caffamacherreihe and Speckstraße are 12 houses with historically worthwhile, extensively original old building substances.

Many artists squatted the district and live and work there. Almost every night there are events like concerts, readings, exhibitions, installation and performances – all for FREE! You can visit the buildings from inside daily from 13:00 (except Mondays). The people there are very friendly and open-minded, can give you loads of information and tea.

Discover the different houses and rooms: Puppenstube (dollhouse), Butze (cubby), Tischlerei (carpentry), Fabrik (factory), Druckerei (printing house), Kutscherhaus (coachmen house), Kupferdiebe and Speckstraße.

The Gängeviertel is not only AGAINST everything, they have a new concept, a new use zoning plan. You can find very in detail on www.gaengeviertel.info (click on Nutzungskonzept).

I stop here to explain more about that beautiful, creative place – KOMM IN DIE GÄNGE – get on with it – get your own picture of it – your own view – ask and talk about what you think.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gängeviertel | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music, Relaxing, Theaters | Free
Caffamacherreihe 43 | City center | +4915789119142
Tue – Sun from 13:00 (special events check on website)

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by 25hours hotel hafencity

Since we did our last project in Hamburgs Hafencity we were more or less forced to hang around there. Locals are really sceptical towards the Hafencity, because it is an very fast growing and expensive area, dozens of new buildings and quays were built within the last years. The Hafencity is blamed to be a very clean and cold place, with no heart and no life in it. Frankly spoken – it needs to grow, it needs people who live there, cafés, bars and more shops. But if you embark on this area, it is amazing – at least that is what I feel. 

The place I love most there is Heimat Küche und Bar. It is the gastronomic part of the Designhotel 25hours. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, often with DJ’s. And since it is one of few bars there it is often really crowded.

The food is based on local ingredients and simple but really good. Try fish’n chips, that’s awesome. The interior is inspired by the world of shipping, harbour and Hamburgs warehouse district in combination with some design classics. I would be happy to have their chairs round my dinner table. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
HEIMAT Küche und Bar | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Restaurants (Local) | Main Dish € 15.00
Überseeallee 5 | City center
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Fleischberg

You should go to the Oberhafenkantine by foot because the walk is beautiful: You start at the Deichtorhallen (see article Deichtorhallen), walk over the Oberhafenbrücke and at the bridges’ end it is on the left side. The Oberhafenkantine is a very special place with a long history. And it looks very special, because of many storm tides and undercutting it is so crooked that I sometimes feel a bit queasy when I walk in! 

Since its opening in 1925 it was a place for dockworkers who got their coffee and their burger there. When landlady Anita died in 1997 (she worked there from 1925 to 1997!) the Oberhafenkantine was closed and then restored and reopened in 2006. It is a lovely place where you can enjoy some regional specialties. Everything is fresh and handmade. And in summer it is perfect when you sit outside next to the water and have some drinks. Next to the Oberhafenkantine is the Zollamt-Oberhafen a small off-gallery for contemporary art.  

By the way: The Oberhafenkantine marks the starting point of the Oberhafencity which is a huge area with epic free space and old warehouses directly at the Elbe. It is expected to develop within the next decades and is the antipole to the Hafencity. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Oberhafenkantine | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (Regional) | Main Dish € 12.00
Stockmeyerstraße 39 | City center
12:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Maren Beele

The basic idea of the Schmuckolädchen is to offer things that do your soul good (in case you are a woman): chocolate and jewelery. Thus they offer a very special and chosen range of fine chocolate specialties and favored selection of jewelery. It is a perfect place to buy some Christmas gifts!

The jewelery is created by designers from Germany, UK, Norway and Brazil and the owners just started their own range of jewelery products. You can find beautiful pieces in different price ranges. What I especially like is that you can get some extraordinary pieces that are affordable and that are not worn by thousands of other people (like it could be the case if you buy your jewelery at the big fashion companies).

In the chocolate section you may find everything your chocolate-loving heart desires: chocolate fondue, special sorts like mint-chocolate but at all time very fine and premium chocolate.

This place is a very cosy spot where you may find gifts for yourself or your friends and loved ones. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Schmuckolädchen | Shopping, Snacks | Chocolate € 5.00
Paul-Roosen-Straße 12 | City center | +494076753032
Tue – Fri 12:00 – 19:30, Sat 13:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

It’s raining again in Hamburg? Don’t let that spoil your vacation! Hop on the metro and visit the Deichtorhallen. Located between Central Station and Speicherstadt, they enjoy a reputation as one of the best known exhibition galleries worldwide. The two historic buildings, constructed from brick and steel, once served as wholesale vegetable and flower markets. After undergoing thorough refurbishment in the late 1980s, the structures now provide 6000 sq. m. of exhibition space for international photography and contemporary art.

As a hobby photographer, I favor the ‘International House of Photography’ where works of well-known and newcomer artists are presented highlighting the diversity of photography. A modern ambiance enhanced by tall ceilings and light colors ensure a rather delightful experience far from the often dreaded dull museum feel.

Currently, the House of Photography presents the exhibition Eyes on Paris with some 400 photographic impressions of the romantic city from 1890 to the present. Artists captured both personal and documentary moments pertaining to architecture, culture, and urban life. Overall, this beautiful vintage collection provides an exceptional historic overview of photography in 20th century Paris. This inspiring and impressive exhibition will be open through January 8, 2012. 

Bonus: There are free 1-hour guided tours every Saturday and Sunday at 15:00!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Deichtorhallen | Art & culture | Ticket € 7.00
Deichtorstr. 1-2 | City center | +4940321030
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

Ooooooh…I love this place! It just exudes history – past and present. After the old town hall fell victim to the Great Fire in 1842, construction of a new magnificent city hall was completed in 1897. It is here that the Lord Mayor Olaf Scholz has his seat of government. The high tower flanked by two imposing wings holding a total of 647 rooms exemplifies beautiful Northern German renaissance architecture.

Virtually unscathed in WWII, the copper roof, the carved sandstone on the façade, numerous turrets and bays, and as many as 20 statues of emperors and saints form a harmonious structural composition.

The splendor of exterior is met by an equally remarkable interior: ornate wrought-iron gates adorn the main entrance leading to the lobby that is frequently used for exhibitions. Its vaulted ceiling resting on 16 pillars and the two elegant marble staircases indicating the location of the senate (right) and the parliament (left) are just a glimpse of what this landmark has to offer!

The lobby is open to the public during regular business hours. The remainder of the building can only be accessed by means of a guided tour. Due to frequent official functions, tours are not available on certain days. Please call ahead for specific information. Don’t miss the beautiful courtyard with its cascading fountain!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hamburg City Hall | Art & culture | guided tour € 3.00
Rathausmarkt 1 | City center | +4940428312064
Mon – Thu 10:15 – 15:15, Fri 10:15 – 13:15, Sat 10:15 – 17:15, Sun 10:15 – 16:15 | courtyard open until 23:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

Gluttony is not a sin…when you’re feasting at the Friesenkeller. This wonderful restaurant, centrally located at the corner of Alsterarkaden between Jungfernstieg and City Hall, is Hanseatic cuisine and culture at its best. As you enter this culinary oasis via a winding staircase, you’ll find yourself immersed in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The rustic and timeless style of the location is rich in warm woods, glass tiles, earth tones, and maritime decorative elements.

The menu is presented in form of a newspaper – the “Friesenzeitung” – which is also available in English. Northern German specialties such as “Fischerfrühstück” with Matjes (variations of herring), or Labskaus (all you can eat!) An interesting selection of lunch specials is also available.

The cost of food is not cheap, but the good-sized meals are definitely a value for money, and include a very friendly and attentive service. I once got a little carried away: after having a Grünkohl meal, I couldn’t resist ordering some warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. After that I was absolutely stuffed, but happy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Friesenkeller | Restaurants (Northern German) | Grünkohl € 11.90
Jungfernstieg 17 | City center | +494035760620
11:30 – 22:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

Once an impressive Gothic church, St. Nikolai now serves as an anti-war memorial. You may wonder why as you approach the intact tower from Rödingsmarkt. The reason becomes evident as you walk around the structure where you’ll be surprised to find the nave practically non-existent: sadly, St. Nikolai was largely destroyed during WWII.

Merely skeletal window frames, desolate remnants of statues, and jagged wall fragments remain creating an eerie atmosphere that makes me want to turn back time and undo the damage.

Thanks to a group of locals who founded a society dedicated to saving St. Nikolai, visitors can stop by the crypt for Gospel concerts, readings, and exhibits. Serving as a documentation center, the exhibition hall currently shows photos and documentary films depicting the scope of destruction in Hamburg’s districts during the 1940s. Restored fragments of the original altar, illuminated stained-glass windows, as well as photos and drawings of St. Nikolai convey the former beauty of this church.

For a breathtaking 360º view of the city you can ride the elevator to the top of Hamburg’s highest tower. Impressions of the inner city, Speicherstadt, City Hall, the Alster, and the harbor from a bird’s-eye view will let you forget that you’re 75m above ground. Pictures on the platform present the view people had from the same position in the 1940s.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
St. Nikolai Church | Art & culture | Elevator & exhibition € 3.70
Willy-Brandt-Strasse 60 | City center | +4940371125
Oct – Apr 10:00 – 17:00 daily | May – Sep 10:00 – 20:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

In close proximity to Speicherstadt (see the Speicherstadt article), this brewpub is an ideal place if you are craving some traditional hearty German food and pilsener in a quaint setting.

The interior of the cellar is decorated in a wonderful rustic style: low vaulted ceilings, red brick walls, candlelight, and the shiny brass of large brewing vessels afford a delightful atmosphere. Wooden benches and tables add an authentic note. Generally, this restaurant is home to a lively atmosphere and, especially on weekends, popular with larger crowds. However, if you prefer a more intimate setting, you may want to sit in one of the large wooden barrels holding up to 4 people.

The menu features a diverse mix of traditional Bavarian and Hanseatic fare – delicious rich meals that are definitely not for people on a diet! Try interesting possibilities such as juicy pork knuckle, hefty sausage, and smoked pork chops. For a more “Hanseatic experience”, indulge in the tasty seafood platter that arrives with fresh ‘beer bread’. Or simply order some savory snacks, or one of the more moderately priced weekly lunch specials.

German food is not complete without beer! Gröninger Braukeller has its own beer brand and fun is definitely on tap when you draw one smooth pils after the other from a 10 l keg placed on a special contraption right at your table! Be sure to tour the Braukeller before you leave to get an idea of its enormous capacity!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gröninger Braukeller | Bars, Restaurants (hearty homemade) | Meat dish € 11.80
Willy-Brandt-Straße 47 | City center | +4940331381
Mon – Fri 11:00 – open end, Sat 17:00 – open end, Sun 15:00 – 22:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg

Image by Ute Kreitz

With its first tree planted in 1821, this green sanctuary currently comprises 47 hectares of Hamburg’s city center. Magnificent flowerbeds, well-tended lawns, and idyllic creeks provide a place of tranquility. Every section of the park offers different floral themes.

The Japanese gardens and tea house invite you to interrupt your stroll for a moment of relaxation. Families like to visit the enormous playground that may even have some fun in store for the ‘kid in you’, and some locals come here to play mini-golf, or with the over-sized chess game. 

Don’t worry, “Planten un Blomen” also has something to offer in the coming winter months! While the flora and fauna outside go into hibernation, you can reclaim a bit of summer when you visit the conservatory of the University of Hamburg. Experience the arid desert climate at the cacti house, admire a great variety of fern, and tour the tropical house for some colorful blossoms of banana and cocoa plants; maybe you’ll even spot some terrapins.

Once you’ve warmed up again, stop by the world’s largest outdoor ice rink (open through March 1, 2012) and perfect your skating skills on 4,300 sq. m. of ice!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Planten un Blomen | Relaxing | Free
Marseiller Strasse | City center
Park Oct – Apr 07:00 – 22:00, May – Sep 07:00 – 23:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Hamburg