Through the lovely, haunted Treppenviertel (“stairs district“) in Blankenese you can walk in 10 minutes from metro station “Blankenese” (green line s1 or s11) to the Lighthouse Unterfeuer (translated into “Lower Range Light“) which is a wonderful spot to see huge containerships from all over the world arriving and leaving Hamburg. The viewing platform gives you the best opportunity to wave your hands to sailors and captains while the fresh air is blowing around your face. 

If you’re in love bring a love lock to show yourself and everybody else your love. The platform on the top is starting to fill with padlocks.

Built in 1984, the Leuchtturm Unterfeuer is together with the – 1.340 meters away – Lighthouse Oberfeuer (“Higher Range Light”) the leading lights for ships going upstream along Elbe river. It’s 42 meters high, red-white striped and is remotely controlled by the nautical center Seemannshöft.

BTW: if you’re more interested in such things: Unfortunately Wedel outside Hamburg’s city limits – but if you have the time, go to “Schiffsbegrüßungsanlage Willkomm Höft” (ships welcome area) I can absolutely recommend it.

After a long walk through the stair district in Blankenese I also recommend the beautiful terrace of Restaurant Süllberg for a hot chocolate or coffee in the sun.