St. Pauli Piers — Attraction in Hamburg

The St. Pauli Piers (Landungsbrücken) are one of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks and the largest landing site at the Port of Hamburg. Stretching approximately 700 meters along the River Elbe, the piers have a rich history dating back to 1839 when the first pier was built as a steamship terminal. Today, they serve as a vibrant cultural, transport, and recreational hub, attracting millions of visitors annually to experience the heart of Hamburg’s waterfront life.

Historical Significance Originally constructed to provide a safe refueling station for coal-powered steamships on the outskirts of the city to minimize fire risks, the St. Pauli Piers played a crucial role in Hamburg’s development as a major international port. The piers were extensively expanded in the early 20th century but suffered significant destruction during World War II bombings. The current floating piers were rebuilt between 1953 and 1955, with later modernizations ensuring their status as a bustling harbor gateway and tourist magnet.

Architectural and Visual Highlights The piers are known for their distinctive 205-meter long terminal building capped with two striking green copper domes, which have become an architectural symbol of Hamburg’s maritime heritage and have been protected as a listed building since 2003. The floating pontoons, accessible via ten movable bridges, offer unbeatable views of the busy harbor and a constant parade of container ships and cruise liners. The nearby Pegelturm (water level tower) and easy access to the Old Elbe Tunnel add further layers of historical and functional interest to the area.

Visitor Experience & Attractions Today, St. Pauli Piers offer much more than maritime infrastructure. The vibrant promenade along the piers is lined with numerous fish restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and street vendors, contributing to a lively, festive atmosphere popular with both locals and tourists. The culinary highlights include fresh seafood, especially the famous Fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches), which visitors eagerly recommend for an authentic taste of local flavors.

For sightseeing, numerous harbor boat tours and ferries depart regularly from the piers, offering visitors the chance to explore Hamburg’s waterways and surrounding harbor areas in comfort. These tours provide unique perspectives of the iconic HafenCity, Speicherstadt warehouses, and Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Visitors with tickets to shows like “The Lion King” can conveniently use ferry transport from the piers directly to the musical theatres on the island.

Families appreciate the space for walking and photography, with the piers offering one of the best spots in Hamburg for observing the bustling harbor and ships. The combination of maritime history, modern harbor activity, and bustling social life creates an ever-changing environment that’s lively but also relaxing by the waterfront.

Connectivity & Location Situated in the St. Pauli district between the famous Reeperbahn nightlife quarter and Fischmarkt, the piers have excellent public transport access with S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations (Landungsbrücken station). The piers are approximately a 35-minute walk from Hamburg’s main train station, making them easily accessible for...

Jetties Hamburg in the Second World War The pier was destroyed in the Second World War. Today's swimming bridges were built between 1953 and 1955 as part of the reconstruction. In 1976 the piece between bridge two and three, which was totally ruined in the war, was rebuilt. In 1999 there were numerous renovations. The lighting and the roof have been restructured. The replacement of bridge seven was also planned. The landing stages today Life is seething here at the harbor by the landing stages. The most diverse people meet. Dock workers, fishermen, employees in the various offices and lots of tourists are a daily sight. Many sights are easy to reach. The “Landungsbrücken Hamburg” have developed into a veritable promenade in recent years. Not only souvenir shops, but also gastronomy have gotten a boost. The visitors are always amazed at the check-in hall and the two towers. One of them shows the time and rings every full and half hour. The water level of the North Elbe is also displayed. The building has been a listed building since 2003.The Landungsbrücken as a traffic junction If you want to book a harbor tour, you've come to the right place. The different destinations are approached from here. The Speicherstadt, the Elbphilharmonie or the island of Helgoland are only a small part of the large selection. Hamburg can only be properly viewed from the water. These trips are all moderated and give a good insight into the history of the Hanseatic city. S-Bahn, tram or subway also have their own stop here. In some cases, considerable renovation work was necessary to ensure that everything ran smoothly. For example, the S-Bahn station was partially re-tiled, stairs were laid and some exits created. The Hamburg Landungsbrücken got a completely different level of awareness in an early evening series that was broadcast between 1979 and 1982. Two seasons told about life and work in this part...

The St. Pauli Piers, or Landungsbrücken, are an iconic and must-visit spot in Hamburg for anyone exploring the city’s maritime heritage. Located along the Elbe River, this bustling area offers stunning views of the harbor, ships, and the city skyline.

The atmosphere is vibrant, with street performers, cafes, and souvenir shops adding to the charm. It’s a great starting point for harbor tours or ferry rides that let you see Hamburg from the water. The historic architecture of the piers, combined with the modern vibrancy of the area, creates a unique blend of old and new.

Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood at one of the nearby restaurants or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, the St. Pauli Piers offer an unforgettable experience. Perfect for photography, relaxation, or as a gateway to explore more of Hamburg’s...