Encompassing several islands in the Elbe River, Hamburg-Mitte is the bustling harbour area of Germany’s second-largest city. Many of its former warehouses have been transformed into cutting-edge museums and cultural complexes while nature reserves and protected wetlands sprawl along the borough’s outskirts.
Things to do in Mitte
One of Hamburg-Mitte’s most impressive buildings is the Elbphilharmonie, which is one of the largest concert halls in the world. Inaugurated in 2017 with a concert by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, it features a modern glass construction atop an old brick warehouse. In addition to its 2,100-capacity Great Concert Hall, the complex features a smaller Recital Hall and the intimate Kaistudio.
Occupying one of Hamburg’s oldest warehouses is the International Maritime Museum, which exhibits an impressive array of model ships, vintage uniforms and artwork from the collection of Peter Tamm. Get up close to a 3,000-year-old dugout discovered in the Elbe River and see a reproduction of the “James Caird”, the lifeboat that was used by Sir Ernest Shackleton during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Learn about the people who have come and gone from Hamburg-Mitte at the BallinStadt. It is housed within the halls of a former emigration station that was reconstructed following its destruction by the Nazis. Discover what it meant to emigrate to the United States in the 19th century and learn about the life of the museum’s founder, Albert Ballin.
Getting around Mitte
Hamburg Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive from Hamburg-Mitte and has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Long-distance trains connect to the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof while S-Bahn services travel through the borough. Buses are also available for getting around Hamburg-Mitte, although many of the area’s attractions are accessible on foot.