HafenCity

Overview

HafenCity is Europe's largest inner-city urban development project — a brand-new district of contemporary architecture, public plazas, and waterfront promenades built on former port land south of the Speicherstadt. It extends Hamburg's city center to the Elbe.

Highlights

• Contemporary Architecture: A showcase of international architects including Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, and Herzog & de Meuron.
• Magellan-Terrassen: Cascading waterfront terraces overlooking the Sandtorhafen — Hamburg's most popular urban hangout.
• Elbphilharmonie: The district's crown jewel anchors the western tip of HafenCity.

History

Launched in 2000 on 157 hectares of former industrial port land, HafenCity is planned for completion around 2030. It will expand Hamburg's city center by 40%, adding 7,500 residential units and 45,000 jobs. The project deliberately mixes housing, offices, culture, and retail.

Visitor Tips

• Architecture Walk: Follow the marked HafenCity architectural trail for a self-guided tour of the major buildings.
• Emerging: Some sections are still under construction — the western half is most complete and accessible.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.