Architectural masterpiece and sonic wonder on the Elbe
Address: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Platz der Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg | Built: 2016 | Height: 110 meters
The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is not only one of the Free Hanseatic City’s most popular landmarks, but is much more than just a concert hall with impressive architecture. The wave-shaped glass structure rises boldly into the sky above the historic Kaiserspeicher warehouse at the western tip of HafenCity. Without a doubt, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg has become a cultural and architectural gem and a symbol of the city’s deep connection to the spirit of music. This is why the events held there are so diverse. In addition to the entire spectrum of classical music, solo performances by renowned artists, jazz concerts, readings, and numerous other formats are also presented. Unique acoustics complete the Elbphilharmonie experience.
Directions and location of the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie is the absolute eye-catcher in the port of Hamburg and is located at the tip of the Grasbrook peninsula. The new landmark of the Free Hanseatic City is located in HafenCity and, with its impressive architecture, combines history and modernity in an exclusive way. Anyone taking a harbor cruise cannot miss the Elbphilharmonie.
Opening Hours and Tours
The public observation deck, located 37 meters high between the brick base and the glass superstructure of the Elbphilharmonie, is a crowd-puller and offers fantastic views of the city and harbor. However, there are specific opening hours for enjoying the view, admiring the architecture, or simply enjoying a delicious coffee. The opening hours are as follows:
Elbphilharmonie – Opening Hours
Elbphilharmonie Plaza
Daily 10:00 a.m. – Midnight (last entry 11:30 p.m.)
Elbphilharmonie Shop
Daily 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Elbphilharmonie Infopoint
Daily 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Visitor Center A, Kaierkai 62
Daily 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Admission Prices
Elbphilharmonie
The Plaza of the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie is free to visit. However, those wishing to take the “Tube” to the observation deck, the longest escalator in Europe, require a ticket, which is available at the Elbphilharmonie Visitor Center on Kaiserkai. A fantastic view is available for a reasonable price.
Observation Deck Prices – Elbphilharmonie
Admission Price Observation Deck
€6.00 per person
Guided Tours of the Elbphilharmonie
Various types of tours are offered through the Elbphilharmonie. In addition to Plaza tours, there are also public tours. These focus on the history of the Elbphilharmonie, the concert halls, and the unique acoustics. Such a tour also provides an interesting insight into the processes that take place during concerts. Further information on tours of the Elbphilharmonie can be found at https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/de/fuehrungen#oeffentlich.
Elbphilharmonie Guided Tour Prices
Plaza Tours
€10.00 per person
Public Concert Hall Tour
€20.00 per person
Accessible Tours
€20.00 per person
Accessible Special Tours
€30.00 per person
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg
What makes the Elbphilharmonie an exclusive building in Hamburg?
The concert hall in Hamburg, known as the Elbphilharmonie, impresses with its striking, modern architecture. The building perfectly bridges the gap between the historic harbor buildings and modern urban development. In addition to its outstanding architecture, the building impresses with its brilliant acoustics.
What makes the Elbphilharmonie’s architecture stand out?
The historic Kaispeicher A warehouse in the port of Hamburg forms the foundation upon which the Elbphilharmonie, with its modern glass façade, was built. The wave-shaped design of the roof, reminiscent of a water wave, is graceful and unique.
How long did it take to complete the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg?
After numerous delays, construction of the Elbphilharmonie began in 2007. It was completed in 2016. The opening took place with a grand ceremony in January 2017.
What was Kaiserspeicher A beneath the Elbphilharmonie used for in the past?
Kaiserspeicher A, built in 1963, is a historic warehouse where tea, coffee, and cocoa were stored. Hamburg’s Freeport declined in importance in the 1990s due to changes in global trade. The warehouse was no longer needed as a storage facility. Today, the Elbphilharmonie’s storage and technical rooms are located within the walls of Kaiserspeicher A.
Is a concert ticket required to visit the Elbphilharmonie?
The Elbphilharmonie Plaza, located between the historic Kaiserspeicher A and the new building, is accessible to visitors free of charge via an escalator and offers fantastic views of the harbor and the Hanseatic city.
Does the Elbphilharmonie have a nickname?
Like other buildings in Hamburg, the Elbphilharmonie also has a nickname. Locals affectionately call this new landmark and cultural monument “Elbphi” (Elbphi).
Elbphilharmonie – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The bold, wave-shaped building of the Elbphilharmonie, in whose shadow stands the historic Kaiserspeicher, is located at the western tip of HafenCity. The Elbphilharmonie is undoubtedly a landmark in terms of architecture and culture and a symbol of the Free Hanseatic City’s deep connection to music.
To get a closer look at the Elbphilharmonie, you don’t have to buy a ticket for a concert. The Plaza of the Elbphilharmonie is the observation deck, offering a magnificent view of the city. Its slanting columns are a sight to behold. The mirrored glass is particularly impressive. A light show lets you see all the way up into the concert foyers. You can walk around the exterior of the Plaza and enjoy a 360° view of Hamburg.
To create a special symbiosis between the shimmering waters of the Elbe, the sky, and the nighttime lights of the Free Hanseatic City, the building features curved and printed glass facade elements that make the Elbphilharmonie itself sparkle and shine. However, the Elbphilharmonie isn’t just for those who already know and love music. There’s even the opportunity to get in touch with musical instruments in the Kaistudios and the music education center located there. Workshops are offered to make music come alive.
There are only a few areas of the Elbphilharmonie that aren’t open to the public, such as the roof, which is only accessible for special occasions. Up there, Deichkind collected sounds for the “Sounds of” project, and panic rocker Udo Lindenberg shot the video for the song “Mittendrin.”
Historical Facts and History of the Elbphilharmonie
The ceremonial opening of the Elbphilharmonie took place on January 11 and 12, 2017. This unique building at the western tip of HafenCity has even attracted international attention, and the landmark of the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg has been featured in the international press for months.
Since its opening, 12 million visitors have visited the Elbphilharmonie and admired the magnificent panoramic view from the Plaza. The Elbphilharmonie’s architecture is a unique symbiosis of tradition and modernity. The design was created by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. A wonderful combination of red brick and delicate glass construction is the epitome of a special identity that represents Hamburg in all its diverse facets.
The Kaiserspeicher, which was used as a warehouse until the end of the last century, was given a completely new purpose. It became the foundation for 200,000 tons of steel that were added to form the building. The Elbphilharmonie rises 110 meters high and appears like a giant crystal with different facets, creating a new appearance every time. The mirrored glass reflects the sky, the waters of the Elbe, and the cityscape. Anyone who wants to experience the Elbphilharmonie’s sonic wonder up close should attend a concert in the Grand Hall or Recital Hall. These two concert halls are among the world’s premier venues and are used for diverse and contrasting concerts from all genres. While the Grand Hall can accommodate up to 2,100 guests, the Recital Hall seats 500. The elegant wood paneling in the Recital Hall creates a unique sense of space and an indescribable sound experience.
The halls were designed so that no concertgoer sits more than 30 meters from the conductor. A crystal-clear listening experience is created by the walls and ceilings being clad in gypsum fiberboard, which creates a reflection of the music in every angle. Thanks to a double-walled construction, no music leaks out of the halls.
The Elbphilharmonie’s high flexibility means that its program is filled not only with classical concerts, but also with jazz, pop, and electronic music from international stars. Thus, a broad range of music influences the Elbphilharmonie’s program.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Elbphilharmonie
If you’d like to discover even more sights and attractions after visiting the Elbphilharmonie, you should take a closer look at the concert hall to immerse yourself in the unique harbor scenery and its unique buildings.
A stone’s throw away is the Discovery Dock, Am Kaiserkai 60. This multimedia adventure playground allows you to see Hamburg from unseen perspectives via viral reality.
An interesting museum, Am Sandtorkai 36, in the Speicherstadt, is the Speicherstadt Museum. There, visitors can find documentation of the construction and use history of the historic warehouses and experience what life was like there back then. A wealth of interesting information about the old brick buildings is provided.
The Miniatur Wunderland, Kehrwieder 2-4, Block D, is also worth a visit. The Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg has been recreated on 200 square meters and enchants with its sights, which can be discovered in miniature. This allows you to embark on a journey of discovery in the Hanseatic city, not only on a large scale but also on a small scale.
A stroll through the vicinity of the Elbphilharmonie Hall automatically leads you to the Kehrwiederfleet canal. The canal is located where an island once stood in Hamburg’s city limits. Picturesque old brick buildings line the canal, which is spanned by enchanting bridges.
Immerse yourself in the world of spices at Spicy’s Spice Museum, Am Sandtorkai 34. The 350 square meter exhibition space is located on an original warehouse floor. More than 900 exhibits from the past five centuries are on display. The history of spice cultivation, production, and processing is also explored. Around 50 raw spices are also on display, along with information on their country of origin and cultivation.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Elbphilharmonie
In the immediate vicinity of the Elbphilharmonie, you’ll find several restaurants and cafés that provide a refreshing meal after a visit to the concert hall and a stroll through the surrounding area. Impressive views can be enjoyed in a special ambiance while delicious meals are prepared in the kitchen.
Carls Brasserie is located at Am Kaiserkai 69 and offers its guests a cozy atmosphere where they can feel at home. This chic harborside restaurant serves creative French cuisine with delicious fish and meat dishes. A wide selection of wines, soft drinks, and, of course, a cold beer are also available. Pure enjoyment with a great view included.
Address: Carls Brasserie, Am Kaiserkai 69, 20457 Hamburg
Bootshaus Grill & Bar HafenCity, Am Kaiserkai 19, is a chic restaurant with a cozy courtyard for outdoor seating and a great view of the harbor. The kitchen prepares delicious steaks with a variety of side dishes, as well as equally delicious seafood, salads, and other delicacies. The wide variety of appetizers is also worth trying to satisfy a small appetite.
Address: Bootshaus Grill & Bar HafenCity, Am Kaiserkai 19, 20457 Hamburg
Klein und Kaiserlich, located at 26 Am Kaiserkai, is a stylish little café with a tasteful, comfortable ambiance and a terrace right on the water. Guests are served Austrian coffee specialties, cakes, and fine, light dishes, lovingly prepared. This is a wonderful way to satisfy your thirst for coffee, your craving for sweet treats, and your small appetite.
Address: Klein und Kaiserlich, Am Kaiserkai 26, 20457 Hamburg
Kinfelts Kitchen & Wine, located at 56 Kaiserkai, is an exclusive restaurant with a special flair, where you can indulge in a unique way. The menu features European and international delicacies, prepared with fresh ingredients and presented in an attractive manner. The extensive wine list is second to none, and excellent advice is available to ensure the perfect pairing of food and wine.
Address: Kinfelts Kitchen & Wine, Am Kaiserkai 56, 20457 Hamburg
Restaurant Strickers Kehr Wieder Spitze is located at Sandtorkai 77. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an elegant ambiance. In fine weather, dishes from the kitchen can also be enjoyed on the cozy terrace. The kitchen prepares international and European specialties. Wine pairing menus are also available, which can be enjoyed with a magnificent view of the harbor.
Address: Restaurant Strickers Kehr Wieder Spitze, Am Sandtorkai 77, 20457 Hamburg