Hamburg Inside & Out: The Old Elbe Tunnel
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port
Hamburg, Germany
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activityLevel
Strenuous Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$149
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehau
"Speicherstadt, originally developed on a group of narrow islands in the Elbe River between 1885 and 1927, was partly rebuilt from 1949 to 1967. It is one of the largest coherent historic ensembles of port warehouses in the world (300,000 m2). It includes 15 very large warehouse blocks as well as six ancillary buildings and a connecting network of short canals."
The Hanseatic city of Hamburg is also called the 'Gateway to the World'.
Embark on a guided journey on foot along the River Elbe to discover the details that lend Hamburg its special character. Wander through the historic Speicherstadt -- the world's largest warehouse district. Smell the fine spices, coffee and tea from all over the world.
Nearby is the new concert hall -- the Elbphilharmonie. Designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the Elbphilharmonie is an absolutely astonishing love-it-or-hate-it new build in a historic location. The warehouse that forms its base was constructed between 1963 and 1966, was used for storage of cocoa, tea and tobacco until the 1990s, so the building has retained its distinctive structure and traditional façade. Above the façade is a very bold statement in glass and metal, challenging the beholder to intellectually meld old and new. After 10 years of construction the building was finished in January 2017 and is now one of the city proudest and most debated landmarks.
Follow your guide to a platform called The Plaza. From here, enjoy a panoramic view of Hamburg and take some beautiful pictures of the city's skyline.
Next, you're headed to the famous Landungsbrücken district. Take the elevator down into the Old Elbe Tunnel. This technical sensation is located 75 feet beneath underground and features two tubes connecting central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the south side of the River Elbe. Four large elevator cages have been transporting people and vehicles below ground since 1911. 300,000 cars, 63,000 bicycles and 700,000 pedestrians use the tunnel every year. Try it yourself and discover the odd sensation of strolling beneath the river.
Return to daylight and follow your guide back to the ship. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
Please note: Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Tour requires approximately three hours of moderate walking. There are a few steps to negotiate as well as uneven and cobblestone streets. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour operates rain or shine, but may be cancelled by the operator in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions. Bring rain gear. Use of public restroom facilities costs between 50 cents and €1. Shops are closed on Sundays and holidays; a few souvenir shops may be open.