Hamburg Rathaus
Hamburg
Hamburg City Hall, locally known as Hamburger Rathaus, is the majestic seat of the local government of Hamburg, Germany, housing the offices of the First Mayor and the city parliament. Located in the Altstadt quarter at Rathausmarkt square near the Binnenalster lake, this grand building was constructed between 1886 and 1897 following the destruction of the previous city hall in the great fire of 1842. Designed by a team of seven architects led by Martin Haller, it showcases an elaborate Neo-Renaissance façade with a copper roof that has aged to a distinctive green patina. The City Hall spans approximately 17,000 square meters and contains 647 rooms, crowned by a 112-meter tower with 436 steps. Inside, historical and artistic richness abounds, including the Emperor's Hall, the Mayor's office featuring the Golden Book, and the Parliament chamber. The courtyard features the Hygieia fountain, commemorating the cholera epidemic of 1892. Hamburg City Hall remains a vibrant center of political life and culture, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and official ceremonies, and stands as a proud symbol of Hamburg's independence and prosperity.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the Rathaus during weekdays when government sessions are not in progress for a quieter experience. The lobby is open to the public and regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions free of charge. Participating in the Long Night of Museums event offers a unique opportunity to explore the building's interiors. Tickets for guided tours are recommended to be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best time to visit is spring through early autumn when the surrounding Rathausmarkt and Binnenalster area are lively and pleasant. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors.
Interesting facts
- •Hamburg City Hall has 647 rooms, which is often mistakenly claimed to be more than Buckingham Palace (which has 775 rooms).
- •The copper roof has turned green due to natural weathering, indicating the building's age.
- •A hidden room in the tower was discovered accidentally in 1971, suggesting there may be more undiscovered rooms.
- •The courtyard fountain, Hygieia, honors the goddess of health and commemorates the 1892 cholera epidemic.
- •The balcony features a mosaic of Hamburg's patron goddess Hammonia and the city's Latin motto about preserving freedom.
History
The current Hamburg City Hall was built between 1886 and 1897 after the previous city hall was destroyed in the great fire of 1842.
The construction took nearly 44 years from initial design competitions to completion, delayed by political upheavals, economic crises, and other challenges.
The building was inaugurated in 1897, symbolizing Hamburg's wealth, independence, and republican traditions following German unification.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous dignitaries and served as a site of remembrance and celebration, including memorial services for the 1962 North Sea flood victims and events marking Hamburg's football championships.
The building has remained largely intact through wars and continues to function as the seat of Hamburg's government.
Place Guide
Grand Hallway and Stairwell to the Bürgerschaft1897
The grand entrance hallway leads visitors to the stairwell that accesses the Hamburg Parliament (Bürgerschaft) chambers, showcasing ornate architectural details and historical decorations.
Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall)1897
The second-largest representation hall named after Emperor Wilhelm II, used for official presentations and ceremonial events, richly decorated with chandeliers and historic motifs.
Mayor's Office with the Golden Book1897
The office of the First Mayor includes the city's Golden Book, where dignitaries such as former German President Paul von Hindenburg and the Dalai Lama have signed, symbolizing Hamburg's international ties.
Plenary Hall of the Hamburg Parliament1897
The chamber where the 121 representatives meet, featuring a ceiling partially preserved from its original decoration, despite renovations during the Nazi era.
Hygieia Fountain in the Courtyard1897
A fountain dedicated to the Greek goddess of health, Hygieia, symbolizing purity and commemorating the cholera epidemic of 1892; it also served a technical purpose for air cooling in the building.
Contact
Phone: 040 428312064
