Old Elbe Tunnel
Hamburg
The Old Elbe Tunnel, officially known as the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel and colloquially as Alter Elbtunnel, is a pedestrian and vehicle tunnel beneath the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany. Opened in 1911, it was a groundbreaking technical achievement of its time, stretching 426 meters and situated 24 meters below the river surface. The tunnel consists of two parallel tubes, each 6 meters in diameter, linking the northern harbor area at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken with the docks and shipyards on the southern Elbe side at Steinwerder. Originally designed to ease the commute of tens of thousands of harbor workers, the tunnel features six large lifts on both ends that transport pedestrians and vehicles down to the tunnel level. Its walls are adorned with glazed terra cotta ornaments depicting local river life, including fish and crabs, as well as some unusual motifs like litter and rats. Although motor vehicle traffic has been restricted since 2023, the tunnel remains open 24/7 for pedestrians and cyclists, serving as a unique cultural venue hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and the annual Elbtunnel Marathon. Its distinctive architecture and historical significance make it a beloved landmark and a testament to early 20th-century engineering innovation.
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Astuce: For visitors, the best time to explore the Old Elbe Tunnel is during daytime for optimal lighting and photography opportunities. Pedestrians and cyclists can access the tunnel freely at any time, but motor vehicles are currently prohibited. It is recommended to purchase tickets for any guided tours or special events in advance, especially during festivals or concerts held inside the tunnel. Visitors should also allow time to experience the historic lifts and to appreciate the detailed terra cotta decorations. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the tunnel's length and the stairs at the lift entrances. Check the official website for temporary closures or special event schedules before planning your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The tunnel is 426 meters long and lies 24 meters below the Elbe River surface.
- •It was considered a technical sensation at the time of its opening in 1911.
- •The tunnel walls are decorated with glazed terra cotta ornaments depicting fish, crabs, and even litter and rats.
- •During construction, workers suffered from decompression sickness due to high atmospheric pressure conditions; three workers died as a result.
- •Since 2003, the tunnel has been protected as a historic monument and recognized as a historic landmark of engineering in Germany.
- •The tunnel has appeared in several films and music videos, including the German band Scooter's 'One (Always Hardcore)'.
- •The tunnel hosts cultural events such as concerts and the annual Elbtunnel Marathon.
Histoire
Construction of the Old Elbe Tunnel began on July 22, 1907, under the direction of engineer Otto Stockhausen and was completed in 1911.
It was built to address the growing traffic demands of Hamburg's expanding harbor, providing a reliable and weather-independent connection between the northern city center and the southern shipyards.
The tunnel was constructed using pressurized caisson techniques to prevent water ingress, a method also employed in large 19th-century engineering projects like the Brooklyn Bridge foundations.
Despite the advanced technology, the construction faced challenges including decompression sickness among workers, resulting in several fatalities.
The tunnel was officially opened on September 7, 1911, and later received historic landmark status and engineering accolades recognizing its significance in German industrial heritage.
Guide du lieu
Northern Entrance and Historic Lifts1911
At the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, visitors enter the tunnel via six original historic lifts that transport pedestrians and cyclists down 24 meters to the tunnel level. These lifts are remarkable relics of early 20th-century engineering and provide a unique experience.
Tunnel Tubes and Terra Cotta Decorations1911
The two parallel tunnel tubes, each 6 meters in diameter and 426 meters long, are lined with glazed terra cotta tiles featuring artistic reliefs of river life such as plaice, sturgeon, and crabs, as well as unusual motifs like litter and rats, reflecting the environment of the Elbe.
Southern Entrance at Steinwerder1911
The southern end of the tunnel emerges at Steinwerder, historically home to major shipyards such as Blohm & Voss. The entrance area preserves industrial heritage and offers views of the harbor facilities.
Cultural Events and Exhibitions
The tunnel hosts various cultural events including art exhibitions and the Elbtunnel Marathon, which invites participants to run through the tunnel. In 2019, a unique symphony concert was held inside the tunnel, featuring 144 musicians distributed along its length for an immersive sound experience.
Contact
Téléphone: 040 115
