Speicherstadt Tourism

Speicherstadt in Hamburg is the largest warehouse district in the world where the buildings stand on timber-pile foundations, oak logs, in this particular case. It is located in the port of Hamburg—within the HafenCity quarter—and was built from 1883 to 1927. The district was built as a free zone to transfer goods without having to pay customs. As a result of the construction of Speicherstadt, more than 20,000 people were displaced and more than 1,100 houses were demolished. It is a 1.5 km long complex of red brick buildings with a distinctive neo-gothic architecture, standing alongside the waterways called 'Fleets'. Tourists can explore its museums, such as the Miniatur Wunderland, a museum featuring a large model railway, or the Hamburg Dungeon, which brings the city's dark history to life. The area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Walking through its picturesque streets reveals the evolution of Hamburg's maritime trade and the development of the city over the years.