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SPEICHERSTADT HAMBURG'S OLD WAREHOUSE CITY
History, Dungeons and Model Railroads

One the most distinctive sights to see along Hamburg’s Elbe riverfront whether walking or by boat tour, probably better by both, the Speicherstadt, meaning “Storehouse City” is a collection of century old warehouses built on the harbor for the storing of shipping freight. The red brick 120 year old buildings built originally in 1885-88 are distinguished by the ropes still in use today from which dockworkers lift the cargo from the water by men tugging a pulley to the floors above the water line. The floors are still used to hold coffee, tea and spices from around the world, but more important is “oriental” rugs. The Speicherstadt ships almost one third of the world’s international carpet production.

The Speicherstadt is a ten minute walk from Hamburg’s main tourist center dock. Walking the causeways from one warehouse block across the canals is a good spot to watch the harbor cruise boats and shipping barges navigate the canals with the Elbe rivers rising and lowering tides (see Hamburg Harbor). The harbor tour boats are located within a few minutes walk and usually start their journey through the Speicherstadt canals.

But if you’re not in the shipping business the complex also houses several museums and exhibitions. The Speicherstadt Museum which takes up two floors is a “hands-on” experience of the dockland life of tea and coffee traders, warehousemen, bales of rubber and measuring instruments, with historic pictures, maps and plans of this unique monument to cargo history. Admission is only 3 Euro. So, hoist a bale.

The Miniature Wonderland next door boasts the largest Model Railroad layout in the world with more than 450 trains and 7,000 carriages traveling through trees, figures, cars, platforms, houses and bridges make up an incredibly realistic model landscape with the trains controlled by a master computer for a complete realistic rail world, even to the shifting from day into night. Adults admission is 9 Euro and kids under 16 are 4 Euro or free if you've got your own miniature shorty under three feet.

And not exactly in the basement the Hamburg Dungeon is a themed attraction which presents over 1,000 years of history from the great Hamburg fire to the pirate Stoertebeker, with live actors and theatrical effects portaying Hamburg’s dark past. The central attraction is the water ride based on the storm tide of 1717 allowing visitors to experience the power of the wind and floods. The ride is about ten minutes and the price for the Hamburg Dungeon is about 15 Euro. It is one of several such attractions from this company in Europe, set up in cities like York and Amsterdam.

Also located in the Speicerstadt are the German Customs Museum, the Spice Museum, the Afghanistan Museum, and the HafenCity InfoCenter.© Bargain Travel Europe

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SEE ALSO:

FERRY TO LUCKY CITY
Glückstadt on the Elbe

ST. MICHAELIS - HAMBURG LANDMARK

SUPERMODEL SECRETARIES - HAMBURG

HAMBURG'S REEPERBAHN
Street of adult freedom, an all night party

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