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Hohe Brücke: A Historic Crossing

Cross the historic Hohe Brücke in Hamburg's Old Town for stunning canal views and a glimpse into the city's rich maritime past, connecting you to the heart of Hamburg.

The Hohe Brücke, or High Bridge, is a historic bridge in Hamburg's Altstadt (Old Town), gracefully arching over the Nikolaifleet canal. Its origins trace back to a wooden bridge from the 13th century, later replaced by a stone structure. The current brick and granite bridge, adorned with wrought-iron lanterns, dates back to 1887, a time when the Speicherstadt warehouse district was being developed. The bridge's height allowed ships with masts to pass underneath, a crucial feature for Hamburg's bustling port. Today, it offers picturesque views of the Nikolaifleet and the surrounding historic buildings, serving as a reminder of Hamburg's rich maritime past and architectural evolution. It is a great place to take photos and enjoy the scenery of the canals.

A brief summary to Hohe Brücke

  • Hamburg, Hamburg-Mitte, 20459, DE

Local tips

  • Visit during the day for the best lighting for photos of the Nikolaifleet and surrounding architecture.
  • Take a stroll along the Nikolaifleet after crossing the bridge to explore the historic Deichstraße.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the U3 U-Bahn line towards Schlump/Barmbek. Get off at the Rathaus station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Hohe Brücke. Walk south towards the Rathausmarkt, then continue along the canal (Nikolaifleet) until you reach the bridge. A single ride ticket within Hamburg (rings A and B) costs around €3.80.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Altstadt (Old Town) area, for example, near the Rathaus (City Hall), Hohe Brücke is easily accessible by foot. From the Rathausmarkt, walk south towards the Nikolaifleet canal. The bridge is a short walk along the canal, approximately 10 minutes from the Rathaus. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Hohe Brücke will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €10-€15. Ask the driver to take you to Hohe Brücke near Deichstraße.

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Discover more about Hohe Brücke

The Hohe Brücke, a seemingly simple bridge in Hamburg, carries within it centuries of the city's vibrant history and maritime significance. Spanning the Nikolaifleet canal in the heart of Hamburg's Altstadt, this bridge is more than just a crossing point; it's a tangible link to the city's past, offering a glimpse into its evolution from a medieval trading hub to a modern metropolis. The bridge's story begins in the 13th century with a humble wooden structure that facilitated movement across the Nikolaifleet. As Hamburg grew in importance as a trading port, the need for a more robust crossing became apparent. In 1615, the wooden bridge was replaced by a stone construction, a testament to the city's increasing prosperity and ambition. However, this stone bridge was not to last, and by 1756, it had to be dismantled and replaced with a new wooden superstructure built upon the existing pillars. Throughout the centuries, the Hohe Brücke underwent numerous renovations and modifications, reflecting the changing needs of the city. In 1860, the roadway was paved, further solidifying its role as a vital transportation artery. However, the most significant transformation occurred in 1886 and 1887, during a period of intense development in Hamburg. As the Speicherstadt, the world's largest warehouse district, began to take shape, the Hohe Brücke was rebuilt in its current form. Designed by Franz Andreas Meyer, the new bridge was constructed with a brick facade, a granite balustrade, and ornate wrought-iron lanterns, reflecting the architectural style of the surrounding Speicherstadt. The name "Hohe Brücke," meaning "High Bridge," is derived from its elevated height, which was essential for allowing ships with masts to navigate the Nikolaifleet. This feature was crucial for Hamburg's maritime trade, as it enabled vessels to transport goods directly to the warehouses and businesses located along the canal. The bridge, therefore, played a vital role in facilitating the flow of commerce and contributing to Hamburg's economic success. Today, the Hohe Brücke stands as a testament to Hamburg's rich history and architectural heritage. Its location on the Nikolaifleet, the original nucleus of the Port of Hamburg, adds to its historical significance. The Nikolaifleet, which was designated as such in 1916, marks the spot where the development of the current Port of Hamburg began in 1188. The area between Holzbrücke and Hoher Brücke represents the last remaining section of the Fleet, showcasing the traditional architecture of old Hamburg. The narrow, tall fronts of the old outer dike houses on Deichstraße stand diagonally opposite those of four warehouses on Cremon. Only the foundations of the remaining historical Fleet buildings have been largely preserved. Until the 19th century, goods were loaded onto the warehouses here by waterway. Walking across the Hohe Brücke today, visitors can soak in the atmosphere of this historic area. The bridge offers stunning views of the Nikolaifleet, with its charming canals, historic buildings, and bustling activity. The nearby Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to the area's allure, with its impressive red-brick warehouses and intricate network of canals. The Hohe Brücke also provides easy access to other notable landmarks, such as St. Katharinen Church, a beautiful Baroque church that stands as a symbol of Hamburg's religious heritage. In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Hohe Brücke also offers a glimpse into Hamburg's vibrant cultural scene. The area surrounding the bridge is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a diverse range of culinary delights and retail experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional German cuisine, sample international flavors, or browse through unique souvenirs and handicrafts. The Hohe Brücke is more than just a bridge; it is a living monument to Hamburg's past, present, and future. It is a place where history, architecture, culture, and commerce converge, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to soak in the atmosphere of Hamburg, the Hohe Brücke is a must-see destination. After the North Sea flood of 1962, a barrier was built south of the bridge to protect the city from future flooding. South of the bridge, at house number 2, is a listed building built in 1887/88. The yellow brick building was used as a residence for a crane operator who operated four cranes that were a little further east. The New Crane from 1858 has been preserved of these.

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