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John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway

Walk in the footsteps of a Beatle at this iconic Hamburg doorway, immortalized on John Lennon's 'Rock 'n' Roll' album cover, and experience the city that shaped their sound.

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Step into rock 'n' roll history at the unassuming doorway on Wohlwillstraße 22 in Hamburg's vibrant St. Pauli district. This is where Jürgen Vollmer captured the iconic photograph of John Lennon in 1961, later used as the cover for his 'Rock 'n' Roll' album. While the doorway itself is simple, its significance lies in its connection to the Beatles' formative years in Hamburg, a period that shaped their music and cemented their place in rock history. The Jägerpassage, where the doorway is located, offers a glimpse into the gritty, artistic atmosphere that fostered the band's creativity. A visit here is a pilgrimage for Beatles fans, a chance to stand where Lennon once stood and soak in the atmosphere of Hamburg's legendary music scene. It's a reminder of the city's pivotal role in the birth of rock 'n' roll and the enduring legacy of the Fab Four.

A brief summary to John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway

  • Wohlwillstraße 22, Hamburg, Hamburg-Mitte, 20359, DE
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to best capture your own photo of the iconic doorway, as it can be difficult to see in the evening.
  • Explore the Jägerpassage beyond the doorway; it offers a glimpse into the artistic atmosphere of St. Pauli.
  • Combine your visit with a Beatles-themed tour of St. Pauli to delve deeper into the band's Hamburg history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), take the S31 towards Altona to Sternschanze station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk along Schanzenstraße and then turning onto Wohlwillstraße. Alternatively, take the U3 line to Feldstraße station, which is about an 8-minute walk. A single ride ticket within Hamburg AB zone costs around €3.60.

  • Walking

    From the Reeperbahn, head north along Hamburger Berg, then turn left onto Simon-von-Utrecht-Straße. Continue onto Wohlwillstraße. The doorway is located within the Jägerpassage on the right side of the street. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Wohlwillstraße 22 will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €12-€18.

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Discover more about John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway

The John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway, located on Wohlwillstraße 22 in Hamburg, is more than just a physical location; it's a portal to a pivotal moment in music history. This unassuming doorway within the Jägerpassage courtyard marks the spot where photographer Jürgen Vollmer immortalized a young John Lennon in 1961, a photograph that would later grace the cover of Lennon's 1975 'Rock 'n' Roll' album. While seemingly ordinary, the doorway's significance is deeply intertwined with the Beatles' formative years in Hamburg, a period that forged their sound and propelled them to international stardom. In the early 1960s, Hamburg's St. Pauli district, a melting pot of sailors, sex workers, and artists, became an unlikely incubator for the Beatles' raw talent. The band, then a relatively unknown group from Liverpool, found themselves playing grueling sets in the district's numerous clubs, honing their skills and developing their signature sound. It was during this time that they met Vollmer, a local photographer who captured their essence with his lens. Vollmer's photograph of Lennon, leaning against the brick doorway, exudes a cool arrogance that perfectly encapsulates the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll. The blurred figures of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Stuart Sutcliffe walking past in the foreground add a sense of motion and capture the energy of the bustling St. Pauli streets. The photograph is a testament to Vollmer's artistic vision and his ability to capture the essence of a band on the cusp of greatness. The Jägerpassage itself is a hidden gem, a quiet courtyard tucked away from the bustling streets of St. Pauli. The passage offers a glimpse into the area's artistic past, a reminder of the creative energy that once permeated these streets. While the doorway remains largely unchanged since Vollmer's photograph was taken, the surrounding area has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing face of St. Pauli. Today, Wohlwillstraße is a vibrant street, lined with cafes, bars, and independent shops. The area retains its gritty charm, attracting a diverse mix of locals and tourists. While the Reeperbahn, St. Pauli's infamous red-light district, remains a major draw, Wohlwillstraße offers a more authentic glimpse into the neighborhood's character. For Beatles fans, a visit to the John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway is a pilgrimage, a chance to connect with the band's early history and pay homage to their Hamburg roots. Standing in the Jägerpassage, one can almost hear the echoes of the Beatles' music and feel the energy of the St. Pauli streets. It's a reminder of the city's pivotal role in the birth of rock 'n' roll and the enduring legacy of the Fab Four. Beyond its connection to the Beatles, the doorway also serves as a symbol of Hamburg's artistic spirit and its ability to foster creativity. The city has long been a haven for artists and musicians, attracting talent from around the world. The John Lennon, Rock 'n' Roll Doorway is a reminder of this rich artistic heritage and its continued relevance today. While the doorway itself may not be a grand monument or a meticulously preserved historical site, its significance lies in its connection to a specific moment in time, a moment that captured the essence of a band on the verge of changing the world. It's a place where music history comes alive, a place where fans can connect with the Beatles' legacy and experience the spirit of Hamburg's legendary music scene. The doorway is a testament to the power of a single photograph to capture a moment in time and to the enduring legacy of the Beatles, whose music continues to inspire generations.

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