Is St. Georg safe for tourists?

Yes, St. Georg is safe for tourists, especially during the day and early evening. It is a vibrant residential and commercial area, though like many districts near a Central Station, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings in crowded spots like Hansaplatz.

What are the highlights of this walking route?

The main highlights include the grand Hotel Atlantic, the artistic Museum of Art and Industry, the colorful Lange Reihe street, and the historic St. Marien Dom. It offers a mix of high-culture, local history, and modern diversity.

Can I do this self-guided walk in the evening?

Yes, the area is very lively in the evening, particularly the restaurants on Lange Reihe. However, the museums and the cathedral will be closed, and the Alster views are best enjoyed during daylight or sunset.

Is the St. Georg neighborhood walk wheelchair accessible?

The route is largely accessible as St. Georg is quite flat. The sidewalks are wide and paved, though you should be careful with occasional cobblestones or uneven pavement in older sections.

Where does the walking route start?

The route begins at the Museum of Art and Industry (MK&G), which is located directly across from the Hamburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) at the 'Kirchenallee' exit.

Is St. Georg the LGBTQ+ district of Hamburg?

Yes, St. Georg, specifically the area around Lange Reihe, is the traditional heart of Hamburg's queer community. You will see many rainbow flags and LGBTQ-friendly businesses throughout the walk.

Do I need tickets for any of the stops?

No tickets are required to walk the route and see the landmarks from the outside. If you wish to enter the Museum of Art and Industry (MK&G), you will need to purchase an admission ticket.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

St. Georg is arguably Hamburg's most eclectic and misunderstood neighborhood. Located just a stone's throw from the Central Station, this district is a fascinating tapestry of high-end luxury, artistic heritage, and a vibrant multicultural pulse. This self-guided walk invites you to look beyond the surface of a neighborhood that has transitioned from a medieval hospital site to the city's LGBTQ+ heart and a center for fine arts. You will discover how different worlds collide here—from the white-columned grandeur of the Hotel Atlantic overlooking the Outer Alster to the bustling, rainbow-flag-lined streets of Lange Reihe. On this neighborhood stroll, you will explore architectural landmarks like the Museum of Art and Industry, one of Europe's most significant centers for applied arts. You will stand in the middle of Hansaplatz, a square that captures the raw, unfiltered energy of Hamburg life, and visit the Ohnsorg-Theater, which preserves the unique Low German language. The route also takes you through the history of the city's Catholic community at the St. Marien Dom, a rare sight in traditionally Protestant Hamburg. This walking route is perfect for those who want to experience the 'real' Hamburg—a place where history isn't just in books, but in the diverse faces and storefronts of every street corner. Whether you are interested in the rock-star stories of the Atlantic or the social history of the district's transformation, this audio walk provides the context you need to appreciate St. Georg's unique character at your own pace. While some might consider a walking tour Hamburg's best way to see the city, exploring St. Georg independently allows you to stop for a coffee in a local bistro or browse the quirky shops of Lange Reihe whenever you please. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Marvel at the grand architecture of the Museum of Art and Industry

Experience the local atmosphere and Hansa-Brunnen fountain at Hansaplatz

Discover the history of Low German theater at the Ohnsorg-Theater

See the legendary Hotel Atlantic, home to rock stars and film sets

Walk the colorful Lange Reihe, the heart of Hamburg's queer community

Visit the Neo-Romanesque St. Marien Dom, Hamburg's Catholic cathedral

Tour Stops (6)

Museum of Art and Industry (MK&G)

Start your self-guided walk at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, or MK&G. Founded in 1874, this is one of Europe's leading museums for design and applied arts. The building itself is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece, designed to resemble a palace of culture. It was established during a time when Hamburg was booming as a global port, and the city wanted to educate its citizens and craftsmen in good taste and design. The collections inside range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern photography and high-fashion pieces. Take a moment to admire the grand facade, which stands as a gateway between the busy Central Station and the creative heart of St. Georg.

Hansaplatz

Walk a few blocks into the heart of the district to find Hansaplatz. This square is the social center of St. Georg and has a somewhat gritty but authentic reputation. At its center stands the Hansa-Brunnen, a 17-meter-tall fountain built in 1878. The fountain features figures representing the four major virtues: Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, topped by a statue of Emperor Charlemagne. Historically, this area was a residential district for the upper middle class, which you can still see in the ornate facades surrounding the square. Today, it is a place where various social groups interact, reflecting the neighborhood's complex social fabric.

Ohnsorg-Theater Hamburg

Next, we arrive at the Ohnsorg-Theater. This institution is a cornerstone of Northern German identity. It is famous for performing plays in 'Plattdeutsch' or Low German, a regional language that was once the primary tongue of the Hanseatic League. Founded in 1902, the theater moved to this modern location near the station in 2011. It has reached national fame in Germany through television broadcasts of its plays. The theater represents the pride of the local culture and its commitment to preserving regional traditions in an increasingly globalized city. Note the statue of Heidi Kabel nearby, a beloved actress who became the face of this theater for decades.

Hotel Atlantic Hamburg

As you head toward the water, the scenery changes dramatically. The Hotel Atlantic, with its iconic white facade and globe on the roof, has been a symbol of luxury since 1909. It was originally built to accommodate first-class passengers of the Hamburg-America Line. This hotel is steeped in stories: it was a filming location for the James Bond movie 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' and it has been the permanent residence of German rock legend Udo Lindenberg for decades. The 'Grand Dame' of Hamburg hotels offers a glimpse into the city's maritime wealth and its history as a 'Gateway to the World.'

Lange Reihe

Now, turn back into the neighborhood to walk down Lange Reihe. This is the main artery of St. Georg and the heart of Hamburg’s LGBTQ+ community. The street is lined with rainbow flags, trendy boutiques, and some of the city's best cafes and bistros. It is also the birthplace of Hans Albers, one of Germany's most famous actors and singers from the mid-20th century. Lange Reihe perfectly illustrates the gentrification and vibrant energy of the area. Please note that the storefronts and cafe names change frequently, but the welcoming, inclusive vibe remains a constant feature of this bustling street.

St. Marien Dom

Finish your stroll at the St. Marien Dom, the Catholic Cathedral of Hamburg. Completed in 1893, its twin towers are a landmark of the St. Georg skyline. It was the first new Catholic church built in Hamburg since the Reformation, serving the growing Catholic population that arrived during the industrial revolution. The architecture is Neo-Romanesque, featuring beautiful mosaics and modern stained-glass windows added after the original ones were destroyed during World War II. The quiet courtyard and the interior offer a peaceful contrast to the lively streets of St. Georg you’ve just explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walking route is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. If you walk at a steady pace without long breaks, it takes about 60 to 75 minutes to complete all stops.