Elbtunnel, Hamburg

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this first (now "old")Elbtunnel is 426,5 m long and has been inaugurated in the year 1911. It still serves as a connection between the southern city district Steinwerder and the inner city. There are 4 elevator buildings on each side that can carry cars and of course people. IT is open to cars weekdays from 5.30 A.M. - 8 P.M., only closed on Saturday.

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This is an amazing experience walking under a body of water......the river of Elbe. The building of this 426.5 meter long tunnel was started in 1907 ans was opened in 1911. The first river tunnel in Europe connecting St Pauli at the north entrance of Landungsbrücken and Steinwerder to the south end. The tunnel is both accessible by its winding stairways or by elevator down to 24 meter deep . Open 24 hours (except Decemeber 31) for pedestrians and bikers free of charges.

For motor vehicles , there is a time limit and closed during holidays /weekends:
Mon. - Fri. 05:30 Uhr - 20:00 Uhr
Toll fee is 2 Euro for a singleticket.*b

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The Old Tunnel beneath the Elbe River was opened in 1911. It was the sensational first river tunnel in continental Europe. It was build to offer easy and indepent transit of the river. No storm, nor ice could stopp the traffic.
The tunnel is almost 500m long and 6m high, between St. Pauli Landungsbruecken and Blohm& Voss-Warft in Steinwerder. At its best time more than 2 Mill. people used the tunnel. Now there are about 500.000 people, mainly tourists, who visit the tunnel every year.

On special times cars could use the tunnel, going down and up to the tunnel using an elevator.

Nowadays it is a very interesting experience to walk through the tunnel and see all its nicely decorated tiles. The use as a pedestrian is free. When you come before 10:oo a.m. then it is very likely you are almost alone in the tunnel. This a bit spooky but also very nice (no tourists).

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The old tunnel underneath the river Elbe is an architectural highlight. I like the simple stylish tiles held in white......
And not to forget you get a nice view over to the Landungsbrücken from the other end.....

An elevator is bringing you (and during the weeks your car as well) downstairs below the river bed. The tunnel was opened in 1911 and was used by many many port workers for which it was the quickest way to get to work.

Yes! cross the Elbe River by walking through the underground tunnel which is approximately a kilometer long. It was but a tunnel and when you reach the end, you will experience the panoramic view across the river, the city, the port and the shipyard called Steinwerder. I was told by my host, who willingly served as our tour guide thoughout our journey, that the tunnel was originally built to serve as a faster access of shipyard workers going to their place of work in Steinwerder. I have seen local people walking in groups which I can say that they are headed to work and some tourist who eventually take pictures. Cars and certain vehicles are allowed to pass the tunnel at certain times from Monday to Friday, but pedestrians are permitted to use it at all times. I would recommend take a walk to this underground tunnel, even for once and I assure you, there will be no regrets.

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Alter Elbtunnel / the old tunnel beneath the river Elbe is one of the possibilities to walk or to drive from St.Pauli Landungsbruecken to the Freihafen / Free-trading-Zone. That tunnel was built between 1907 and 1911. At St.Pauli Landungsbruecken you may take the pedestrian-lift or one of the 4 giant car-lifts and take a look.There is also a NEW Elbtunnel - it is for the highway and it is one of the most busy streets in Hamburg !
Elbtunnel is open day and night for pedestrians
For cars Monday-Friday 05.30a.m. till 08.00p.m.
ALL saturdays, sundays and holidays it is closed !
Cars, trucks, Mopeds, Scooters...everybody has to pay 2 euros
pay directely at the ticket-machine !
NO entrance-fee for pedestrians

BE CAREFUL when going through that tunnel and getting into the real Freetrading-zone at the other side !
When returning you might be checked for liquors, cigarettes etc. at the custom-station !

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There is an old and a new Elbtunnel in Hamburg. The new one is where the cars can go under the river Elbe to the other side on a regular basis. This is a "regular" tunnel. But the actual attraction is the old Elbtunnel. There are also cars, bikes and pedestrians going through this tunnel. But what makes this tunnel different is the access to it. Everyone (even cars) have to go down there via an elevator!! and the road down there is only 1,92metres wide!
Pay it a visit when you go to see the harbor at "Landungsbrücken".

Built in 1907-11, the oldest of the Elbe Tunnels links the district of St. Pauli with the island of Steinwerder.

The twin tunnel is 426m long, 4.70m wide, 4.50m high and runs just 6m below the river. Built for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians, the tunnel is decorated with ornaments and tiles and can only be reached by lift or down the staircase.

The interesting dome-shaped entrance hall on the north side was built by Ludwig Raabe and Otto Wöhlecke. Due to increasing amounts of traffic, even the New Elbe Tunnel has just been extended to an extra lane.

This picture shows the old Elbtunnel. It´s a nice adventure to walk or to go by car through this tunnel under the river Elbe because the cars have to go in an elevator before.

Visit the Alter Elbtunnel, it is 12 meters deep, has 426 meters long and was built between 1907 and 1911.

Walk to the other side of the river and enjoy a nice view of Hamburg.