Hamburg - Speicherstadt
At first sight, the idea of roaming around an old warehouse district may not seem all that appealing. But once you slow down and start really looking at the intricate detail found throughout the community, that's when it becomes fantastic. Since 1991, the district has been given historical protection. It was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site not long ago.
Since 1815, Hamburg was a member of the German Confederation—and after the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, Hamburg became a member of the Customs Union. A customs-free zone was created to separate the city from the part where traders could ship and store goods to keep the port free. The Speicherstadt was created.
The district was constructed between 1883 and 1927 in stages. The warehouse buildings stand on oak piles, and the quarter is crisscrossed by waterways known as fleets, which allow boats and ships through at appropriate tide levels. This permitted access both from the land and from the waterside. Traveling the narrow canals in small boats is the best way to appreciate the architectural details.
Enjoy the Speicherstadt by walking through the streets and over the many bridges. Several museums teach about the area's history, such as a spice and a customs museum. There are other attractions, such as the Miniatur Wunderland, a large model railway heaven. Or the Hamburg Dungeon with live shows about the history of the city.
If interested in the lives of blind people, there is a "Dialogue in the Dark." Here blind people guide through an exhibition that simulates everyday situations.
All in all, it is a great idea to explore this district by foot and boat alike for added insight.
Seeing the Speicherstadt by night when illuminations create a fairytale-like atmosphere should be part of the exploration. The district looks indeed more striking by night than during the day.
