5 (36)
Hamburg
Hamburg Old Town & WWII Tour: Walk Through History!
150
Overview
Hamburg Historic Old Town and WW2 Walking Tour takes you on a journey through time in Hamburg. This 2.5-hour walking tour is perfect for anyone who loves history and wants to see the city's most important landmarks.
The tour starts at the beautiful Hamburg Town Hall (Rathaus), then continues past St. Peter’s Church (St. Petri Kirche) and the Patriotic Society Building. A knowledgeable guide shares stories about Hamburg's past as a powerful trading city and its recovery after World War II. The tour includes entry to a WW2 museum and a panoramic viewing platform.
Visitors will stroll along the historic Deichstraße, see St. Michael’s Church (Michel), and visit the St. Nikolai Memorial (Mahnmal St. Nikolai) and Krameramtswohnungen. This small-group tour, limited to 10 people, ensures a personal experience. Enjoy optional coffee stops at local roasters to taste Hamburg's flavors. 
Highlights
See Hamburg's Old Town: Walk through history with an expert guide.
WW2 Museum and Views: Go inside a WW2 museum and see amazing views.
Small Group Tour: Enjoy a personal tour with a small group of people.
Key Historical Sites: Visit the Town Hall, St. Peter's Church, and more!
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved learning about Hamburg's history.
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The guides are knowledgeable and friendly.
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Many enjoyed the small group size.
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The tour covers a lot of interesting places.
Some found the walking tiring.
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A few wished for more time at each stop.
The Journey
Hamburg Town Hall (Rathaus)
Marvel at the Hamburg Rathaus, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece that embodies the city's wealth and independence. Completed in 1897, this architectural giant boasts over 600 rooms, surpassing even Buckingham Palace. Admire the richly decorated façade, ascend your gaze to the 112-meter tower, and discover the Hygieia Fountain in the courtyard, a memorial to the 1892 cholera epidemic. Experience Hanseatic pride as you explore its architectural details and learn about its present-day function as the seat of Hamburg’s government. Rathausmarkt provides a stunning backdrop, making it a photographer's dream.
St. Peter’s Church (St. Petri Kirche)
Step into the medieval heart of Hamburg at St. Peter's Church, the city’s oldest parish, dating back to the 12th century. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1842, its neo-Gothic spire pierces the sky at 132 meters. Admire the striking brick façade, touch the bronze lion-head door handles, and discover historic artwork within, including a 15th-century Gothic altar. Outside, discover traces of old trade routes and imagine the bustling merchant life that once thrived around this sacred place. St. Peter's Church stands as a resilient witness to Hamburg’s rich and storied past.
Patriotic Society Building
Visit the Patriotic Society Building, founded in 1765, a neoclassical structure that once housed one of Germany’s oldest civic organizations, pioneers in education, social reform, and public health. Once a meeting place for Enlightenment thinkers who shaped Hamburg’s progressive spirit, today its façade bears witness to the city's layered history. Pause by the Stolpersteine – small brass plaques honoring Jewish citizens deported during the Nazi era, a sobering reminder of the city's complex legacy and the importance of remembrance.
St. Michael’s Church (Michel)
Experience the iconic St. Michael’s Church, a symbol of Hamburg’s resilience. Rebuilt multiple times due to disasters, its 132-meter Baroque spire continues to dominate the skyline. Step inside to discover its bright, elegant nave and one of Germany’s largest organs. Ascend to the panoramic viewing platform (weather permitting) for breathtaking views of the harbor and city. Though the tour does not include access to the historic crypts beneath the church, your ticket offers the opportunity to return and explore this subterranean realm.
Deichstraße – Historic Street
Wander through Deichstraße, Hamburg’s oldest surviving street, lined with beautifully restored 17th–19th century merchant houses alongside the Nikolaifleet canal. These buildings, which survived the Great Fire of 1842, offer a vivid glimpse into Hamburg’s Hanseatic past. Hear tales of trade, floods, and fire as you stroll this charming alley. For a delightful break, indulge in an optional stop at Nord Coast Coffee Roastery, a local favorite renowned for its artisan blends and waterside terrace. This is the perfect place to pause and soak in the atmosphere of old Hamburg.
St. Michael’s Church (Michel)
Experience the iconic St. Michael’s Church, a symbol of Hamburg’s resilience. Rebuilt multiple times due to disasters, its 132-meter Baroque spire continues to dominate the skyline. Step inside to discover its bright, elegant nave and one of Germany’s largest organs. Ascend to the panoramic viewing platform (weather permitting) for breathtaking views of the harbor and city. Though the tour does not include access to the historic crypts beneath the church, this iconic landmark stands as a testament to Hamburg’s spirit and architectural prowess.
St. Nikolai Memorial (Mahnmal St. Nikolai)
Reflect at the St. Nikolai Memorial, once the tallest building in the world, now preserved as Hamburg’s central memorial to the victims of WWII. Heavily bombed during Operation Gomorrah, its haunting ruins and 76-meter tower serve as a powerful reminder of the war’s devastation. Ascend the tower via glass elevator (included in your tour ticket) for panoramic views and explore the underground museum, which delves into the history of air raids and civilian suffering. This poignant stop is essential for understanding Hamburg’s path of remembrance and its commitment to peace.
Krameramtswohnungen
Discover the Krameramtswohnungen, a charming collection of 17th-century apartments built for Hamburg’s merchant guild widows. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this hidden gem offers the best photo opportunities of Hamburg’s old town. Explore this optional but highly recommended spot—a haven for history lovers and those seeking an authentic Hamburg experience. Uncover a secret restaurant, a unique shop, and a cozy café, all nestled within this peaceful and historic enclave. Step inside to embrace a truly special side of the city.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entrance fees to the WW2 museum and panoramic viewing platform. It does not include coffee or tea. The meeting point is at Hamburg Town Hall (Rathaus).
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot. Bring some extra money if you want to stop for coffee at a local place.
Review Summary
Customers generally say that this tour delivers exceptional value for history enthusiasts, with guides like Calvin consistently praised for handling sensitive WW2 topics with respect and clarity while balancing Hamburg's beautiful architectural heritage. Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides, intimate small group atmosphere, perfect mix of educational content with engaging storytelling, and the comprehensive coverage of both pre-war Hanseatic League history and post-war reconstruction, though some note the walking pace can be demanding and weather can impact the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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