Old Elbe Tunnel : info and guided tour

Introduction to the Old Elbe Tunnel

The Old Elbe Tunnel in Hamburg connects the Sankt Pauli piers to the opposite bank by passing under the river. Located near the Landungsbrücken, this underground passage has become one of the city’s best-known historic sites, valued both for its original practical purpose and its unique character.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century to make it easier to travel between the port and the facilities on the other side of the Elbe, the tunnel reflects a time when engineering had to meet the needs of a major maritime city. Its deep-gallery design, reached by elevators and stairs, is part of its identity.

The site is famous for its tiles, light-colored walls and the very special atmosphere of crossing through it, which almost feels like stepping back in time. It remains a remarkable part of Hamburg’s urban history, both a technical structure and a tourist attraction, still in use and open to visit today.

During the visit, the main highlights are the two monumental entrances, the elevators and the long pedestrian corridor that runs beneath the river. The Old Elbe Tunnel also appeals for the views of the port around its entrances, which highlight the close link between the city, its maritime activity and this historic structure.

Discover Hamburg with a private guide

A private guide can help place the Old Elbe Tunnel in the history of Hamburg, explaining its role in the growth of the port, its technical features and what makes it so iconic. The visit then becomes clearer, with a more detailed look at the site and its urban setting.