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Elbphilharmonie

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Elbphilharmonie (Germany)

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The Elbphilharmonie, affectionately called 'Elphi' by locals, is an architectural masterpiece in the HafenCity district and the new landmark of the Hanseatic city. Designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building was completed in 2016 after a ten-year construction period. It rests on the foundation of the former Kaispeicher A, a massive brick warehouse from the 1960s, above which a spectacular glass facade rises. The wave-shaped roof structure reaches a height of 110 meters and houses three concert halls, a hotel, and private apartments. The centerpiece is the Grand Hall, designed according to the 'vineyard' principle, seating 2,100 spectators with the stage positioned centrally. A unique feature is the publicly accessible Plaza at a height of 37 meters, reached via an 82-meter-long curved escalator known as the 'Tube.' Despite significant cost overruns during the construction phase, the Elbphilharmonie has developed into a globally acclaimed cultural monument and a major tourist attraction.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C114913161818141052
Rain mm705550405871847158636371

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457 Hamburg
🕒
Hours
Plaza 10:00-24:00
💶
Entry
Free (online ticket with time slot recommended)
🚌
Transit
U-Bahn U3 to Baumwall (Elbphilharmonie)
🅿️
Parking
Underground parking available in the building, high fees
Accessibility
Barrier-free access to the Plaza via the large elevator
📷
Photos
Interiors only without flash, outdoor Plaza area permitted without restriction
Best time
Evening, when the city lights and the harbor are illuminated
🎧
Audio guide
yes, via the official Elbphilharmonie app

Geography

Coordinates
53.54130, 9.98420

Facts

  • Building completed in October 2016
  • Total height of the structure is 110 meters
  • Grand Hall accommodates 2,100 spectators
  • 82-meter-long curved escalator (the 'Tube')
  • Facade consists of 1,100 unique glass elements
  • Total construction costs were approx. 866 million euros

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Sights in the town Elbphilharmonie (10)

Plaza

Outdoor plaza around the Elbphilharmonie, offering views.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 10:00-24:00🆓

Mahatma-Gandhi-Brücke

Mahatma Gandhi Bridge in Hamburg.

Wilhelminenbrücke

Wilhelminen Bridge in Hamburg.

Hafenpolizeiwache No 2

Fictional police building from TV series 'Notruf Hafenkante', used for exterior shots.

Speicherstadtmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Hamburg, shows history of the Speicherstadt.

Platz Strandhöft

Square in Hamburg, viewpoint.

daniel und die kunst

Gallery in Hamburg.

Spicy's Gewürzmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Hamburg, dedicated to spices.

Speicherstadt

Part of Hamburg, historic warehouse district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza?
You need a ticket, available from machines or online. An 82-meter long, curved escalator takes visitors directly to the observation deck.
Is there an entrance fee for the observation deck?
Tickets obtained directly on-site are often free, but may be sold out during busy times. Online bookings cost a small reservation fee of 2 euros.
How high is the Elbphilharmonie?
The building is 110 meters high at its highest point. The publicly accessible Plaza is located at a height of 37 meters.
Are there guided tours of the building?
Yes, guided tours focusing on architecture and technology are offered. These often need to be booked far in advance as they are very popular.
Can you visit the concert halls without a ticket?
No, the concert halls are only accessible during a guided tour or by attending a concert. However, the Plaza provides views into the foyer.
Elbphilharmonie: where is it located?
Elbphilharmonie is located in Hamburg, Germany.
Elbphilharmonie: what is there to see?
Highlights include Elbe Philharmonic Hall, Plaza, Mahatma-Gandhi-Brücke.
Elbphilharmonie: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Elbphilharmonie: why is it worth visiting?
The Elbphilharmonie, affectionately called 'Elphi' by locals, is an architectural masterpiece in the HafenCity district and the new landmark of the Hanseatic city.
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