Old Elb Tunnel, Hamburg

Old Elb Tunnel, Hamburg (must see)

The Old Elb Tunnel first opened in 1911. The 426-meter-long (1,398 foot) tunnel runs 24 meters (80 feet) underneath the river's surface. It was the first river tunnel on the continent.

The Old Elb Tunnel is open to vehicle traffic and pedestrians and connects central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the River Elbe's south side.

When the tunnel opened in 1911, it was a scientific marvel. Moreover, it considerably improved daily life for the tens of thousands of workers who could cross the river and reach their workplaces much more efficiently.

The tunnel is under the water table of the Elbe River, and work was completed under pressure to keep water from flooding the construction.

The tunnel is open 24/7 for pedestrians and bicycles and is open during the day for vehicle traffic. Six lifts carry pedestrians and vehicles to the tunnel.

The tunnel hosts an art exhibition. In addition, the Elbtunnel-Marathon takes place on the tunnel. Visitors can admire the original walls, which are decorated and display river themes such as fish and crabs.

Why You Should Visit:
The Old Elbe Tunnel represents a feat of engineering. It's free to pedestrians and provides an exciting look at the tunnel's architecture.

Tips:
After crossing the tunnel, visitors can enjoy views of the Elbe River and the harbor.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hamburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Old Elb Tunnel on Map

Sight Name: Old Elb Tunnel
Sight Location: Hamburg, Germany (See walking tours in Hamburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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