HafenCity, Modern waterfront quarter in Hamburg, Germany
HafenCity is a new quarter along the Elbe riverfront in Hamburg-Mitte district, covering more than 150 hectares (370 acres) of former harbor land and combining housing, workplaces, and public facilities. The area consists of several sections with different building types, bridges, canals, and squares located between Speicherstadt and the Elbe waterfront.
The city of Hamburg began transforming old harbor areas south of the city center into a mixed-use district in 2002. The plan included several construction phases over more than two decades to turn former warehouses and docks into a populated area.
The quarter takes its name from its position by the harbor and has grown into a residential area with offices, shops, and public spaces along the water. Visitors see modern buildings made of glass and brick standing beside wide promenades where people walk or sit in cafes.
You can reach the area on foot from downtown or by subway line that stops at several points, then move around on wide paths between buildings and along the waterfront. Most streets are flat and suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, though some bridges and stairs are present.
The entire development stands on artificial mounds raised about 8 meters (26 feet) above normal sea level, keeping it dry during high water. Every building base was elevated to protect the ground floors from Elbe river water.
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