Blankenese, Residential district on the Elbe riverbank in Hamburg, Germany
Blankenese is a residential district on the Elbe riverbank in western Hamburg, belonging to the administrative unit of Altona. The hilly terrain is crisscrossed by narrow lanes and stairway streets that run between villas from the late 1800s and grand houses with views over the river.
The settlement began as a fishing village and grew during the 1800s, when wealthy merchants and captains built their houses on the slopes. After incorporation into Altona in 1927, the district became part of Hamburg in 1938 and retained its upscale character.
The Treppenviertel takes its name from the more than 5000 steps that wind through the villa district and once helped fishing families reach the shore. Today locals use the winding passages as shortcuts, while visitors walk between the old captain houses and the well-kept gardens on the slopes.
The district can be reached by S-Bahn from Hamburg center, along with buses and Elbe ferries from the station. The many steps make the area difficult for strollers and wheelchairs, sturdy footwear is advisable.
From the 236 feet (72 meter) Süllberg hill, one can see container ships on the Elbe and the Airbus plant in Finkenwerder across the river. On clear days the view reaches the church spires of the city center and the harbor facilities to the east.
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