Altonaer Balkon, Elevated park in Altona-Altstadt, Germany
Altonaer Balkon is an elevated park in Altona-Altstadt, Hamburg, sitting on a sandy ridge above the southern bank of the Elbe River. Several paths at different heights connect the riverside promenade below to the green areas further inland, offering open views over the port and the opposite shore.
The site dates to 1638, when a row of trees was planted for Pallamaglio, an Italian ball game that gave the nearby street Palmaille its name. Over the following centuries, the sporting ground gradually became the public park it is today.
A bronze group shows three fishermen holding an oar together, made by sculptor Gerhard Brandes, recalling the people who once earned their living on the water here. The figures stand directly in the park and are freely accessible to all visitors.
The park runs between Palmaille and Großer Elbstraße, from house number 29 west to the Elbbergbrücke. Paths lie at different heights, and some have steps, so not every route is barrier-free. A kiosk with a café and outdoor seating is open in summer in the eastern section. S-Bahn lines S1 and S3 stop at Altona station, a few minutes' walk away.
Beneath the park runs the disused railway tunnel of the Altonaer Hafenbahn, sealed since the 1990s and listed as monument no. 11753. Little is visible above ground except the barred southern gate at the Elbberg; guided tours sometimes take place on Open Monument Day.
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