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 is easy to reach from the waterfront near Altona Town Hall, with several entry points along the slope. It is open at all times and free to enter, so it is worth taking the different path levels to get a full view over the river.
A camera obscura housed in a black box in the park projects live images of the Elbe River into the foyer of Altona Museum at the same time. This means the same river view can be seen simultaneously from two different locations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
