Elbe Tunnel

The Elbe Tunnel extends 426.5 meters beneath the river with two parallel tubes measuring 6 meters in diameter and reaching 24 meters below surface level.

Opened in 1911, this engineering project required 4,400 workers using caisson construction methods to create a safe passage between central Hamburg and the southern shipyards.

The tunnel walls display glazed terra cotta ornaments depicting marine creatures of the Elbe River, including detailed representations of fish and crustaceans.

The tunnel operates continuously throughout the year, offering free access to pedestrians and cyclists while motor vehicles are no longer permitted as of 2023.

Four large lifts transport visitors inside a square domed structure at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken entrance to access the underwater passage.

Location: Hamburg-Mitte

Official opening: 1911

Length: 4,265 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 20359

Opening Hours: 24/7

Phone: +4940115

Website: https://hamburg.de/alter-elbtunnel

GPS coordinates: 53.54400,9.96650

Latest update: September 23, 2025 16:44