Old Elbe Tunnel

The St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel is a 426-metre pedestrian and cycling tunnel that has connected Hamburg's north bank at the Landungsbrücken with the working-class district of Steinwerder since its opening in 1911. Built during the Wilhelmine era to give dock workers a reliable year-round crossing — previously dependent on ferries — it ranks among Europe's earliest immersed-tube tunnels and drew international engineering attention at the time. The curved white-and-green tiled walls and cast-iron Art Nouveau ornaments remain almost entirely unchanged, and the four original wooden-cabined elevators are still in daily operation. Crossing is free; the south exit delivers visitors to an unobstructed panoramic view of the Hamburg waterfront and the Landungsbrücken — one of the quieter vantage points along the otherwise busy port.

Pedestrian tunnel under the Elbe, 426 m long, with vintage lifts that once carried horses and cars.