ALTER ELBTUNNEL (FORMER ELBE TUNNEL)

The Germans, who specialize in huge undertakings, built this first river tunnel under the Elbe between 1907 and 1911. It actually consists of two tubes 24 m deep, 426 m long and 6 m in diameter; from the Landungsbrücken hall, one can descend by stairs or by one of the elevators that can take pedestrians and cars up and down. In the past, the tunnel was a technical feat, mainly transporting workers and dockworkers to the shipyards and cargo ships. With the transformation of industrial techniques in the port (e.g., the introduction of containers) and the construction of new bridges and the new motorway tunnel under the Elbe in 1975, the Alter Elbtunnel is now more oriented towards tourist use. Every year, about 300,000 cars, 65,000 bicycles and 700,000 pedestrians use it. It can be used 24 hours a day free of charge on foot or by bicycle; by car, access is limited to certain times. For the experience alone, but also for the elegant Art Nouveau tile decoration with a theme of aquatic fauna and the seaside, it is well worth the trip. From the other side of the Elbe, the view is exceptional! You can see St. Michael, Sankt Pauli and its colorful facades and especially the Elbphilharmonie, sumptuous. A unique experience at 24 meters under the sea, ideal to change the view of the city!