Deterrence and defense in Hamburg
We start at Hammaburg-Platz, the former Hammaburg from the 8th century, and discover what the defenses looked like at the time and what there is to know about them. Nearby, we find the former Bishop’s Tower and the New Castle, both the bishop’s and the count’s version of the deterrent against the other “head” from the 9th century.
The streets “Alter Wall” and “Neuer Wall” are the epitome of Hamburg’s medieval defenses – and its lines of expansion. Here we also learn what went on in these “border areas”. However, Hamburg made a quantum leap in terms of defense in the 17th century with the construction of the large fortifications, which served as both a defense and a deterrent. They are still present today in the street names: Steintorwall, Klosterwall, Glockengießerwall, Gorch-Fock-Wall and Holstenwall. Exploring these is an absolute must on this tour, even though not a single stone has been preserved.
The route continues past memorials to the First and Second World Wars, which we incorporate into our education today as a deterrent. We end our tour at a 20th century defense and protection facility: Europe’s largest, almost complete FLAK bunker from the Second World War. It was intended to provide protection for 18,000 people, while at the same time providing air defense. A building that stands for deterrence and defense in World War II like no other.
Brief information
Highlights:
Historic Hammaburg Castle
Alter Wall
Hamburg Bunker
Distance, approximate duration:
approx. 4 km, approx. 4 hours
Starting point:
Hammaburg-Platz, under the trees on Domstraße, 20095 Hamburg
End point:
Hamburg Bunker, Feldstraße 66, 20359
Getting around:
on foot
Note:
Of course, this tour can also be adapted (shortened or extended) according to your wishes. Please do not hesitate to contact me. For example, we could add a bunker tour (approx. one hour)
Distance: approx. 4 km
Free of physical barriers (Please note: to get to the roof garden of the bunker, you have to climb a few steps. An elevator leads to level 0 (former roof).
