The industrial monuments on, in, and nearby the water in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region open their doors during the Tage der Industriekultur am Wasser (lit. ‘Waterfront Industrial Culture Days’). Visitors can discover exciting insights into the world of industrial culture, take guided tours, explore unique exhibitions, or take a trip on the historic pile steamer Öderick.
Tage der Industriekultur am Wasser
Every two years, visitors can explore harbour facilities, locks and ships, lighthouses, water towers, bridges and mills up close. Every other autumn, the Waterfront Industrial Culture Days event (officially called Tage der Industriekultur am Wasser in German) provides a glimpse into over 100 monuments at 49 locations in Northern Germany - from Cuxhaven to Schwerin, from Ostholstein to Allertal and, of course, in Hamburg.
About the cultural project
The sites highlighted during the Waterfront Industrial Culture Days are predominantly maritime treasures of industrial history that are often little known to the public. Many of the events on offer are free of charge, while others can be visited at a reasonable price. The programme is varied and has something for everyone, whether you’re a history and technology enthusiast, attending the event with children, or even a sports fan.
An industrial experience
Waterfront Industrial Culture Days highlights include tours of historic work and cargo ships. Among other things, the Alster steamer St. Georg sails from Jungfernstieg along the Binnenalster, Außenalster and the Eilbek Canal to the Museum der Arbeit in Barmbek. The tour presents the Alster from a different angle than visitors might be used to.
Guided walks and cycle tours
Over the course of the two-day event, visitors to the Waterfront Industrial Culture Days can explore some industrial monuments in a unique way. Expert-led walks or cycle tours offer a completely different perspective on the many monuments. For example, in years past, a popular attraction in Geesthacht was the historical walk ‘German Powder for the World’, which provided new insights into the development of the local powder factory. Another popular tour followed the 2.5-kilometre path that Hamburg’s drinking water takes from Rothenburgsort to the former Kaltehofe waterworks.
Highlights for young visitors
Many events are also designed to appeal to families, giving children an insight into the various branches of industry on the waterfront in a playful way. For example, in past years the ‘Wind Force 10’ wreck and fishing museum in Cuxhaven told of dramatic accidents at sea and the hard work of deep-sea anglers. And it offered a handicraft activity for children on maritime themes. There is also usually a children's programme at the blue and yellow crane in the Harburg museum harbour. Here young visitors can experience being a crane operator!
Dates
2024 dates TBA
More information
Further information and programme at Tage der Industriekultur am Wasser (German only).