I love that tunnel. It definitely is a must when visiting Hamburg. I’d love to try it with a car. It is open late which means you can visit it even though every other attraction is closed.

The old Elbtunnel is a relic from a not-too-distant past, when men were men and tunnels were... tunnels. This tunnel was built in the 1910s, back in the day when tunnels weren't built at gradual slope, but were dug straight down, across and back up again. If you're on foot, a flight of stairs or a modern elevator will take you down, if you're in a vehicle, the large shaft has three separate elevators for cars.

The tunnel itself is only a few hundred meters long, but is a lot of fun to walk through. Interesting detailing of marine animals (and a boot) can be found on the walls, and interesting bits of information are tacked up as well, such as a sign explaining that the tunnel was actually deepened (as in, relocated and placed deeper underground) in the 1980's. The acoustic quality of the tunnel is unique - we were down there with musicians on more than one occasion (a few guitar players and also 3 members of Sweden's Gothenburg Chamber Choir) and were treated to delightful improvised performances.

Upon exiting the tunnel from the other side (assuming you went in from Landungsbrücken) is a nice place to look over the Hamburg waterfront and most of the city's landmarks.

In the winter, it is several degrees colder in the tunnel than outside, so make sure to dress warmly.

When showing people around the city, I try to make sure not to skip the old Elbtunnel. I think it's one of the interesting and unique pieces of architecture Hamburg has to offer.

Here's a short clip I took while going through the tunnel with my younger brother who came for a visit in Hamburg.

Hamburg isn't really renowned as a tourist destination, but the old elbetunnel is pretty cool to walk along if you're in the area. It's one of the few genuine tourist attractions in the city.

During the week there are three car-lifts that allow cars to traverse the tunnel, but at the weekends it's reserved for walkers and cyclists.

This is a fine destination for an evening walk with your lover or a friend. Alternatively, if you're traveling by bike from Pauli or Altona to Wilhelmsburg, the Old Elbtunnel is the fastest, most enjoyable route.

I'm not entirely sure of the history of this place, but I'm told it's often used making war films. The main entrance is just a bit down from Landungsbrucken S/U bahn station, and is currently under some renovation so is a little bit hard to find. We pretended it was a secret. Once inside, you have the option of the lifts or the majestic wooden staircase which I took, and it's really fun, although maybe not recommended if you're scared of heights. There are also 3 vehicle lifts (it's a big shaft!) which are used to transport cars for a small fee in the week. On the weekend, there are no cars and it's free to pedestrians.

It's then a short walk underneath the Elbe to the other side, which brings you out in a bizarre industrial estate but affords great views of passing river traffic and the lovely bank on the other side.

Great fun!