Chilehaus Hamburg
A breathtaking 1920s Brick Expressionist masterpiece, Chilehaus resembles a ship sailing through Hamburg's Kontorhaus District.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Chilehaus Hamburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 1920s Brick Expressionist masterpiece, Chilehaus resembles a ship sailing through Hamburg's Kontorhaus District.
"An architectural masterpiece, don't miss this striking ship-like building in Hamburg!"
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the dramatic angles and ship-like bow. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for the best shots.
🚶♂️ Explore the District
Don't just see Chilehaus; wander the Kontorhaus District for more architectural gems.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ship-Like Facade
Iconic Expressionist architecture resembling a ship's bow, crafted from millions of dark bricks.
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Intricate Brickwork
Marvel at the detailed craftsmanship and dramatic angles created by the 4.8 million dark bricks.
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Courtyard Views
Discover a larger, more beautiful courtyard with restaurants and cafes behind the main building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Brick Expressionism
+1Explore the Kontorhaus District
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the dramatic angles and ship-like bow. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for the best shots.
🚶♂️ Explore the District
Don't just see Chilehaus; wander the Kontorhaus District for more architectural gems.
☕ Grab a Bite
Find restaurants and cafes in the larger courtyard for a break after sightseeing.
🧱 Brick Appreciation
Notice the 4.8 million dark bricks that create this architectural masterpiece.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the dramatic angles and ship-like bow. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for the best shots.
🚶♂️ Explore the District
Don't just see Chilehaus; wander the Kontorhaus District for more architectural gems.
☕ Grab a Bite
Find restaurants and cafes in the larger courtyard for a break after sightseeing.
🧱 Brick Appreciation
Notice the 4.8 million dark bricks that create this architectural masterpiece.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Chilehaus's stunning Brick Expressionist architecture, particularly its iconic ship-like form and intricate brickwork. It's considered an unmissable sight in Hamburg, offering fantastic photo opportunities. While it's an office building with no interior access, its exterior and the surrounding Kontorhaus District are highly praised.
"This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its striking, ship-like shape, with sharp angles and intricate brickwork that showcases the Expressionist architectural style.
The building’s facade is a masterpiece of brick design, and while it’s an office building with no interior access, you can spend about 15-30 minutes admiring its exterior. The surrounding area also features other interesting architecture to explore around on foot."
Vikash Parbhoo
"Very cool building"
Boris Nikitin
"Great building. 4.8 million dark color bricks, wow."
江文正
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chilehaus is located at Fischertwiete 2, 20095 Hamburg. It's easily accessible by public transport. The nearest U-Bahn stations are Messberg and Baumwall. From there, it's a short walk.
Yes, Chilehaus is centrally located within the Kontorhaus District and close to other key Hamburg sights like the Speicherstadt and Rathaus.
Driving is possible, but parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. Public transport is generally recommended.
Walking is the best way to explore Chilehaus and the Kontorhaus District. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the architecture.
The exterior of Chilehaus is generally accessible, but specific accessibility details for the courtyards and surrounding areas should be confirmed on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to view the exterior of Chilehaus. It's a public building and its striking facade can be admired from the street and courtyards.
As an office building, there are no set 'opening hours' for the exterior. You can view it at any time. However, shops and restaurants in the courtyard will have their own operating hours.
Generally, interior access to the office spaces is not permitted for tourists. The main attraction is the exterior architecture and the courtyards.
The courtyards are typically free to enter and explore, allowing access to cafes and restaurants.
Chilehaus was designed by Fritz Höger and completed in 1924.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. The dramatic angles are particularly striking during golden hour.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography might require special permission. Always be respectful of the building's occupants.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the building's scale and dramatic angles. A standard zoom lens is also versatile.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the courtyards, which offer unique perspectives of the building's design.
The sharp, ship-like form, the intricate brickwork, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow make it incredibly photogenic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located in the larger, more beautiful courtyard behind the main Chilehaus building.
The restaurants in the courtyard offer various dining options. You can also find many other eateries in the surrounding city center.
Dining options vary in price. The restaurants in the courtyard might be mid-range, with more budget-friendly and upscale options available throughout Hamburg.
Absolutely. The courtyards often have cafes perfect for a coffee break or a light snack while exploring.
While not specific to Chilehaus, trying a 'Franzbrötchen' (a local cinnamon pastry) from a nearby bakery is a must in Hamburg.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a quick stop on a larger city tour. The nearby courtyards offer space to run around a bit, and finding a cafe for a treat can make the outing more enjoyable. It's a great way to introduce children to distinctive architecture without requiring a long, indoor visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the best light and avoid crowds. Experiment with different angles, from wide shots that encompass the entire facade to close-ups that highlight the intricate brick details. The courtyards also offer interesting perspectives.
🚶♂️ Walking Tour Participants
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to appreciate the building's scale and the surrounding architectural gems. The building itself is best admired from the outside, so it's a perfect stop for a brief but impactful visual experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Brick Expressionism
+1Its location on a prominent corner site further enhances its visual impact, making it appear to sail through the city. The intricate detailing in the brickwork, from the textured surfaces to the precise placement of each brick, showcases the craftsmanship of the era. While it functions as an office building, its exterior is a testament to artistic vision and engineering prowess, earning it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Kontorhaus District.
Visitors often describe the feeling of awe when first encountering the Chilehaus, noting its unique presence and the sheer scale of its brick construction. It's a building that demands to be seen from multiple angles to fully appreciate its complex design and the way it interacts with light and shadow throughout the day.
+1Exploring the Kontorhaus District
Beyond the Chilehaus, the district features other impressive Brick Expressionist buildings, such as the Sprinkenhof and the Messberghof. Wandering through the streets of this area allows you to immerse yourself in the architectural style and understand the historical context of Hamburg's commercial past. The district's layout, with its grand courtyards and interconnected passages, was designed for efficiency and grandeur.
Many visitors recommend dedicating time to simply walk around the Kontorhaus District after visiting the Chilehaus. It's a chance to discover hidden architectural details, enjoy the atmosphere of this historic business quarter, and perhaps find a charming cafe or restaurant tucked away in one of the courtyards.
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