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Architecture · Hamburgo, Hamburgo
Kontorhausviertel
Office-building district from the 1920s in dark brick, featuring the ship-bow–shaped Chilehaus; part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kontorhausviertel
The Kontorhausviertel (office-building quarter) lies to the southeast of the Altstadt, on the opposite side of the canal from the Speicherstadt. It was built between the First and Second World Wars under the planning of the city’s chief architect, Fritz Schumacher, with buildings up to ten storeys in dark brick, in the style known as brick expressionism (Backsteinexpressionismus).
The highlight is the Chilehaus, built between 1922 and 1924 by architect Fritz Höger for a merchant who made his fortune from Chilean nitrate. With roughly 5,950 m² of plot and up to ten storeys, it was one of Hamburg’s earliest skyscrapers. The sharp eastern tip resembles a ship’s bow and became an icon of expressionist architecture.
Around Burchardplatz stand other buildings of the same period, such as the Sprinkenhof and the Messberghof, with worked brick façades, ceramic details and decorated entrances. Since 2015 the central part of the quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Speicherstadt.
The buildings are still used as offices, so visiting is mostly from the outside. In some you can glimpse the staircase and the entrance hall during business hours, discreetly.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to an hour to walk around the Chilehaus and the buildings on Burchardplatz.
Best time
On weekdays, when entrance halls are usually open. The tip of the Chilehaus looks best in morning light.
How to get there
U-Bahn U1 to Meßberg, which is next to the Chilehaus, or a 10-minute walk from the central station or the Rathaus.
Tip
The classic photo of the Chilehaus 'bow' is taken from the corner of Burchardstraße and the Pumpen. From there, cross the bridge to the Speicherstadt and continue on foot to the HafenCity.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kontorhausviertel
What is the Chilehaus?
An office building from 1922 to 1924, designed by Fritz Höger, with a prow-shaped point. It is the symbol of brick expressionism and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Can you enter the Chilehaus?
The building is offices. During business hours it is usually possible to see the inner courtyard and some stairways discreetly; there is no organized visit to all floors.
Is the Kontorhausviertel far from the Speicherstadt?
No. Just cross the Zollkanal; the two ensembles are a few minutes' walk from each other.