Harburg is a charming district in Lower Saxony, 16 kilometres south of central Hamburg. The borough offers a multitude of sightseeing attractions for visitors. These include the Archaeological Museum, Cultural Train Station and Harburg Inland Port.
A good place to get a feel for the district’s heritage is at Harburg Inland Harbour. An exciting scene of docks and canals traverse through industrial areas. The old harbour and warehouse buildings blend perfectly with contemporary architecture, creating a diverse landscape. The area has become a coveted residential area which provides eateries and shopping next to the water’s edge. The Archäologisches Museum Hamburg is 10 minutes’ walk from the port. It houses unique archaeological discoveries from the region, focusing on northern German prehistory and early history. The museum displays over 2.5 million objects and hosts the largest collection of prehistoric discoveries in the country. Harburger Stadtpark is the ideal place for a laid back day with family and friends. The picturesque lake is dotted with grassy and tree-lined areas, perfect for a picnic, or day of waterside relaxation. Walk around the park to discover landscaped areas, quaint restaurants, a spa, sauna and water park. The dining options in Harburg are plenty. Travellers may choose to eat in a restaurant where the food arrives rollercoaster style, via a variety of chutes. Alternatively, there are Italian, German and Mediterranean eateries to enjoy.
Harburg is an easily district to navigate on foot. The parks, port and museums are reachable within 10-15 minutes. Harburg Railway Station operates regular train services in and out of Hamburg city centre. Prices are reasonable, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. There are also frequent bus services available in front of the rail station. Taxis and Uber operate throughout the district.
Harburg was named after a castle named “Horeburg” which stood in the area. It secured the eastern border of Lower Saxony. A settlement developed around the castle which later became Harburg. The district has a tumultuous history. It has been annexed by France, Westphalia and Prussia. It joined a united Germany in 1871. Today, Harburg is a thriving port district close to Hamburg. It attracts visitors keen to explore the archaeological finds of Lower Saxony and those eager discover more about Harburg Inland Port.