Finkenwerder

Finkenwerder is the place that is representing Hamburg’s idyllic countryside in all its glory. At the former Elbe Island you’ll find peaceful nature and a very different and unexpected side of the city.

If daily life gets on your nerves again, simply leave everything behind and make your way to the riverbanks of the lower Elbe. Here, you’ll find Finkenwerder, a district in the region Hamburg-Mitte. Often the name is Finkenwerder is only associated with the Airbus grounds but the districts counts almost 12,000 inhabitants. When leaving the Ferry on the other side of the city, one can easily become jealous of those 12,000 people. Here, where the Old Land begins, big city life seems far away. The present town center consists of historical brick houses that are typical for the architecture of the 1920s. Around the Rüschpark, the Süderelbe and Westerweiden the rural idyll and the traditional charm of the countryside are present as well. 

Strictly speaking, today the area is not an island anymore. After the heavy storm flood in 1962 new dyke constructions have led to more land connections.

Another highlight in Finkenwerder are the beautiful orchards. A cycling tour along the “Finkenwerder Landscheideweg” and the “Wiet” therefore is quite enjoyable. Next to the deep green of the meadows and the juicy apple trees you’ll see many old farm houses that totally make you forget the big city life.  Here, you’ll also here pieces of Low-German, a language that is still popular among the young generation. Moreover, the former Elbe Island is a place for fish enthusiasts. The plaice Finkenwerder style is known beyond the cities borders. The fish is traditionally prepared: filled with bacon, onion and shrimps from the northern sea and then baked in the oven. In Low-German one would say: Goadn Aftit!