THE REEPERBAHN
The world's most sinful mile
The sinful mile: Hamburg's Reeperbahn
The Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s legendary entertainment district, has been attracting people with its dazzling nightlife, wicked atmosphere and maritime charm for centuries. From seafarers and loose women to artists and musicians to tourists from all over the world – the ‘sexy mile’ has captivated many.
From a place of safety to a place of sin
The name ‘Reeperbahn’ dates back to the 17th century, when ropes (‘Reepe’) for the ships in the port of Hamburg were manufactured here. Over time, more and more pubs, dance halls and brothels settled in the area, attracting seafarers after long voyages. The Reeperbahn developed into a red-light district and gained notoriety in the 19th century as a centre of prostitution.
Hans Albers and the Golden Twenties
The Reeperbahn experienced a heyday in the ‘Golden Twenties’. Artists such as Hans Albers, known as ‘blonde Hans’, sang about the nightlife on the mile. Albers, who grew up in St. Pauli, became the epitome of the Reeperbahn’s charm and is still a legend today. You can follow in his footsteps at the ‘Hans-Albers-Eck’, a bar that commemorates the famous singer and actor. But that’s not all: a square has been dedicated to the Hamburg lad that bears his name – of course, very close to the Reeperbahn.
The Reeperbahn through the ages
After the Second World War, the Reeperbahn recovered quickly and became a magnet for soldiers and tourists. The Beatles played here in the early 1960s, cementing the Reeperbahn’s reputation as a music metropolis. Today, the nightlife still pulsates in the numerous clubs, bars and discos.
Tourist attractions on the Reeperbahn
- The Davidwache: The famous police station is a popular photo opportunity and the setting for numerous films and TV series.
- The Panoptikum: The wax museum shows historical personalities and stars from all over the world.
- The St. Pauli Church: The ‘Hauptkirche von St. Pauli’ offers a contrast to the hustle and bustle on the Reeperbahn and invites you to take a moment to rest.
- The Herbertstraße: The restricted zone for women is a relic from times gone by and is a frequent source of discussion.
A stroll through history
A visit to the Reeperbahn is like a stroll through the history of Hamburg. The ‘sinful mile’ has retained its rough charm and is a place full of contrasts, where tradition and modernity meet. Whether you want to enjoy the nightlife, explore the sights or just soak up the atmosphere, the Reeperbahn is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Contact / connection
- Rote Doppeldecker
Haltestelle Nr. 20, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße - HVV
U-Bahn: U3 St. Pauli - S-Bahn
S1, S2, S3 Reeperbahn
