Right here at U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn, Ausgang Am Gojenboom, history echoes beneath the surface. This station is more than just a stop. It is a crucial part of Hamburg’s U-Bahn network. Opened on January 2, 1967, U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn initially served as the eastern terminus of the U3 line. Imagine a time when this was the end of the line.
The U-Bahn connected people from Horner Rennbahn to Barmbek. They traveled via Berliner Tor and Landungsbrücken. However, U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn’s role as a terminus was short-lived. By September 24, 1967, the line extended to Legienstraße. The line continued its expansion toward Mümmelmannsberg.
U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn has seen significant changes over the years. In 2009, the U2 line replaced the U3. Then, in 2012, the U4 line also began serving the station. These changes reflect Hamburg’s evolving transportation needs. The U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn adapted to serve the growing city.
In fact, between May 2023 and May 2024, U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn closed for a major transformation. This involved constructing a new side platform. This prepared the station to become a crucial junction. The U4 line will branch off towards Horner Geest. The U2 line will continue towards Mümmelmannsberg.
The new side platform at U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn opened on May 3, 2024. The changes are still ongoing. The U4 line’s branch is expected to be completed in early 2025. For now, trains from the city center terminate at the old platform. Passengers must change platforms to continue towards Mümmelmannsberg. This is due to the single-track bypass tunnel. It is currently the only one available between Horner Rennbahn and Legienstraße.
Originally, the eastern access of U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn was designed to be more generous. This was to accommodate transfers to bus lines and a tram that operated until 1976. An important piece of trivia is that a shopping center for daily needs was built around the U-Bahn access. A path was constructed under Rennbahnstraße. This allowed residents of Sievekingsallee to safely reach the U-Bahn and shopping center.
At the western end, near Gojenboom, an above-ground entrance hall provides access. It primarily serves residents near Bauerberg and Gojenboom.
Walking through U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn, look at the design. The walls were once covered with light wooden slats. They were replaced with fire-resistant materials for safety. The ceiling above the tracks is now dark. The central pillars used to be covered in dark tiles. In 2010, an elevator made U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn fully accessible.
Interestingly, behind U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn lies a rarely used storage area. It houses retired U-Bahn cars. Two DT1 train units from 1958 and a 1912 Hochbahn car are stored here. Their condition is poor. The future of these historic vehicles is uncertain.
As you stand here at U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn, consider its past and future. It is a station of constant change. U-Bahnhof Horner Rennbahn adapts to meet the needs of Hamburg.