Lost in a sea of green? That’s the sensation of being at the heart of Sternschanzenpark. I will tell you the story.
Sternschanzenpark is more than just a park. It is a green lung in the middle of the city. It offers recreation for residents of the densely populated surrounding neighborhoods.
Once upon a time until 1866, this area was part of Hamburg’s fortifications. Sternschanze referred to the star shaped defense structures built outside the city walls. Later, the Altona Kiel railway company and the Hamburg Senate collaborated. They constructed a link south of Sternschanze. It connected the Prussian city of Altona Elbe with Hamburg’s train stations.
Now fast forward to the 1990s. Sternschanzenpark became a haven for drug dealers and addicts. It was a dark chapter in its history.
Today, Sternschanzenpark is a haven again. But a very different kind of haven. Locals come here to relax. They stroll, they grill, and they play music. Children enjoy the extensive natural playgrounds. In summer, street performers entertain visitors. The Schanzenkino Open Air shows movies under the stars. It is a fantastic experience.
The Schanzenturm dominates the park’s landscape. It is a former water tower. It was once the largest in Europe. The architect Wilhelm Schwarz designed it. He was employed by the Hamburg Waterworks. Construction took place from 1907 to 1910. The tower served its purpose until 1961. It stands 57.5 meters tall and has an octagonal shape. Its diameter measures 32 meters. It is a landmark of the Schanzen district.
The hill it stands on has its own story. In the 13th century, it was known as the Heidberg of Heimechhude. This hill is 28 meters above sea level.
However its conversion into a four star Mövenpick Hotel caused controversy. People protested against turning a park into a park with a hotel.
There is also the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Pöseldorf. It has a fire station rebuilt in 1999. You can see a smaller above ground bunker too. Café Sternchance operates from the former Norwegerheim. This was a kindergarten donated by Norwegian aid in 1952. In summer 1998 arson destroyed the Norwegerheim.
The Elisabeth Alten und Pflegeheim borders Sternschanzenpark to the west. The Freemasons founded it in 1795. In 2008, they added a new wing.
Sports enthusiasts use the park for various activities. Joggers run year round. In winter, the Schanzenhügel becomes a popular sledding spot. Boule players gather at the dedicated lanes in the northwest. These lanes see heavy use almost all year.
You will find an enclosed sand court in the northwest. It is used extensively when the weather permits. In the western part of the park is an artificial turf soccer field. It serves as the home field for SC Sternschanze.
The Sportvereinigung der Polizei von 1920 e. V. has its stadium in the park’s eastern section. Besides the club Hammonia von 1922 e. V. the FC St. Pauli uses this field. Its reserve teams play league matches here. Since 2008, there is also a small artificial turf field next to the main pitch.
In 2008, the Hamburg Parliament decided to move Sternschanzenpark. On March 1, 2008, it shifted from Rotherbaum to Sternschanze.
Today, Sternschanzenpark stands as a testament to Hamburg’s resilience. It is a place where history and recreation intertwine. Whether you seek relaxation, sports or a glimpse into the past, this park offers something for everyone.