In the center of St. Pauli, a 58-meter-high concrete structure from WWII now features a large garden atop its roof! I hiked the newly created trail and spent a night up there. Discover all the details about the Green Bunker in Hamburg here.
An Eventful Past: Architecture & History of the St. Pauli Bunker
Before gaining fame as one of Hamburg’s most talked-about sites recently, the Feldstraße bunker was already a notable part of the cityscape. Officially called Flakturm IV, it is among the largest bunkers ever built, with a floor area of 75 by 75 meters.
It’s not hard to guess what purpose the bunker once served: During World War II, it sheltered as many as 18,000 people, sometimes up to 25,000 during intense air raids in summer 1943. Built between 1942 and 1944 in record time, it was constructed with the help of forced labor, like many other structures of the period.
Its massive construction and enormous size are the reasons why the bunker remains so prominent in St. Pauli today. While many German bunkers were demolished after the war, removing this one would have posed risks to the densely populated residential areas nearby due to the powerful explosives needed. The outer walls are up to three and a half meters thick, making the bunker a true colossus. Today, it is officially recognized as a historic landmark.
Afterward, the bunker served various purposes, attracting many companies from the creative sector. The most famous venue there is likely the club Uebel & Gefährlich. Between 2019 and 2024, the roof was expanded and transformed into a green space, adding five new floors, a 560-meter mountain trail encircling the exterior, and a 1,400 m² rooftop garden with thousands of plants. Since summer 2024, the Green Bunker has been officially open to the public.
Looking for some helpful tips for your trip to Hamburg?
Here you’ll find all blog posts on Hamburg
Tour the St. Pauli Bunker: Head up to the Rooftop Garden
The mountain trail leads upward—a 560-meter-long, five-meter-wide path that spirals around the outside of the bunker. You’ll reach the top faster than you think, because the view changes with every level and you’ll always find new and interesting perspectives.
A rooftop garden covering approximately 1,400 square meters, with over 4,700 plants, is located at a height of 58 meters. It offers a unique panoramic view of Hamburg, including landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie, St. Michael’s Church, and the harbor. Just below, you can see the Millerntor Stadium, home of FC St. Pauli.
Book a guided tour of the Millerntor Stadium here*
On the top floor, there’s a small exhibit about the bunker’s history, along with the entrances to the hotel and its dining areas. The association Hilldegarden also examines the bunker’s legacy critically and offers guided tours once a month. More information here.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
You can visit the rooftop garden for free. However, access is limited, and there may be lines, especially on sunny weekends. You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks, strollers, or dogs.
There are a few hidden elevators, but they’re reserved for hotel guests (key cards are checked); I wasn’t able to find out whether visitors with limited mobility can use them as well.
For the best experience, visit on a weekday morning or during sunset, as the view is particularly stunning at these times.
The best way to reach the St. Pauli Bunker is to take the U3 to Feldstraße. Please note that the Millerntor Stadium is right next door, so the subway gets crowded on game days.
The St. Pauli Bunker Hamburg is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Staying at the St. Pauli Bunker Hamburg & Reverb by Hard Rock
One of the most exciting highlights is that, with Reverb by Hard Rock Hamburg now open, you can even spend the night on the roof of the Grüner Bunker! It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I have a soft spot for unusual accommodations, and if you’re ever on the hunt for a really special place to stay in Hamburg, I highly recommend checking out the Reverb hotel.
Actually, staying here isn’t as expensive as you might expect because of the location; the Reverb caters to a younger, mid-range crowd. Sadly, the Hard Rock vibe doesn’t always translate well, and I found the hotel to feel quite impersonal because it has few public spaces—mainly just the front desk and the restaurant.
Some rooms provide stunning views overlooking the rooftop garden’s greenery. The location is truly special: situated in the center of St. Pauli but surprisingly quiet due to its elevation. However, despite the elevator, the walk from the street to your room is quite lengthy—so remember to bring everything you need before heading out for sightseeing.
Food & Drinks at the Bunker
The bunker offers several dining options. I only sampled the café, which features a stunning panoramic window, but I don’t recall much else. Still, I recommend exploring the surrounding area, as you’re in one of Hamburg’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
For example, the Flohschanze flea market, one of the city’s premier markets, is held every Saturday on the site of the old cattle slaughterhouse, directly across from the bunker.
Right next door in the Karoviertel, you’ll find charming small boutiques, quirky shops, and adorable cafés lining the street. The vibe here is always so laid-back and welcoming that I genuinely enjoy returning here over and over again.
My recommendations for the Karoviertel:
Café Marktstr. 25 —a café serving simple bistro fare, and it’s so, so good! Be sure to try one of their sourdough sandwiches.
Hi, Karo Actually a small organic grocery store this place is great for a quick breakfast or a coffee on the go.
Tibreizh: Delicious Breton crêpes and galettes; lovely outdoor seating.
You can also find more dining tips in my Hamburg Food Guide
Disclaimer: My stay at Reverb by Hard Rock was part of an ongoing collaboration with Hamburg Marketing.
Leave a Reply