Hamburg’s International Maritime Museum traces thousands of years of seafaring inside Kaispeicher B, a former warehouse in HafenCity. Its collection ranges from navigation instruments and nautical charts to ship models, maritime art and exhibits on ocean exploration.
The red-brick warehouse dates to 1879, when Hamburg’s port was central to the city’s prosperity. The museum’s collection grew from the lifelong passion of publisher Peter Tamm, whose archive gives the exhibitions the character of an ambitious personal collection as well as a survey of maritime history.
Across nine themed decks, visitors can move from the mechanics of shipbuilding to naval warfare and life at sea. The miniature vessels are a particular draw: their intricate rigging and tiny details reward a close look, whether or not you know your schooners from your steamships.
Allow at least two to three hours, and longer if you want to explore every deck. The museum is within walking distance of the U4’s Überseequartier station; check its website before visiting for current opening hours and ticket prices.