Davidwache

Davidwache Hamburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Hamburg’s vibrant St. Pauli district, the Davidwache police station is a living symbol of the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and architectural heritage. Established in the mid-19th century and renowned for its striking brick expressionist design, the Davidwache stands at the intersection of the world-famous Reeperbahn and Davidstraße. Today, it remains an active police station, a protected historic monument, and an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Hamburg’s dynamic urban identity.

This guide provides an in-depth look at Davidwache’s history, architectural significance, visiting information—including hours and tickets—accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

For the latest updates, visitor planning, and further exploration, refer to Hamburg.com, Germany with Amy’s Hamburg tourist map, and Hamburg Travel.

Exterior view of Polizeiwache Spielbudenplatz (Davidwache) police station in Hamburg

Historic police station Polizeiwache Spielbudenplatz in Hamburg

Introduction
History and Origins
Architectural Significance
Cultural Impact and Media Presence
Visiting Davidwache: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Preservation and Heritage Status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Origins

The Davidwache’s origins trace back to 1840, when a modest police outpost was established to maintain order in St. Pauli’s bustling port and entertainment area. As the district’s nightlife and red-light scene grew, so did the need for a larger, more permanent police presence. The current building, designed by Fritz Schumacher and completed in 1914, quickly became an emblem of order in a neighborhood famous for its spirited freedom (Hamburg.com).

Architectural Significance

The Davidwache is a standout example of brick expressionism, featuring deep red brickwork, a steeply pitched roof, and ornate ceramic decorations by sculptor Richard Kuöhl. Schumacher’s vision was to create a building that harmonized with the Hanseatic cityscape and projected both authority and local identity. Key architectural highlights include:

Red Brick Façade: Embodies Hamburg’s architectural traditions.
Legionnaire Heads: Kuöhl’s sculptures along Davidstraße symbolize vigilance and protection.
Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) Elements: Flowing lines and decorative details enrich the building’s historic charm (hamburg-travel.com).
Nighttime Illumination: The illuminated blue “Polizei” sign above the entrance makes the station a popular photo spot, especially after dark (hamburgausflug.de).

A modern annex, added in 2005, expanded the station’s facilities while preserving its historic character, earning the “Building of the Year” award (hamburg.com).

Cultural Impact and Media Presence

Davidwache’s influence extends far beyond its role as a police station. It has become an icon in German popular culture, largely thanks to the TV series Großstadtrevier, inspired by the station’s unique setting and the challenges faced by officers in St. Pauli. Its cultural legacy is further enriched by The Beatles, who were famously detained at Davidwache during their formative years in Hamburg—a story celebrated in local tours and Beatles lore (Germany with Amy).

The station’s image frequently appears in films, documentaries, and postcards, and a detailed miniature replica is featured at Miniatur Wunderland, one of Hamburg’s top attractions (hamburg.com).

Davidwache also serves as a symbol of the ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and St. Pauli’s alternative culture, with debates around police practices and community identity often reflected in local art and public discourse (fink.hamburg).

Visiting Davidwache: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours & Admission

Exterior Access: The Davidwache’s exterior can be viewed and photographed at any time, as it is accessible 24/7.
Interior Access: As an active police station, the interior is not open to the public except for official police matters. There are no regular public tours or ticketed entry.
Special Events: Occasionally, special open days or cultural events provide limited interior access. Check official tourism resources for updates.

Location & Getting There

Address: Spielbudenplatz 31, 20359 Hamburg
Public Transport:
- U-Bahn: St. Pauli (U3 line), 3-minute walk
- S-Bahn: Reeperbahn (S1, S2, S3 lines), 7-minute walk
- Bus: Several lines serve Reeperbahn and Spielbudenplatz (Moxy Hamburg City)
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended, especially during evenings and weekends.

Accessibility

The area around Davidwache is pedestrian-friendly and accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Nearby public transport stations have elevators or ramps.
The building itself is not open for tours, so interior accessibility is not applicable.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Davidwache’s location in St. Pauli puts you at the heart of Hamburg’s most exciting district. Combine your visit with these nearby highlights:

Reeperbahn: Legendary nightlife, theaters, clubs, and live music (TravelSetu).
St. Pauli Theater: Historic venue with diverse performances.
Beatles-Platz: Tribute to The Beatles’ Hamburg years.
Miniatur Wunderland: Features a miniature model of Davidwache and scenes of Hamburg’s everyday life.
Hans-Albers-Platz & Große Freiheit: Iconic squares and streets famous for entertainment and music history.

Photography Tips:

Best views are from Davidstraße or Spielbudenplatz.
Early morning and evening provide ideal lighting.
The illuminated sign is most photogenic at night.

Safety:

The surrounding area is lively, especially at night—stay aware of your surroundings and secure valuables.
Respect the operational status of the police station by photographing only from public spaces.

Guided Tours:

Several walking tours of St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn include Davidwache as a key stop (GuruWalk).

Preservation and Heritage Status

Davidwache is a protected historic monument, ensuring that any renovations or expansions maintain its architectural and artistic integrity (hamburg.com). Its distinctive features—including the brick façade, legionnaire heads, and decorative ceramics—are preserved for future generations. The building continues to function as a symbol of Hamburg’s resilience and maritime spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Davidwache visiting hours?
A: The exterior is accessible 24/7, but the interior is not open to the public.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit Davidwache?
A: No; viewing and photographing the exterior is free. Interior access is limited to police business.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: There are no public tours inside the station, but many walking tours of St. Pauli feature Davidwache as a highlight.

Q: Is Davidwache accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The area around the station is accessible. The building’s interior is not available for tourist visits.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Reeperbahn nightlife, St. Pauli Theater, Beatles-Platz, Hans-Albers-Platz, Große Freiheit, and Miniatur Wunderland.

Q: Is it safe to visit Davidwache and the surrounding area?
A: The area is generally safe, but as with any busy urban district, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Davidwache is a remarkable blend of Hamburg’s architectural heritage, law enforcement history, and vibrant urban culture. Its striking red brick façade, artistic details, and storied past make it a must-see for visitors. Whether you’re a fan of German television, The Beatles, or simply fascinated by urban history, a stop at Davidwache offers a unique glimpse into the spirit of St. Pauli.

To make the most of your visit, combine your stop at Davidwache with nearby attractions and consider joining a guided walking tour. For up-to-date information on special events, guided tours, and visitor tips, use resources like the Audiala app and official Hamburg tourism websites.