New Astra Tower

New Astra Tower Hamburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The New Astra Tower in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district is a modern architectural landmark steeped in local history and cultural significance. Rising above the city’s storied Reeperbahn, the tower combines a legacy rooted in Hamburg’s brewing tradition with contemporary design, sustainability, and community engagement. This guide offers comprehensive information on visiting the New Astra Tower, including its history, architectural highlights, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips for an enriching Hamburg visit (de.wikipedia.org; astraturm.de).

History and Origins: The Brewery Era
Architectural Significance and Urban Context
The New Astra Tower: Construction and Design
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Cultural Legacy and Community Role
Visitor FAQ
Summary Table: Key Information
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

History and Origins: The Brewery Era

The original Astra Tower was completed in 1971 as the headquarters of the Bavaria-St. Pauli Brewery, a symbol of Hamburg’s brewing heritage and working-class identity. Designed by Carl Friedrich Fischer and Horst von Bassewitz, its tulip-shaped silhouette—resembling a Pilsner glass—became an enduring part of the city’s skyline (de.wikipedia.org). The brewery complex, known locally as the “Altes Bavaria-Gelände,” was a major local employer and cultural anchor in St. Pauli.

Over time, the tower’s bold brutalist-modernist style garnered both affection and notoriety. The brewery’s iconic Astra beer brand further cemented its place in Hamburg’s collective memory (astraturm.de).

Architectural Significance and Urban Context

The original Astra Tower stood out for its gravity-defying, cantilevered design, rising 68 meters above St. Pauli. Its location above the Reeperbahn linked it to the district’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, weaving together threads of industry, entertainment, and urban life (astraturm.de). The building’s formidable presence made it a navigational marker and a symbol of Hamburg’s industrial evolution.

By the early 2000s, changes in the brewing industry led to the sale and eventual closure of the brewery. The original tower was demolished in 2005, with its absence lamented by locals who had come to see it as part of the city’s identity (abendfarben.com).

The New Astra Tower: Construction and Design

Completed in 2007–2008, the New Astra Tower was designed to honor its predecessor while meeting modern standards for office space and sustainability. The new building, developed by KSP Architekten, stands 68 meters tall with 18 floors, featuring an all-glass façade that offers panoramic views of Hamburg and the Elbe River (astraturm.de; abendfarben.com). Subtle design references—such as a gentle constriction in the façade—nod to the original tulip shape.

The interior is a mix of commercial offices and public venues. The grand attic level houses a rooftop bar and lounge with sweeping city views, while the ground floor is home to the Astra Brauerei-Kneipe, a brewery pub celebrating the tower’s roots (hamburg-travel.com).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: Public areas, including the rooftop bar and brewery pub, are typically open from late afternoon until late night. Hours may vary by season and event; check the official website for up-to-date times.
Tickets: Entry to the tower’s public venues is usually free. Drinks, food, and special events (e.g., guided brewery tours, rooftop reservations) are charged separately. Guided tours require advance booking and a fee.
Accessibility: The tower is fully accessible, with elevators and barrier-free entrances. Facilities accommodate visitors with mobility needs, and strollers are welcome (check during peak times).
Guided Tours: Available by advance reservation, providing insights into the tower’s architecture, brewing heritage, and sustainability features.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Getting There:
Located at Reeperbahn 1, the Astra Tower sits directly above the S-Bahn Reeperbahn station, making it easily accessible by public transport, bus, taxi, or on foot.

Nearby Attractions:

Reeperbahn: Hamburg’s famous nightlife district
Landungsbrücken: Harbor promenade and ferry terminals
St. Pauli Theater and Beatles-Platz: Iconic cultural venues
Speicherstadt and Elbphilharmonie: UNESCO-listed warehouse district and concert hall (e-a-a.com)

Practical Tips:

Smart-casual attire is recommended for the rooftop bar
Photography is permitted in public areas (professional equipment may require permission)
Cash and major cards accepted
The area is generally safe; exercise standard precautions at night

Cultural Legacy and Community Role

The New Astra Tower is more than an office block—it’s a vibrant social and cultural hub. Its rooftop bar offers panoramic views, while the Astra Brewery Pub revives St. Pauli’s brewing spirit with on-site seasonal and experimental beers (hamburg-travel.com). The tower is a canvas for public art during festivals and a gathering place for locals and visitors during community events.

Its design and programming underscore Hamburg’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural vibrancy. The tower’s public spaces host exhibitions, music events, and workshops, ensuring its relevance as a living part of the city (latlon-guide.com).

Visitor FAQ

Q: What are the New Astra Tower visiting hours?
A: Public venues open late afternoon to late night; check the official website for seasonal changes.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Entry to public spaces is free; food, drinks, and special events may require payment.

Q: Is the tower accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators and barrier-free facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, advance booking required.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes, especially during the day; evenings are more adult-focused.

Q: Are there souvenirs available?
A: Astra-branded merchandise is sold at the brewery pub.

Summary Table: Key Information

Feature	Details
Address	Reeperbahn 1, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
Nearest Transport	S-Bahn Reeperbahn (directly below the tower)
Floors	18
Rooftop Bar	Yes, panoramic city/harbor views
Brewery Pub	Astra Brauerei-Kneipe, with tours/seminars
Accessibility	Fully accessible, elevators throughout
Visiting Hours	Late afternoon to late night (varies by season/event)
Tickets	Free entry; events/tours may require booking
Payment	Cash, major credit cards
Language	German, English
Nearby Attractions	Reeperbahn, Landungsbrücken, St. Pauli Theater, Beatles-Platz
Website	Astra Tower Official

Conclusion & Call to Action

The New Astra Tower Hamburg is a testament to the city’s ability to honor its historical roots while embracing modernity and innovation. With its panoramic vistas, social venues, and integration into the cultural fabric of St. Pauli, it stands as a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts, beer lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

To make the most of your visit, check current visiting hours and upcoming events online, and consider booking a guided tour for deeper insights. For more travel inspiration, download the Audiala app and follow us for updates on Hamburg’s top attractions.