State Archives Of The Free And Hanseatic City Of Hamburg

State Archives of Hamburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discover Hamburg’s Documentary Heritage

The Staatsarchiv Hamburg—officially the State Archives of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg—stands as one of Germany’s most significant archival institutions. With a legacy spanning over 300 years, it serves as the official memory of Hamburg, preserving invaluable records that chronicle the city’s evolution from a Hanseatic trading hub to a modern metropolis. This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to plan your visit: from practical information about visiting hours and tickets to insights into the collections, research opportunities, and the archive’s role in Hamburg’s cultural life.

For the latest updates, consult the Staatsarchiv Hamburg website and the Transparenzportal Hamburg.

Introduction
Historical Overview
- Origins and Early Development
- Expansion and Modernization
The Collections: Scope and Significance
Visiting the Staatsarchiv Hamburg
Research and Genealogy
Legal Framework & Access Policies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Notable Holdings & Research Highlights
Digital Access & Archival Networks
Conclusion & Planning Tips
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The Staatsarchiv Hamburg traces its roots to the early Middle Ages, when systematic record-keeping supported the city’s governance and trade as a key member of the Hanseatic League (EHRI Project). The earliest holdings include medieval charters and documents, such as the renowned Barbarossa Charter of 1189.

Expansion and Modernization (19th–20th Centuries)

As Hamburg integrated into broader German states, the archive expanded to include civil registration, judicial records, and materials from annexed districts like Altona and Harburg (FamilySearch: Hamburg Genealogy). Despite the challenges of World War II, the archive safeguarded its collections and adapted to post-war administrative reforms (Wikipedia: History of Hamburg).

The Collections: Scope and Significance

The Staatsarchiv Hamburg preserves nearly 40,000 linear meters of records across ten centuries (EHRI Project). Highlights include:

Government & Legal Records: Senate, parliament, and court documents
Church & Civil Registers: Protestant-Lutheran, Reformed, Mennonite, and Jewish community records; civil registration from 1799
Emigration & Immigration Lists: Hamburg passenger lists (1850–1934)
Military & Address Books: Military records, guardianship files, address books
Restitution Files: Holocaust compensation and restitution documentation
Maps, Plans, and Visual Materials: Including the Lorichs’sche Elbkarte (1568)
Personal Papers & Manuscripts: From notable Hamburg citizens, families, and organizations

Many collections are being digitized and are accessible through the Staatsarchiv Hamburg Online Database.

Visiting the Staatsarchiv Hamburg

Hours & Admission

Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (general guideline; check official site for updates)
- Some sources specify:
  - Monday–Tuesday: 12:00–18:00
  - Wednesday–Thursday: 10:00–18:00
  - Friday: 10:00–16:00 (hamburg.com)
Admission: Free of charge. No ticket is required. First-time visitors must register with photo ID at reception.

Location & Accessibility

Address: Kattunbleiche 19, Barmbek district / Wandsbek district (verify on official city website)
Getting There: Accessible via public transport (U-Bahn, buses). Parking is limited; public transit is recommended.
Accessibility: The building is fully accessible, offering adapted workspaces, wheelchair access, and assistance for visitors with disabilities (accessibility information).

Facilities & Services

Reading Room: Quiet study space with desks, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Pre-registration is recommended for busy periods.
Lockers: Provided for bags and coats.
Research Assistance: Staff offer guidance; most materials are in German, and translation aids are available (archive research guide).
Digital Services: Transitioning to ActaPro archival system as of June 2025. Many finding aids are online.
Document Reproduction: Self-photography permitted for many documents; official copies and scans can be ordered (access and reproduction policies).

Guided Tours & Events

Tours: Available by appointment; see official website for details.
Events & Exhibitions: Regular exhibitions, lectures, and workshops on Hamburg’s history and archival science.

Photography & Media Policies

Allowed: Personal use photography in designated areas (no flash or tripods without approval).
Digital Collections: Many materials are available via the Transparenzportal Hamburg.

Research and Genealogy

The Staatsarchiv is a central resource for genealogists and historians:

Civil Registration Records:
- Births, Marriages, Deaths (from 1799, with comprehensive coverage from the late 19th century)
Church Books: Protestant, Reformed, Mennonite, Jewish communities
Emigration Records: Hamburg passenger lists and related documents
Collaboration: Works with the Genealogische Gesellschaft Hamburg e.V., which maintains a library and a vast genealogy database

For remote research, use the Staatsarchiv online catalog and related digital portals (FamilySearch: Hamburg Archives and Libraries).

Legal Framework & Access Policies

Archives Act: Governed by the Hamburg Archives Act (Hamburgisches Archivgesetz, 1991) (Hamburg Archives Act)
Retention & Privacy:
- Birth records: Public after 110 years
- Personal records: Restricted based on privacy laws
- Some records require proof of relationship or research purpose
Registration: Application and valid ID are required for sensitive materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Staatsarchiv Hamburg’s opening hours?
A: Usually Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 (see above for detailed schedule and check official sources for updates).

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry is free. Registration is required for research access.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment.

Q: Can I take photos of documents?
A: Yes, for personal use, though some restrictions apply.

Q: Is the archive accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the building and services are fully accessible.

Q: Are there exhibitions or public events?
A: Yes, regular exhibitions and workshops are held—see the events calendar.

Notable Holdings & Research Highlights

UNESCO “Memory of the World”: Hanseatic League documents and medieval charters
Emigration Lists: Vital for migration and family history research
Restitution Files: Documentation of Holocaust compensation
Historic Maps: Including the Lorichs’sche Elbkarte (1568)

Digital Access & Archival Networks

Online Catalog: Searchable via Staatsarchiv Hamburg online database
Transparenzportal Hamburg: Open access to current and historical records (Transparenzportal Hamburg)
Network Integration: Part of national and international archival collaborations, enhancing research and public engagement (FamilySearch: Genealogy Sources Hamburg)

Conclusion & Planning Tips

The Staatsarchiv Hamburg is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity, offering unparalleled access to records that illuminate Hamburg’s development over centuries. Whether you are tracing ancestry, conducting academic research, or seeking to understand the city’s past, the archive welcomes all visitors.

Plan your visit:

Check the official website and Transparenzportal Hamburg for current hours and event details
Register in advance if you intend to use the reading room
Prepare your research questions and consult the online catalog before arrival
Combine your visit with explorations of nearby historical sites like Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie, and Hamburg City Hall

Enhance your experience:
Download the Audiala app for guided tours and up-to-date archival content, and subscribe to the Staatsarchiv’s newsletter for news on collections and events.