Teufelsbrück

Teufelsbrück Hamburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Teufelsbrück—literally “Devil’s Bridge”—is a riverside landmark in Hamburg, Germany, renowned for its blend of captivating folklore, maritime heritage, and scenic beauty. Located at the confluence of the Flottbek stream and the Elbe River, Teufelsbrück sits on the boundary between the Othmarschen and Nienstedten districts. It serves as both a tranquil retreat and a bustling transport hub, connecting locals and tourists to Hamburg’s vibrant river landscapes and historic sites. This guide compiles essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, access, historical context, and nearby attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor (Hamburgausflug.de; Wikipedia - Teufelsbrück).

Ink drawing of Elbstrand, Teufelsbrück by Ebba Tesdorpf, circa 1885

Flottbeck Teufelsbrücke bridge over a river surrounded by lush greenery

Bridge of Elbchaussee over Flottbek at Teufelsbrück in Hamburg

Pencil drawing of landscape by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Kretschmer titled An der Elbe, bei Flottbeck, dated 29 October 1879

Teufelsbrücke stone bridge over river in a mountainous landscape

Historic Teufelsbrücke bridge in Flottbeck in 1850

Historical Overview
- Legend and Name Origin
- Development and Infrastructure
Visitor Information
Top Attractions and Activities
Cultural and Social Significance
Practical Tips
FAQs
Visuals and Media Suggestions
References and Official Links
Conclusion and Call to Action

Historical Overview

Legend and Name Origin

Teufelsbrück’s evocative name is rooted in local legend. According to the tale, a carpenter, plagued by accidents while constructing a bridge over the Flottbek, struck a deal with the devil: the first creature to cross would belong to him. Outsmarting the devil, the locals sent a rabbit across first, leaving the devil defeated. This story is immortalized by the sculpture “Der Teufel grübelt über sein Karnickel” (“The Devil Ponders His Rabbit”), a popular photo spot and symbol of Hamburg’s wit and resilience (Hamburgausflug.de; Ganz Hamburg).

Development and Infrastructure

Historically, Teufelsbrück was a crucial crossing point along the Elbe, transforming from a simple ford to a strategic transport link once ferry services and the Elbchaussee boulevard extended to the area. Today, it is an integral part of Hamburg’s public transit and ferry network, providing easy river access and connecting various neighborhoods (Hamburgausflug.de; Wikipedia - Teufelsbrück).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Teufelsbrück Promenade & Public Areas: Open 24/7, year-round, with no entrance fee.
Ferry Terminal: Generally operates from 5:30 AM to midnight, with schedules varying by line and season (HVV Official Website; HADAG Ferry Schedule).
Jenisch House Museum: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; check the museum’s website for current timings.

Getting There

By Public Transport: Served by HVV buses (including lines 21, 111, 112, 286, 392, x86) and ferries (lines 62, 64, 68). Ferries provide scenic connections to Finkenwerder, Landungsbrücken, and Airbus (Hamburg Tourism – Ferries).
By Car: Parking is available on Lünkenberg Street (150 meters from the terminal) and at Jenischpark, but can fill quickly during peak times.
By Bicycle/On Foot: Well-connected via riverside cycling and walking paths; bike racks are available at the terminal.

Tickets and Tours

Public Areas: Free of charge.
Ferry Rides: Integrated into the HVV fare system; standard single fare for adults is €4, children €2. Hamburg CARD and Deutschlandticket are accepted (HVV Official Website).
Guided Tours: Several operators offer walking, cycling, and ferry-based tours, often including nearby parks and historical sites. Advance booking is recommended.

Accessibility

Teufelsbrück is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps at the ferry terminal and paved park paths. Public restrooms and seating areas are available, and the area is designed for ease of movement (Hamburgausflug.de).

Top Attractions and Activities

Nature and Parks

Jenischpark: Adjacent to Teufelsbrück, this 42-hectare English-style landscape park features ancient trees, open meadows, and the Jenisch House museum (Hamburg Travel – Teufelsbrück Harbour).
Klövensteen Nature Park: Offers extensive trails for hiking and cycling, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly animal enclosures.

Ferry Rides and Cruises

HADAG Ferry Line 64: Connects Teufelsbrück with Finkenwerder; line 65 (from summer 2025) offers new weekend service to Blankenese (hadag.de).
Elbe Cruises: Depart from the pier, providing guided tours of the port and Hamburg’s maritime landmarks (cultureactivities.com).

Walking and Cycling

Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg): Links Teufelsbrück eastward to Hamburg city center and westward to Blankenese.
Riverside Promenades: Flat, well-maintained paths ideal for all ages.

Dining Options

Cafés and Restaurants: Several establishments near the pier serve fresh fish, seafood, and international cuisine, often with outdoor terraces and river views.
Picnic Areas: Green spaces and benches make Teufelsbrück ideal for picnics and relaxation.

Teufelsbrück is celebrated for its blending of folklore, local identity, and maritime tradition. The devil statue commemorates Hamburg’s legendary resilience, while the ferry pier remains a lifeline for commuters and a leisure destination for families. The area’s proximity to events and festivals in the city center, as well as to green spaces like Jenischpark, reinforces its role as a cultural and recreational gateway (Ganz Hamburg; Hamburg Travel - Events & Green Hamburg).

Practical Tips

Best Times to Visit: Spring through autumn for pleasant weather. Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
Weather: The riverside can be breezy; bring a light jacket even in summer.
Flood Risk: Teufelsbrück is in the Elbe’s floodplain; paths may be inaccessible during storm surges (de.wikipedia.org).
Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed in parks.
Cyclists: Bike rentals and racks are available; ferries accept bicycles.

FAQs

Q: What are Teufelsbrück’s visiting hours?
A: The area is open 24/7. Ferry and museum hours may differ; check their official websites for details.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No. Outdoor areas are free; ferry rides and museum entries require tickets.

Q: How do I reach Teufelsbrück by public transport?
A: Use HVV buses or ferries. The ferry terminal is part of Hamburg’s integrated transit system.

Q: Is the area accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes. Ramps and paved paths ensure accessibility.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, including walking, cycling, and river cruises.

Q: Can I bring my bike on the ferry?
A: Yes, bikes are welcome on HADAG ferries.

Visuals and Media Suggestions

Photographs: Devil statue, ferry pier with river views, Jenischpark landscapes, and historic Elbchaussee villas.
Alt Tags: Use descriptions such as “Teufelsbrück Devil Statue Hamburg,” “Teufelsbrück Ferry Terminal on Elbe River,” “Jenischpark near Teufelsbrück.”
Maps: Interactive maps highlighting Teufelsbrück, ferry routes, and walking/cycling paths.
Virtual Tours: Consider linking to virtual experiences of Jenischpark or the riverside promenade.

References and Official Links

Conclusion and Call to Action

Teufelsbrück is a multifaceted destination where Hamburg’s maritime heritage, folklore, and natural serenity converge. Easily accessible via public transit, it offers year-round recreation, striking riverside panoramas, and proximity to major historical sites like Jenischpark and the Elbchaussee villas. Whether you seek a relaxing riverside stroll, a scenic ferry ride, or an immersion in local history, Teufelsbrück is an essential stop on your Hamburg itinerary.

For the latest ferry schedules, ticket options, and guided tour information, download the Audiala app. Explore additional Hamburg travel resources on our website, and follow us on social media for up-to-date tips and exclusive content. Begin your journey to Teufelsbrück—Hamburg’s historic bridge to culture and nature—today!