Construction pit of the Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau in Hamburg-Neustadt

Untersuchungsgefängnis Holstenglacis

Untersuchungsgefängnis Holstenglacis: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Untersuchungsgefängnis Holstenglacis in Hamburg, Germany, is a site of profound historical and architectural significance. Originally constructed between 1877 and 1884, this remand prison not only exemplifies late 19th-century penal architecture but also serves as a powerful memorial to the victims of political repression, particularly during the Nazi era. Today, Holstenglacis continues to function as an active detention center while hosting memorials and educational programs that highlight its complex past and the resilience of those who suffered within its walls (Architekturführer Hamburg; Hamburg.de; KZ-Gedenkstätte Neuengamme).

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Holstenglacis: its history, memorialization efforts, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, ethical guidelines, and connections to other Hamburg historical sites.

Construction pit of the Untersuchungshaft prison extension building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Construction site of the extension building of the Untersuchungsgefängnis in Hamburg-Neustadt with excavation pit

Partial view of the Untersuchungsgefängnis extension building including the kitchen building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Partial view of Untersuchungsgefängnis extension building with kitchen facility in Hamburg-Neustadt

Gate in the perimeter wall of the Untersuchungsgefängnis extension building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Gate in the enclosing wall of Untersuchungsgefängnis extension building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Kitchen equipment in the extension building of Untersuchungsgefängnis prison in Hamburg-Neustadt

Kitchen facility in the extension building of Untersuchungsgefängnis prison in Hamburg-Neustadt

Staircase detail in the extension building of Untersuchungsgefängnis prison in Hamburg-Neustadt

Detailed view of the staircase in the extension building of Untersuchungsgefängnis in Hamburg-Neustadt

Interior corridor with light well railing in extension building of Untersuchungsgefängnis Hamburg-Neustadt

Interior corridor detail of Untersuchungsgefängnis extension building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Interior of Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau lecture room in Hamburg-Neustadt

Investigation Prison Extension Building Lecture Hall in Hamburg-Neustadt

Interior of Untersuchungshaft prison lecture hall in Hamburg-Neustadt extension building

Interior hall of Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau in Hamburg-Neustadt

View of the economic wing courtyard side of the Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau building in Hamburg-Neustadt

Exterior view of Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau Wirtschaftsflügel Hofseite in Hamburg-Neustadt

Part view of the courtyard side of the Untersuchungsgefängnis Erweiterungsbau in Hamburg-Neustadt

Partial view of the courtyard side of the extension building of the Untersuchungshaft prison in Hamburg-Neustadt

Introduction
Historical Overview
- Construction and Early History
- Role During the Nazi Era
Memorialization and Public Engagement
Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

Construction and Early History

Untersuchungsgefängnis Holstenglacis was established in response to the growing need for a modern remand prison in Hamburg’s rapidly expanding port city. Architect Franz Andreas Meyer designed the facility in a radial, panopticon-inspired layout to maximize surveillance and control, with red-brick façades and arched windows characteristic of the era (Architekturführer Hamburg). Upon its opening, the prison could house approximately 1,000 inmates, making it one of the largest remand facilities in northern Germany (Hamburg.de).

Role During the Nazi Era

Holstenglacis gained particular notoriety during the Nazi regime (1933–1945), when it became a central site of political repression. Hundreds of political prisoners, resistance fighters, and marginalized individuals were detained, tortured, and executed here, often by guillotine (gedenkstaetten-in-hamburg.de). Among the most well-known victims were the Lübeck martyrs and French resistance fighters France Bloch-Sérazin and Suzanne Masson. After World War II, Holstenglacis continued to function as a detention center, illustrating its complex legacy as both a site of justice and injustice (KZ-Gedenkstätte Neuengamme).

Memorialization and Public Engagement

On-Site Commemoration

The prison grounds feature memorial plaques and a commemorative stele honoring those executed and persecuted within its walls. Notable among these is the plaque dedicated to the Lübeck martyrs and other resistance members, installed to foster remembrance and reflection (gedenkstaetten-in-hamburg.de; Planten un Blomen Hamburg).

Educational Initiatives

Educational programs are offered in collaboration with local historical societies and the Hamburg Memorials Foundation. These include workshops, guided tours for schools and universities, and public lectures focusing on political repression, biographies of individual prisoners, and the broader history of state violence in the 20th century (Hamburg.com).

Digital and Archival Resources

Digital resources such as survivor testimonies, historical documents, and virtual tours are available through the Hamburg city website, ensuring that the memory of the victims is accessible to a wider audience (Hamburg.com).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Due to its status as an operational detention center, visits to Holstenglacis require advance arrangement:

General Visiting Hours for Memorial Sections:
- Monday–Wednesday: 8:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.; 12:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:10 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Guided Tour Slots (Memorial and Educational Visits):
- By appointment only; group visits and school/university groups are prioritized.
Ticketing:
- No walk-in ticketing. Book visits in advance via the visitor center, by phone (+49 40 42829293), or through affiliated organizations.
- Some special memorial events may be free; other guided tours may have a small fee (Hamburg.de).

Guided Tours and Accessibility

Guided Tours: Available by advance appointment, these tours provide historical context and access to designated memorial areas. Guides share insights into the prison’s architecture, notable prisoners, and memorialization efforts.
Accessibility: The site has ramps and lifts, but some historic areas may not be fully accessible. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the visitor center beforehand to arrange accommodations.

Security and Ethical Guidelines

Security Protocols: All visitors must bring a valid photo ID and undergo security screening. Personal items are stored in lockers (refundable €2 deposit). Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit (Hamburg.de).
Ethical Conduct:
- Maintain respectful silence in memorial areas.
- Photography is only allowed at external memorials and never inside the operational facility.
- No food, electronic devices, or contraband permitted.
- Visits are limited in number and duration; follow all staff instructions.

Directions and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Use Hamburg’s public transport system for convenience. The site is accessible via Hamburg-Dammtor train station, Messehallen U-Bahn, and Sievekingplatz bus stop.
Nearby Historical Sites: Enhance your visit by exploring the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, St. Michael’s Church, Planten un Blomen park, and the Speicherstadt Warehouse District (gedenkstaetten-in-hamburg.de).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I arrange a visit to Holstenglacis?
A: All visits must be booked in advance via the visitor center (+49 40 42829293) or through historical organizations. Walk-in visits are not possible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, but only by appointment. Tours offer historical insights and access to memorial areas.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday to Wednesday 8:10 a.m.–3:45 p.m., Thursday until 6:30 p.m., and Friday until 12:20 p.m. Times may vary for special events.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Many public areas have ramps and lifts, but contact the center for specific needs.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Only at external memorials and with respect for the site’s solemnity. No photography allowed inside.

Summary and Conclusion

Untersuchungsgefängnis Holstenglacis is a vital site for understanding Hamburg’s history of justice, repression, and resilience. Its architecture and memorials testify to both historical tragedy and the ongoing importance of remembrance. Visits require advance planning and respectful conduct, reflecting the site’s dual role as both a place of incarceration and a memorial.

By participating in guided tours, educational programs, or commemorative events, visitors can deepen their understanding of Hamburg’s complex past. For a richer experience, consider integrating your visit with other historical sites in the city or using digital resources for further context.