The Hamburg Strandperle in the Övelgönne district is a popular pub that can look back on a long tradition. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Altonaer Milchhalle was located here. Visitors could bathe in the river in traditional long bathing costumes or drink a cup of milk. After the drinking hall was closed during the Second World War, it reopened in 1949. In 1973, the current tenants took over the Strandperle. It became a meeting place for boat owners, pilots and pensioners, who drank beer and played skat here. Even today, this historic place attracts many day trippers. With their feet in the sand, they enjoy the view of the container giants passing by.
Sightseeing: The Strandperle Hamburg is a cult attraction on the Elbe beach
The Elbe beach is 13 kilometres long in total. A few years ago, the New York Times even voted the Elbe beach one of Europe’s favourite places by the water. You’ll find a particularly beautiful stretch at Övelgönne Elbe beach. Here you can spend a day as if you were at the seaside: simply relax, lie in the sand and meet up with friends.
A highlight on the Elbe beach in Övelgönne is the Strandperle Hamburg, a cult bar known throughout Hamburg. Here you can relax and unwind in a way that could hardly be more beautiful. At the Strandperle Hamburg, your table is either on rustic wooden planks or directly in the sand in front of it. Of course, you can also take something in your hand and return to your spot on the beach. When you sit at Strandperle Hamburg and enjoy the day, you’ll immediately realise that your trip here was the right decision. With a glass in your hand, you can enjoy life.
The Strandperle Hamburg is only about four kilometres from the Landungsbrücken in Sankt Pauli. It is therefore almost in the centre of Hamburg. You can also see the proximity to the harbour at Strandperle Hamburg from the fact that ships regularly pass up and down the Elbe. You can watch huge cruise ships, container giants several hundred metres long and sleek yachts.
History: Storm surge destroyed former ‘Milchhalle’, rebuilt as ‘Strandperle Hamburg’
The Elbe beach at Övelgönne became an excursion destination for wealthy Hamburg families as early as the middle of the 19th century. In 1911, a ‘Milchhalle’ opened on the site of the Strandperle Hamburg. It was operated until 1976 and later became known as ‘Lührs Raststätte’.
1976 was a fateful year. The hurricane ‘Capella’ raged in the north and triggered one of the biggest storm surges of the century. The masses of water almost completely destroyed the building. The newly constructed building has been known as the ‘Strandperle’ ever since.
Once again in 2004, the Strandperle Hamburg felt the proximity to the water. A large freighter was travelling too fast and carried out a very risky overtaking manoeuvre on the Elbe. It created a huge wave that washed over the entire beach and the Strandperle.
Special tips: Enjoy the view of Hamburg harbour from the Strandperle Hamburg
If you can manage it, stay until sunset. Then you’ll experience pure romance. And afterwards, when it’s already dark, you can enjoy the lights of Hamburg harbour. Capture your impressions by taking some photos of the Strandperle Hamburg.
The Strandperle Hamburg is also open at weekends in winter. Awnings with radiant heaters protect and warm you. On a winter’s day, with a hot drink in your hand, you can let your gaze wander over the Elbe. You will feel the special atmosphere.
It is also particularly nice if you travel by ferry from the Landungsbrücken in Hamburg harbour. Take the number 62 ferry from Landungsbrücken in the direction of Neumühlen. It departs every 15 minutes.
Special tip: You can also take a lovely walk from the Strandperle Hamburg to the Elbe beach in Blankenese. The path is also called the Elbvillenroute. You will need around one hour and 45 minutes to walk the eight kilometres and see many highlights. On the way, you will see the picturesque Övelgönne museum harbour with its old sailing ships. This is followed by the Övelgönne captain’s houses, whose long history gives them a special romantic feel. In front of Blankenese you will see small marinas. Blankenese is an old fishing neighbourhood and is now a fashionable part of Hamburg. Then you reach Blankenese Elbe beach, which many say is the most beautiful stretch of the Elbe. Here you can relax in the most beautiful surroundings. If you have enough energy, we recommend a walk through the Blankenese staircase district. It doesn’t have this name for nothing: Narrow alleyways lead up past romantic houses. It’s hard to believe that such a picturesque neighbourhood is located in Hamburg. At the top is the 75 metre high Süllberg with a fantastic view. Here you can enjoy a cosy snack in a beer garden. You can take the 112 bus back to Teufelsbrück. From there, you can walk the three kilometres to Strandperle Hamburg. Alternatively, take boat line 62 to the jetties in Hamburg harbour.
Surroundings: Museum harbour and captain’s houses show you times gone by
There are two sights near the Strandperle Hamburg that show you times gone by by the sea. The Övelgönne museum harbour, which is well worth a visit, is not far from the Strandperle Hamburg. Ships are moored here, mainly from the years 1880 to 1930, and it is very romantic. The ships are in good condition and operational. Some of them offer rides. But you can also sit on the sandy beach in front of them and enjoy the view.
The Övelgönne captain’s houses also give you a flavour of Hamburg’s history. The estate was built towards the end of the 19th century. The houses are beautiful, some of them surrounded by roses. They were once inhabited by captains and pilots. Today they have been lovingly restored and are listed buildings.
