Hamburg Planetarium

The Hamburg Planetarium sits in a striking brick water tower in the city's Stadtpark, and it has been showing the night sky since 1930. Under a dome more than 20 meters wide you can watch live star shows, 3D journeys through space, music shows and children's programs, then head up to the viewing platform for a look across the park. It is one of the most popular things to do in Hamburg on a rainy day.

Where it is and how to get there

The planetarium is in the Winterhude district, north of downtown Hamburg. Take the U3 subway to Borgweg and then bus 179 to Stadtpark (Planetarium), or the U1 to Hudtwalckerstraße and bus 20 to Ohlsdorfer Straße; both stops are about a five-minute walk away. The Deutschlandticket covers local transit. From Hamburg Airport or the main station, allow roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Drivers can park on Linnering or Otto-Wels-Straße.

A short history

The roughly 65-meter tower was built between 1912 and 1915 as a water tower for the new city park but stopped supplying water in 1924. It was converted, and the first public show took place on April 17, 1930. After major renovations, the planetarium reopened on February 14, 2017, and welcomed around 380,000 visitors in its first year back.

What to expect

• The star theater: a 20.6-meter dome with 253 reclining seats, a Zeiss star projector and full-dome digital projection.
• Shows: live narrated tours of the sky over Hamburg, trips through the solar system and the Milky Way, 3D productions and music shows.
• Viewing platform: panoramic views over the Stadtpark and its lake.

Shows are mostly in German, but some can be followed in other languages with audio guides (live narration is not translated), so check the show details before booking.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, most shows cost €12.30, reduced and children up to 17 €7.70, plus €1.60 for 3D shows. The viewing platform is free with a show ticket or €2 without. The box office and platform are open Tuesday to Sunday with varying hours (Thursday to Saturday until late evening) and closed on Mondays. Arrive at least 20 minutes early, because latecomers are not admitted. Book weekend shows online in advance.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially with kids or on a gray Hamburg day. The building alone is an architectural landmark, and the park around it is perfect for a walk or picnic. Allow one to two hours including the platform. The building has elevators and wheelchair spaces.

Nearby

• Stadtpark: one of Hamburg's largest parks, with a lake, open-air pool and big lawn.
• Stadtpark open-air stage: a popular summer concert venue.
• Alster lake ferries: boats from Winterhude run toward the city center.