Forty million euros earmarked for the tourism sector
Hamburg and Neuwerk Island: A Blend of History and Modernity
Hamburg, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, is set to welcome more visitors in 2025, as it has been listed among the top travel destinations for the year. One of the key attractions that adds to Hamburg's allure is the island of Neuwerk, located before the Elbe estuary in the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Neuwerk Island, home to the oldest secular building in Hamburg and the oldest lighthouse on the North Sea coast, is undergoing a transformation. A 100-year-old barn and the former fire station are being converted into four apartments and a shop. The planner of these new buildings is the Hamburg architecture firm "Architekturbüro Lenz."
The apartments, designed to house the staff of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, are scheduled for completion in early 2026. The island's lighthouse, in need of renovation, will also find new tenants. The Landesbetrieb Immobilienmanagement und Grundvermögen (LIG) will invest 22 million euros in renovating the tower, with plans to resume its use as a hotel and gastronomy business in a modernized form.
The growth in tourism in Hamburg is being noted and celebrated. World Heritage Day in Hamburg, held in a hybrid format this year, highlights the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The event allows for both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebration.
Neighbouring Schwerin, another city with a World Heritage title, is also investing in tourism. The city's investment is a response to its new status, with hopes that it may also benefit from an increase in tourism.
Meanwhile, the National Park Hamburg Wadden Sea is being expanded and equipped with a new residential unit, a new photovoltaic system, and a heat pump. Two farms on the island of Neuwerk will also be bought by the city of Hamburg, further cementing its commitment to preserving and developing this unique island.
As Hamburg continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination, its commitment to preserving its history while embracing modernity is evident. The transformation of Neuwerk Island is just one example of this balance, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while providing modern amenities for the future.
