Thursday 1 June 2017, Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is a new landmark in Hamburg

Our first morning in the Radisson Blu. We had a late breakfast and watched BBC News about the UK election campaign. Then we set out to take the S31 to the Hauptbahnhof, where Richard bought a jacket from a sports shop, as it was cooler than expected. Then we took the U-Bahn to Baumwall for the Elbphilharmonie.


First we took a cross-river ferry and got off at Landungsbruecke. We did a tour of the museum ship Rickmer Rickmers, built in late 19th century. It was very interesting to see the three decks with the sleeping accommodation and the command post. We had good views of the harbour at the mouth of the River Elbe. Then we had a nice beer (Astra or Alsterwasser) before lunch of tuna salad.

Richard beside the old naval ship Rickmer Rickmers

We then returned to the concert hall stop. We asked about a tour and ended up getting two tickets for that night's concert! Very lucky. We would be able to see and hear Beethoven's Triple Concerto and the 8th Symphony.

Then at 2pm we had a tour of the Plaza level, with views all round. Very interesting. Afterwards we returned to our hotel via U- and S-Bahn and had a rest.

Inside the crowded Elbphilharmonie for the Beethoven concert

At 18.00 we headed back to the recently opened Elbphilharmonie. First we had a snack of three tartines to share and a glass of Austrian red wine at the cafe opposite. In the concert hall, we had to climb to Bereich F Level 13 to find our seats. We had a good view of the whole hall.


We heard the Festival Players of Luzern
playing a Beethoven Trio for violin, piano, cello and orchestra; in the second half it was Beethoven's 8th Symphony. Very enjoyable music, and we had a glass of Penfold's Red in the interval. Then back to the hotel by train using our Hamburg cards.