Sandtorhafen/Traditionsschiffhafen

The Sandtorhafen basin is identifiable by the collection of vintage vessels moored along its stone quays, their masts creating a sharp silhouette against the modern glass office buildings of HafenCity. This was the first modern harbor basin in Hamburg, opened in eighteen sixty-six to handle the massive influx of steamships that replaced sailing vessels. It served as the center of international trade for decades before shifting trade patterns emptied the docks. Today, these restored ships serve as a floating museum of maritime history.