Schanzenviertel (lit. 'Redoubt聽Quarter' or 'Sconce Quarter')聽is聽located southwest of Schanzenpark. The name refers to the former fortifications just outside of Hamburg that protected the city from the advances of Danish troops in the late seventeenth century. Previously, the area was divided between聽the districts of Altona, Mitte and Eimsb眉ttel until it became its own quarter under administrative supervision of Altona in 2008.
Sternschanze has long been considered the counter-cultural centre of the city. You can browse independent record stores and boutiques or enjoy the cosy caf茅s, lively pubs and bars around the Schulterblatt street. The area is especially popular among young locals, who will gladly leave the Reeperbahn聽to the tourists.聽 聽
Historically a distinctly working-class neighbourhood, the last decades have brought about a surge of gentrification, during which many of the areas buildings were renovated.聽Simultaneously, rent in the area sharply increased, and many of the original residents were forced to move out.聽Rote Flora, a former theatre turned autonomous youth centre and squat since 1989, still functions as a symbol of the area's strong alternative scene and is now known for its wide array of political and cultural events. 聽
The Schanzenpark is a green oasis in the city and a popular meeting place for young and old alike. Located high atop a hill in the park鈥檚 centre, the Schanzenturm tower聽is a real eye-catcher and well worth a look. Finished in 1910, it was Europe鈥檚 largest water tower until 1961. In 2005, the 60-metre-tall building was fully renovated and reopened as a hotel.
