Roof and factual stories: Our expeditions

During 9 expeditions, we were able to show almost 150 visitors different rooftops and views of Hamburg's city center.

Especially from the roof of the Springer Quartier and the towers of Hamburg's main churches, the Port of Hamburg, the Elphi, the green bunker in Feldstraße and many other sights and favorite places were presented in a new light and from a new perspective.

In addition to the magnificent views, the expeditions also took a closer look at small potentials, such as the HVV's green passenger shelters. Depending on the thematic focus, the visitors learned about various alternative roof uses, e.g. the advantages of green roofs or the use of roofs for social activities.

Special roof moments: Our specials

Animal, sporty or green - you could really experience something with our specials!

On the roof of the Cloud One Hotel, participants were able to experience honey production up close and get exciting information about beekeeping.

The Hamburger Stadttauben e. V. association took the participants to the top floor of the main station to show them the dovecote. Living conditions, background information and the current treatment of the animals were explained. At the green roof workshop, the participants experimented with various plants and substrates in order to build a green roof together.

Sun salutations with a view of the vastness of the sky: This was possible during our numerous rooftop yoga sessions. It was also almost meditative with the Urban Sketchers, who put architecture, views, façades and roof uses on paper. True works of art were created here! The participants were able to treat themselves to refreshments at the Europa Passage. There they enjoyed a barbecue with the best view of the Alster - pure enjoyment!

Play, music and art: our open rooftop program

Really let off steam, live out a creative phase or shake a leg: At the Hamburg Roof Days this year, all three and even more were possible at our open and free rooftop program. Young and old were able to get active on a total of four rooftop areas - Katharinenschule, Jupiter, Hotel Hafen Hamburg and Hamburger Kunsthalle.

On the roof of the Katharinenschule, we were able to add further highlights to the existing playground equipment and inspire young and old with face painting and a screen printing workshop.

Things got a little wilder on the Jupiter: techno beats accompanied the roundnet game or a round of mini golf - a first for many visitors on a rooftop. In the evening, the band “The Skartists” provided an exuberant atmosphere and great dancing moments in the open air on the Jupiter.

There was also plenty of music at the Hotel Hafen Hamburg. Here, Mia Ohlsen took visitors on a North German journey with her music, including the typical fresh breeze. The Hamburger Tonverein was also able to keep up with her musical passion, inspiring visitors and encouraging them to sing along.

Open program: sporty, musical and creative (Photos: Isadora Tast)

Where is the roof?

Big eyes and questioning faces: Where is the roof?

The roof of the parking garage and an exhibition area of the Hamburger Kunsthalle is located between the Galerie der Gegenwart and the Lichtwark-Galerie. It is a roof that is often overlooked and yet so visible that it does not meet the expectations of many visitors. It certainly offers little in the way of exclusivity or views, but offers fantastic possibilities for use and the entire obenstadt team has grown fond of it in many respects.

The roof presents itself as a red granite plateau - a work of art by artist Ian Hamilton Finlay - and offers an area of almost 2,000 square meters. It is accessible to the public, barrier-free and very easy to find. The perfect location and ideal conditions for an extensive, space-consuming and free program, where we were able to draw attention to the dormant and equally invisible potential of rooftops. From communal tea drinking, a perception game, a performance by the band “Arcadian Daze”, an interactive salsa workshop, a portrait drawing activity and our information offers, we were able to use the roof in a variety of ways for two days. The program was complemented by information material and a climbing plant giveaway from BUKEA.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the great colleagues at the Kunsthalle who made it possible for us to realize our ideas and hope that we were able to bring this underestimated roof closer to one or the other.

Helping hands and voluntary commitment: We say THANK YOU!

Behind the Hamburg Roof Days are many months and numerous meetings of the obenstadt e. V. association - twelve people who have put a lot of time and energy into this project. But without the many supporters, cooperation partners and numerous helping hands, this weekend would not have been possible. Therefore we say: THANK YOU!

The Hamburg Roof Days were supported by our cooperation partner, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA), the Ministry for Urban Development and Housing (BSW), the Hamburg Climate Fund and the District Culture Fund of the Hamburg-Mitte district office.

We would also like to thank all our supporters who have supported us with their roof, their ideas, their commitment or in other ways: Springer Quartier, Europa Passage, Hotel Hafen Hamburg, Katharinenschule, Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, Hamburger Kunsthalle, the five main Hamburg churches, The Cloud One Hotel, and many more.

A total of 18 people also actively supported us during the weekend with setting up, dismantling and the numerous activities. Many thanks to Andra, Anna-Lena, Daria, Dörthe, Eleonora, Elisabeth, Fouly, Jette, Johanna, Katja, Lea, Lisa, Mahdi, Michi, Milena, Paulette, Saskia and Xavier!

The obenstadt team and our great helpers