All tours in Hamburg

Hamburg

Heads Roll on the Elbe: The Pirate & The Patrician

2.3 km88 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the gritty, salt-stained history of Hamburg’s most infamous feud. This isn't a fairytale; it's a forensic investigation into the clash between the immense wealth of the Hanseatic League and the chaotic rebellion of Klaus Störtebeker. From the crooked merchant houses of the 'Pepper Sacks' to the exact spot where 73 heads rolled into the mud, we trace the rise and fall of the 'Likedeeler' (Equal Sharers). Discover why a city builds statues to the criminal it executed, and how the pirate spirit still haunts the modern waterfront. Join us to separate the man from the myth.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Deichstraße Historic Merchant Houses

The last remaining ensemble of historic merchant houses, representing the wealth Störtebeker attacked.

Deichstraße Historic Merchant Houses

Pic by Dguendel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.70 km • 12 min
2

STOP 2

St. Catherine's Church (St. Katharinen)

A gothic church with a legendary connection to Störtebeker's gold.

St. Catherine's Church (St. Katharinen)

Pic by Vadim Zhivotovsky on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.65 km • 11 min
3

STOP 3

International Maritime Museum (Kaispeicher B)

The oldest warehouse in Hamburg, housing the history of the Hanseatic fleet.

International Maritime Museum (Kaispeicher B)

Pic by Fred Romero on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.10 km • 2 min
4

STOP 4

Störtebeker Monument

A bronze statue of the pirate, naked and bound, highlighting the conflict between man and myth.

Störtebeker Monument

Pic by Palauenc05 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.65 km • 11 min
5

STOP 5

Grasbrookpark

The site of the execution and the legend of the '11 steps'.

Grasbrookpark

Pic by GeorgDerReisende on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.49 km • 25 min
6

END

Oberhafenquartier

A creative quarter that embodies the modern spirit of the 'Likedeeler'.

Oberhafenquartier

Pic by flamenc on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, lovers of maritime legends, anti-establishment thinkers, and anyone who likes their history with a side of gruesome reality.
  • Best time Late afternoon, so you reach the execution site as the sun begins to set.
  • Footwear Wear sturdy shoes; we cover cobblestones and modern pavement.
  • Wind Warning The harbor area can be breezy; bring a windbreaker even in summer.
  • Timing The Maritime Museum at Stop 3 is worth a full visit, but requires a ticket.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
0:000:00

Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Discover more tours in Hamburg

Experience Hamburg from more surprising perspectives.

See more tours in Hamburg
Now only €3.99 incl. VAT