Chilehaus

Planning a trip to the Chilehaus rewards those who look ahead. Located in an active business district, Chilehaus stays lively but never overwhelming. Visitors won’t find long lines or a ticket booth—this is a working office complex, with ground-floor businesses open to the public. Good walking shoes make a real difference, thanks to cobblestone corridors and city sidewalks. Photography enthusiasts should note: soft early morning or golden late afternoon light brings every decorative brick detail to life.

• Best time to visit: Spring or early fall for mild weather, or weekday mornings for quieter corridors.
• How to get there: S-Bahn or U-Bahn stop "Meßberg" or "Hauptbahnhof" placed just minutes away; bicycle rentals and bus routes serve the area, too.
• Accessibility: Wide entrances suit strollers and wheelchairs; elevators available to most floors, though some historic staircases remain steep and narrow.
• Average visit duration: 30–60 minutes to stroll, admire, and snap photos.

The Chilehaus captivates with striking lines, sharp edges, and subtle flourishes. Visitors stepping into the narrow courtyard find themselves dwarfed by the soaring brickwork. Peer up to see the "prow"—the building’s sharpest corner—jutting above the sidewalks like the bow of an ocean liner. Tucked along the base, businesses serve coffee and snacks, while quiet corners reveal tile mosaics and iron lamps. Architectural tours, sometimes led by volunteers with deep local knowledge, add rich backstory to every wall.

• Key sights: The iconic ship-shaped facade on Pumpen street; the detailed brickwork near the south entrance; graceful internal courtyards.
• Unique experiences: Self-guided walks in the Kontorhaus District; architectural tours explaining the building’s history and construction.
• Photo-worthy locations: Prow corner at sunrise or sunset; dramatic side alleys for geometric compositions.
• Cultural and historical facts: Built by architect Fritz Höger between 1922–1924 for merchant Henry Sloman, Chilehaus is Germany’s top example of Brick Expressionism, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.