Fact sheet Hamburg-Harburg neighbourhood

Draft 2025-04-22

Location and socio-economic structure

Hamburg-Harburg is located in the south of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, south of the Elbe, and forms the centre of the district of the same name. The neighbourhood is divided into Harburg city centre, the inland port and the Phoenix quarter. At 3.9 km², Hamburg-Harburg is one of the smaller neighbourhoods in terms of area and has around 28,900 inhabitants. The population density is 7,419 people/km² and is therefore in the urban midfield. The neighbourhood is young and diverse: the average age is 36.5 years and around 43% of residents are under 30 years old. Around 67% have a migration background, and over 86% of those under the age of 18. Harburg is characterised by socioeconomic challenges. The average annual income is around €26,500 - well below the Hamburg average. The unemployment rate is 8.2 % [Statistikamt Nord 2023]. Social problems are particularly evident in the Phoenix quarter. With an estimated 28,800 criminal offences per 100,000 inhabitants, the crime rate is comparatively high [Hamburg Police 2023].

Urban development and mobilit

The image of the neighbourhood is characterised by post-war development (Second World War) and, as a result, heterogeneous development - from half-timbered houses to post-war architecture from the 1960s. Major roads such as the B73 and the A1 and A7 motorways ensure good accessibility in the sense of the car-friendly city, but cut the district in two. Local public transport is well developed: Harburg railway station (S-Bahn and regional trains) and Harburg Rathaus S-Bahn station offer direct connections to Hamburg city centre (approx. 20 minutes). Harburg city centre has been part of the integrated urban development programme RISE since 2016. Further development areas are located in Harburg's inland harbour and in neighbouring Wilstorf-Reeseberg. The aim of that programme is to improve the quality of life and the urban appearance of the city centre.

Infrastructure and social life

The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) was founded in 1978 and is located on the western edge of the neighbourhood. Several schools, including the Goethe School and the Bunatwiete School, offer a wide range of educational opportunities. Playgrounds, green spaces and the Außenmühle sports park promote exercise and leisure activities. Since 2004, the Phönix-Center has been Harburg's central shopping center with numerous stores and restaurants. However, the surrounding area - especially the Phönix quarter - is also known as a crime hotspot. Wilstorfer Strasse, once a major shopping street, now shows signs of structural change, but is still home to retail outlets and restaurants. There are several social and cultural facilities in the district, including daycare centers, a therapy center, churches, clubs and leisure facilities. Local health promotion is supported by the “Local Networking Centers for Prevention” and micro-projects as part of municipal health management.

HafenCity University

22. April 2025