DES GB2012 E

There are many clichés surrounding Blankenese, but tradition is held very dear here and continues to be upheld in many forms, including the four Blankenese Easter Fires and the Kreekfah- ren, a type of sledging on a wide, flat wooden sledge that is only used on the Schinkels Meadow in Blankenese. The best time of the year to visit, though, is the summer: with all the water and stunning views over the hills, this part of Hamburg really has a maritime southern flair. Blankenese is a suburban district in the borough of Altona in the western part of Hamburg and is home to around 13,000 people. It lies on the northern geest (sandy moor) on the lower part of the river Elbe, which has formed a high bank in its centre. he first official records of Blankenese date back to 1301. Over the centuries, it has developed from a fishing village to a retirement location for ships‘ captains and pilots and is now a residential area lined with grand villas. In 1938, it became part of Hamburg at the same time as the borough of Altona. In the Treppenviertel (“stairway district”) around the Süllberg you can still see many of the historical fishermen‘s houses from the 18th and 19th century. Most of them are small, sober brick buildings. But if you explore the narrow and steep lanes that are only accessible on foot, you will also find some much more ornate half-timbered houses with thatched roofs. And the stunning view will make up for having to climb the many steps. Blankenese Patrick Kiss, Head of Investor & Public Relations T In the Treppen- viertel (“stairway district”) around the Süllberg you can still see many of the historical fishermen‘s houses from the 18th and 19th century SHOPPING { 44 } DES ANNUAL REPORT 2012 My Hamburg

DES GB2012 E

Pages