Wilhelmsburg in the south of Hamburg is the city’s largest district in terms of area and one of the largest river islands in Europe. I call it my home since 2012.

When the port of Hamburg was expanded at the end of the 19th century, numerous port basins, streets, canals and factories emerged. The workers’ quarter Reiherstieg, meanwhile, provided for numerous influxes in the north of the island.

Since the violent storm tide in 1962, the residents of Wilhelmsburg have had to struggle with destroyed buildings, poor infrastructure and tense social conditions. For some years now, the city of Hamburg has managed to attract new residents to the island by building residential, educational and cultural facilities. Wilhelmsburg became more and more a place to be for new students. And yet, due to its location directly at the port, it has retained its original, rough and industrial charm.

Wilhelmsburg in the south of Hamburg is the city’s largest district in terms of area and one of the largest river islands in Europe. I call it my home since 2012.

When the port of Hamburg was expanded at the end of the 19th century, numerous port basins, streets, canals and factories emerged. The workers’ quarter Reiherstieg, meanwhile, provided for numerous influxes in the north of the island.

Since the violent storm tide in 1962, the residents of Wilhelmsburg have had to struggle with destroyed buildings, poor infrastructure and tense social conditions. For some years now, the city of Hamburg has managed to attract new residents to the island by building residential, educational and cultural facilities. Wilhelmsburg became more and more a place to be for new students. And yet, due to its location directly at the port, it has retained its original, rough and industrial charm.