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HAPPY HALLOWEEN: GHOST STORIES AND LEGENDS OF HAMBURG
Pumpkins, witches, ghosts and horror stories – October in Hamburg is not only the beginning of autumn, but also the beginning of a spooky and beautiful atmosphere. It's the perfect time for a pumpkin spice latte or a spooky tour of the Hanseatic city. To get you in the Halloween mood, we have picked out a Hamburg legend and horror story that stands out.
THE WHITE LADY OF BLANKENESE
The legend of the 'White Lady' has been told for many years in the noble district of Blankenese. She is said to be a sad woman in ghostly form who walks the streets of Blankenese in a long white dress. She is most often seen on foggy nights. The woman is said to have been betrayed by her lover and then drowned herself. Her ghost has been wandering around ever since, still waiting for the return of the man who once broke her heart.
THE COUNTESS OF HEILIGENGEISTFELD
If you have ever been to Hamburg, you have probably been to Heiligengeistfeld. This is where the famous Hamburg Dom, a fair, takes place four times a year. What is now a place of joy and beautiful experiences was once the cemetery for Hamburg's plague victims. Among the victims was a noblewoman accused of witchcraft. Out of anger and grief over the loss of her children, she still haunts Heiligengeistfeld today. She is said to be up to no good in the cellars and vaults beneath the field. It is not uncommon for people to report sightings and sounds that cannot be explained.
THE CURSE OF THE SPEICHERSTADT
What would a trip to Hamburg be without a trip to the beautiful Speicherstadt? This popular place actually has a dark past. In the 19th century, many workers were exploited here. They had to work in inhumane conditions. Some of them died during the construction work and there are even stories of workers being drowned. A curse is said to have haunted the Speicherstadt ever since. The restless souls of the workers roam the narrow streets and canals, especially at night. Sightings and reports of eerie noises are common. Be careful at night, especially in the fog.
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN OF ALTONA
The district of Altona is also home to a spooky Hamburg legend, particularly popular around Halloween. If you happen to be walking through the streets of Altona in stormy weather, you might come across a headless horseman. Legend has it that this is a young soldier who was beheaded in the 17th century and has been wandering around looking for his head ever since. Passers-by report the ominous sound of hooves clattering over the ground, but few have ever seen the rider himself.
TANTALISING MERMAIDS
Hamburg's spooky myths also include tales of mermaids who are said to live in the depths of the river. If you are thinking of Ariel, you are sadly mistaken. The mermaids have made it their business to seduce unsuspecting sailors and ultimately lead them to their doom. The songs and lamentations of the mermaids can still be heard today. If you hear them, be extra careful and don't fall for the tricks of these lovely looking mythical creatures.
THE STORY OF THE ELBE GHOSTS
It is said that the Elbe ghosts once lived in the waters of the river Elbe and were very suspicious of humans. They thought that people were coming and destroying their habitat with their ships and building projects. So they thought of ways to harm people. They repeatedly caused floods and devastated the land around the Elbe. But the people knew how to help themselves and built dikes to protect their city. It was almost impossible for the spirits of the Elbe to destroy them – and it is said that they still sit on the dikes in the form of eels, watching the human activity very closely.
STÖRTEBECKER'S CURSE
One of Hamburg's most famous ghost stories, told not only at Halloween, is about the most famous pirate of the North Sea: Klaus Störtebecker. He and his crew were captured in Hamburg in the 14th century and sentenced to death by beheading. The cunning pirate proposed a deal to his executioner: if he could pass some of his crew without hitting them on the head, those he passed would be spared. In fact, he managed to stumble past eleven of his comrades before collapsing headless. But instead of a reprieve, they too were taken to Grasbrook, now the Port of Hamburg, to be executed.
Legend has it that Störtebeker's ghost has haunted the port ever since. It is said that he has not found peace to this day because the promise was broken. Sailors, locals and tourists alike report eerie ghostly encounters in the harbour. This Hamburg legend is known far beyond the city limits and attracts many brave souls who want to catch a glimpse of the once famous pirate.
BOOK YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IN HAMBURG NOW
Hamburg awaits you – whether you want to go on a ghost hunt and discover the mystical side of Hamburg, or simply plan a beautiful autumn city break. Our Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg is the perfect starting point for exploring this exciting city.
