LOOKING TO THE FUTURE FOR 127 YEARS

We have been making history at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten since 1897, offering our guests from all over the world first-class service and timeless elegance in the heart of the Hanseatic city at Hamburg's Alster lake. Discover our 127-year history - a history full of anecdotes, exciting personalities and countless stories.
1897
Historic black and white photo of restaurateur Friedrich Haerlin and his wife Thekla Toussaint

The beginning of something very special

On February 24th 1897, on the day of his 40th birthday, the German Friedrich Haerlin bought the "Hotel zu den Vier Jahreszeiten", which consisted of only one building and 11 rooms, at an public auction for around 420,000 Mark. A hotel of his own had been a long-cherished dream of the Swabian-born architect.

The acquisition of the hotel was only possible for Friedrich Haerlin because of his wife Thekla Toussaint, who always stood by his side and actively supported him from the very beginning

1897

The beginning of something very special

Historic black and white photo of restaurateur Friedrich Haerlin and his wife Thekla Toussaint

On February 24th 1897, on the day of his 40th birthday, the German Friedrich Haerlin bought the "Hotel zu den Vier Jahreszeiten", which consisted of only one building and 11 rooms, at an public auction for around 420,000 Mark. A hotel of his own had been a long-cherished dream of the Swabian-born architect.

The acquisition of the hotel was only possible for Friedrich Haerlin because of his wife Thekla Toussaint, who always stood by his side and actively supported him from the very beginning

Ahead of his time

Immediately after the acquisition of the house, the Hamburg authorities demand a basic renovation of the hotel. Haerlin invests a further 100,000 Mark in his newly acquired hotel - a forward-looking move that contributed significantly to the hotel's later success.

In 1900, a hot-water central heating system was installed, the first hotel in Hamburg to do so. The fact that guests could now stay at the hotel in heated rooms and with access to hot water in all four seasons is reflected in the name "Zu den Vier Jahreszeiten" which actually means that the hotel is open in all four seasons of the year

On November 23rd 1905, the extension with 57 new rooms was finalised and Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten was thus named a Grand Hotel. The philosophy of the hotel: "Service, service, service!" still proves to be an integral part of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten principles today.

1900 - 1905
1900 - 1905

Ahead of his time

Immediately after the acquisition of the house, the Hamburg authorities demand a basic renovation of the hotel. Haerlin invests a further 100,000 Mark in his newly acquired hotel - a forward-looking move that contributed significantly to the hotel's later success.

In 1900, a hot-water central heating system was installed, the first hotel in Hamburg to do so. The fact that guests could now stay at the hotel in heated rooms and with access to hot water in all four seasons is reflected in the name "Zu den Vier Jahreszeiten" which actually means that the hotel is open in all four seasons of the year

On November 23rd 1905, the extension with 57 new rooms was finalised and Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten was thus named a Grand Hotel. The philosophy of the hotel: "Service, service, service!" still proves to be an integral part of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten principles today.

1909 - 1919

Foundations for a prosposing future

With the acquisition of further neighbouring properties in 1909, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten expands by another 140 living rooms and bedrooms.

In 1913, the 16-year-old son Fritz begins his apprenticeship in the first houses and follows in the footsteps of his successful father.

Six years later, in 1919, the hotel's own restaurant Haerlin opens, which quickly becomes Hamburg's culinary address.

1909 - 1919

Foundations for a prosposing future

With the acquisition of further neighbouring properties in 1909, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten expands by another 140 living rooms and bedrooms.

In 1913, the 16-year-old son Fritz begins his apprenticeship in the first houses and follows in the footsteps of his successful father.

Six years later, in 1919, the hotel's own restaurant Haerlin opens, which quickly becomes Hamburg's culinary address.

Jahreszeiten Grill

In 1925, Haerlin commissioned the Düsseldorf architect Professor Fahrenkamp to design a refuge for the Hanseatic business world, where elegant but uncomplicated dining was to take place.

The professor, a master of Art Deco, gave free rein to his imagination and presented a casino with an oval tea room one year later. The architect had Caucasian walnut imported for the wooden panelling, which has been preserved to this day.

1926
1926

Jahreszeiten Grill

In 1925, Haerlin commissioned the Düsseldorf architect Professor Fahrenkamp to design a refuge for the Hanseatic business world, where elegant but uncomplicated dining was to take place.

The professor, a master of Art Deco, gave free rein to his imagination and presented a casino with an oval tea room one year later. The architect had Caucasian walnut imported for the wooden panelling, which has been preserved to this day.

1928

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in new splendour

In 1928, all the hotel buildings are uniformly raised and provided with a long viewing balcony on the 5th floor facing the Alster Lake and crowned with a green copper roof.

1928

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in new splendour

In 1928, all the hotel buildings are uniformly raised and provided with a long viewing balcony on the 5th floor facing the Alster Lake and crowned with a green copper roof.

The next generation of leadership

In 1932, Friedrich Haerlin hands over the management and ownership of the Grand Hotel to his 22-year-old Fritz, the only one of his three sons to return from the war alive.

1932
1932

The next generation of leadership

In 1932, Friedrich Haerlin hands over the management and ownership of the Grand Hotel to his 22-year-old Fritz, the only one of his three sons to return from the war alive.

1933 - 1935

Steps towards the future

In 1933, Fritz Haerlin brings back from his educational trip not only a fortune of 1,500 dollars, which he invests in the purchase of Bordeaux wines and in renovation work, but also a significant foreign hotel clientele for Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

In 1935 Fritz Haerlin opens the "Condi" - a confectionery in Biedermeier style. A popular gastronomic meeting place is created, where mainly Hamburg's upper class society frequents.

1933 - 1935

Steps towards the future

In 1933, Fritz Haerlin brings back from his educational trip not only a fortune of 1,500 dollars, which he invests in the purchase of Bordeaux wines and in renovation work, but also a significant foreign hotel clientele for Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

In 1935 Fritz Haerlin opens the "Condi" - a confectionery in Biedermeier style. A popular gastronomic meeting place is created, where mainly Hamburg's upper class society frequents.

The family grows in difficult times

Shortly before the outbreak of the war, Fritz Haerlin expands the hotel by purchasing the new five-storey building in the neighbouring street “Große Theaterstrasse”.

With the beginning of the Second World War in 1939, there are repeated bombing raids on Hamburg, but the hotel is spared with a great deal of luck.

In April 1941, the founder Friedrich Haerlin dies at the age of 84. In the same year, son Fritz meets his future wife, Agnes, in Krefeld. In 1943 and 1944, their daughters Thekla and Annemarie are born.

1939-1949
1939-1949

The family grows in difficult times

Shortly before the outbreak of the war, Fritz Haerlin expands the hotel by purchasing the new five-storey building in the neighbouring street “Große Theaterstrasse”.

With the beginning of the Second World War in 1939, there are repeated bombing raids on Hamburg, but the hotel is spared with a great deal of luck.

In April 1941, the founder Friedrich Haerlin dies at the age of 84. In the same year, son Fritz meets his future wife, Agnes, in Krefeld. In 1943 and 1944, their daughters Thekla and Annemarie are born.

1950 - 1952

Glamorous times

On April 4th 1950, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten regains its traditional splendour. Glamorous visits by aristocrats, federal presidents, chancellors and ministers as well as famous opera singers and popular stars of the 1950s contributed significantly to the unique elegance and significance of the hotel.

1950 - 1952

Glamorous times

On April 4th 1950, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten regains its traditional splendour. Glamorous visits by aristocrats, federal presidents, chancellors and ministers as well as famous opera singers and popular stars of the 1950s contributed significantly to the unique elegance and significance of the hotel.

An end of an era

Fritz Haerlin passes away on October 22nd 1975. The 55-year-old widow Agnes Haerlin takes over her husband's hotelier role and brings back new ideas from her numerous travels, which she continuously puts into practice.

In 1987, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, together with the Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden and the Breidenbacher Hof in Düsseldorf, founds the "Selection of German Luxury Hotels".

In 1989, the hotel heiress Agnes and her daughters decide to sell the hotel. The hotel is sold for 215 million German marks to the Japanese developer Hiroyoshi Aoki. This marks the end of the 92-year Haerlin hotel era and hotel director Gert Prantner takes over.

1975 - 1989
1975 - 1989

An end of an era

Fritz Haerlin passes away on October 22nd 1975. The 55-year-old widow Agnes Haerlin takes over her husband's hotelier role and brings back new ideas from her numerous travels, which she continuously puts into practice.

In 1987, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, together with the Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden and the Breidenbacher Hof in Düsseldorf, founds the "Selection of German Luxury Hotels".

In 1989, the hotel heiress Agnes and her daughters decide to sell the hotel. The hotel is sold for 215 million German marks to the Japanese developer Hiroyoshi Aoki. This marks the end of the 92-year Haerlin hotel era and hotel director Gert Prantner takes over.

1997

From bellboy to general manager

On August 2nd 1981, Ingo C. Peters, a native of Hamburg, began his training as a restaurant specialist at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. The thought that one day he would run the hotel as its general manager was a far-off dream at the time. After completing his training, he moved to the United States where he studied hospitality management at the renowned Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. After further stations in Asia and America, he returned home, where he became the new hotel director of Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten on October 1st 1997.

1997

From bellboy to general manager

On August 2nd 1981, Ingo C. Peters, a native of Hamburg, began his training as a restaurant specialist at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. The thought that one day he would run the hotel as its general manager was a far-off dream at the time. After completing his training, he moved to the United States where he studied hospitality management at the renowned Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. After further stations in Asia and America, he returned home, where he became the new hotel director of Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten on October 1st 1997.

Opening of the Doc Cheng´s

In 1998, the "Doc Cheng's", an Asian restaurant new to Hamburg, opens in the basement - the former “Jahreszeiten Keller”. The Doc Cheng's presents itself cosmopolitan and brings the Far East very close: a melange of West and Far East, antiquity and modernity is reflected not only in the design but also in the menu.

1998
1998

Opening of the Doc Cheng´s

In 1998, the "Doc Cheng's", an Asian restaurant new to Hamburg, opens in the basement - the former “Jahreszeiten Keller”. The Doc Cheng's presents itself cosmopolitan and brings the Far East very close: a melange of West and Far East, antiquity and modernity is reflected not only in the design but also in the menu.

2000

Above Hamburg

In 2000, the "Jahreszeiten Spa & Fitness" is created. On the 5th and 6th floor of the Grandhotel, guests can now enjoy the luxurious wellness and sports area above the roofs of the city. On the adjoining 300-square-metre roof terrace, the champagne bar and lounge area, an exclusive insider tip, invites the guests to relax afterwards.

2000

Above Hamburg

In 2000, the "Jahreszeiten Spa & Fitness" is created. On the 5th and 6th floor of the Grandhotel, guests can now enjoy the luxurious wellness and sports area above the roofs of the city. On the adjoining 300-square-metre roof terrace, the champagne bar and lounge area, an exclusive insider tip, invites the guests to relax afterwards.

Culinary delights on the Alster Lake

In 2006, the "Jahreszeiten Terrace" opens directly at the Alster Lake, with a spectacular panoramic view of Jungfernstieg and Ballindamm. Lunch, coffee, cake and light dinner variations are served now on from April to October.

2006
2006

Culinary delights on the Alster Lake

In 2006, the "Jahreszeiten Terrace" opens directly at the Alster Lake, with a spectacular panoramic view of Jungfernstieg and Ballindamm. Lunch, coffee, cake and light dinner variations are served now on from April to October.

2013

Change of the owner

In 2013, the asset management company of the Dohle family acquires Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Kurt Dohle fulfils a dream with the purchase of the house and develops it into one of the best hotels in Europe in the following years.

2013

Change of the owner

In 2013, the asset management company of the Dohle family acquires Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Kurt Dohle fulfils a dream with the purchase of the house and develops it into one of the best hotels in Europe in the following years.

Extensive reconstruction of the hotel

With the acquisition of the hotel,  Mr. Dohle is carrying out an extensive modernization of the 156 rooms and suites, restaurants and wellness areas. The largest construction project in the 113-year history of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has been completed. After three years of renovation and refurbishment Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten presents itself in new splendor.

2015
2015

Extensive reconstruction of the hotel

With the acquisition of the hotel,  Mr. Dohle is carrying out an extensive modernization of the 156 rooms and suites, restaurants and wellness areas. The largest construction project in the 113-year history of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has been completed. After three years of renovation and refurbishment Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten presents itself in new splendor.

2016

Opening of NIKKEI NINE

In 2016 Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten presents itself completely renewed and is crowned by the new opening of the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant NIKKEI NINE, formerly "Doc Cheng's". With elements from the Japanese cuisine combined with exciting flavours from Peru, the Nikkei Cuisine impresses with a modern and cosmopolitan food concept in a vibrant setting.

2016

Opening of NIKKEI NINE

In 2016 Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten presents itself completely renewed and is crowned by the new opening of the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant NIKKEI NINE, formerly "Doc Cheng's". With elements from the Japanese cuisine combined with exciting flavours from Peru, the Nikkei Cuisine impresses with a modern and cosmopolitan food concept in a vibrant setting.

Germany´s best hotel

In 2020, as in the following year, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is rewarded Germany's Best Hotel by "101 Best Hotels". A new ranking led by the Institute for Service and Leadership Excellence, which looks for the best hotel among the 11,000 hotels in Germany.

2020
2020

Germany´s best hotel

In 2020, as in the following year, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is rewarded Germany's Best Hotel by "101 Best Hotels". A new ranking led by the Institute for Service and Leadership Excellence, which looks for the best hotel among the 11,000 hotels in Germany.

2021

Constantly looking ahead

In the following year, the reception area is completely renovated with modern and timeless elements with special attention in every single detail.  A unique symbiosis of cream, gold and watercolour tones and the newly created Concierge loge give a cosmopolitan atmosphere right by the Inner Alster Lake.

2021

Constantly looking ahead

In the following year, the reception area is completely renovated with modern and timeless elements with special attention in every single detail.  A unique symbiosis of cream, gold and watercolour tones and the newly created Concierge loge give a cosmopolitan atmosphere right by the Inner Alster Lake.

One of the most exclusive event locations in Europe

After almost 25 years as hotel director, Ingo C. Peters' greatest dream comes true and the wine cellar is expanded into one of the most exclusive event locations in Europe. On almost 500 square metres, wine lovers can now marvel at the rarities of the house and invite their guests to breathtaking receptions and tastings.

2021
2021

One of the most exclusive event locations in Europe

After almost 25 years as hotel director, Ingo C. Peters' greatest dream comes true and the wine cellar is expanded into one of the most exclusive event locations in Europe. On almost 500 square metres, wine lovers can now marvel at the rarities of the house and invite their guests to breathtaking receptions and tastings.

2022

Where Magic Happens

True to the motto "Looking into the future since 125 years." Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg presents itself on the occasion of its 125th anniversary in 2022 with the accustomed highest quality of the hotel that was voted the best grand hotel in Germany in 2022. It is the special magic that create the unique and timeless flair right by the Inner Alster Lake. A magic that brings luxury and warmth to life through the employees. This passion can be felt everywhere and creates unforgettable moments for guests from all over the world.

2022

Where Magic Happens

True to the motto "Looking into the future since 125 years." Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg presents itself on the occasion of its 125th anniversary in 2022 with the accustomed highest quality of the hotel that was voted the best grand hotel in Germany in 2022. It is the special magic that create the unique and timeless flair right by the Inner Alster Lake. A magic that brings luxury and warmth to life through the employees. This passion can be felt everywhere and creates unforgettable moments for guests from all over the world.

Presidential Suite

After an extensive renovation, the Presidential Suite shines in exclusive and luxurious splendour. A symbiosis of individuality, luxury and Hanseatic flair come together in harmony in the Presidential Suite. Located on the fourth floor, it impresses with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Binnenalster and offers maximum comfort on up to 350m².

2022
2022

Presidential Suite

After an extensive renovation, the Presidential Suite shines in exclusive and luxurious splendour. A symbiosis of individuality, luxury and Hanseatic flair come together in harmony in the Presidential Suite. Located on the fourth floor, it impresses with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Binnenalster and offers maximum comfort on up to 350m².

2023

GRILL

After a long period of behind-the-scenes planning and an intensive renovation phase, our GRILL shines in new splendor, one of Hamburg's most traditional restaurants. Our new GRILL is a place where tradition meets modernity, combining a century of history, design and culinary mastery.

2023

GRILL

After a long period of behind-the-scenes planning and an intensive renovation phase, our GRILL shines in new splendor, one of Hamburg's most traditional restaurants. Our new GRILL is a place where tradition meets modernity, combining a century of history, design and culinary mastery.

Do you have any requests or questions?

Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have about our event location in Hamburg and will be happy to help you plan your event.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Events

Tel +49 40 34 94 31 89
events.hvj@fairmont.com

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Neuer Jungfernstieg 9 - 14
20354 Hamburg
Germany


Tel +49 40 34 94 0
Fax +49 40 34 94 26 00
hamburg@fairmont.com

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