Hamburg Places: Reeperbahn

Located in the area St. Pauli, the Reeperbahn - also called "Kiez" - is one of Hamburg's most popular and famous streets.

The history of the Reeperbahn that is now not only a nightclub district started about 300 years ago.

The name Reeperbahn is due to the term "Reep" meaning rope. These "Reeps" were produced in the area next to the Reeperbahn between 1600 and 1880. In the 18th century, the Reeperbahn received its present name.

Due to its closeness to the harbour, many seamen came to the Reeperbahn in order to relax and be entertained in the beer halls, theaters etc. Therefore, the Reeperbahn already had become a place for entertainment at the beginning of the 19th century.

Now, there are not only striptease places and pubs, but also quite many theaters and concert halls. One of the most famous of these places is the Große Freiheit where for example the Beatles became stars.