Hamburg
Hamburg is reshaping mobility with an 80% sustainable transport goal by 2030. The Velorouten network (280 km planned; ~190 km delivered) forms the backbone, while record investments and a thriving StadtRAD system signal a city in motion—despite high theft and variable separation.
Stolen Bikes in Hamburg
Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Hamburg — current risk: Very High (~11,400 reports in 2024; ~3–4% clearance). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Hamburg to alert the community.
At a glance
Daily riders
Growing; 80% sustainable modes target by 2030
Dedicated paths
Velorouten: ~190/280 km (2023); bike streets + 30 km/h links
Bike sharing stations
250
Theft risk
Very High (~11,400 reports in 2024; ~3–4% clearance)
Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.
Quick map
Open Hamburg on the map
Theft insights
Very High (~11,400 reports in 2024; ~3–4% clearance)
Why it’s special
Alliance for Cycling (2016 → 2022 pedestrian integration).
Velorouten: 14 lines (12 radials from Rathausmarkt + inner/outer rings).
Major annual budgets (~€87m in 2020; ~€91m in 2021) for cycling.
StadtRAD: first 30 minutes free; 250+ stations; cargo e‑bikes at select hubs.
HVV multimodal: bikes free on U/S/A‑Bahn outside peaks; ferries free.
Signature rides: Old Elbe Tunnel, HafenCity/Elbphilharmonie, Außenalster loop.
Safety tips
Use mandatory paths where signed (blue round sign).
Lights must be steady (non‑blinking); keep required reflectors fitted.
Watch for door zones and varying separation on some Velorouten links.
Avoid peak hours with bikes on U/S/A‑Bahn (6–9, 16–18 weekdays).
Double‑lock and favor secure facilities near Hauptbahnhof and hotspots.
Ride like a local
Rules that matter
- Keep right; use bike lanes where the blue sign mandates it.
- Signal all turns clearly; ride single file if traffic is impeded.
- No sidewalk riding unless explicitly signed “Radfahrer frei”.
- Roadworthy bike: two brakes, bell, steady front/rear lights, and reflectors.
- Phones handheld are prohibited while riding.
Typical fines (EUR)
Unwritten etiquette
- Hold a steady line; pass on the left and give audible warning.
- Expect interruptions at larger junctions; plan a few extra minutes.
- On busy lakefronts and promenades, slow and yield to pedestrians.
Security & parking
Parking like a pro
- Use new secure stations at Steintorplatz and Glockengießerwall (near Hbf).
- Prefer Bike+Ride and monitored Radstationen for long stays/overnight.
- Lock the frame and a wheel with two high‑quality locks; avoid secluded spots.
Theft & lock strategy
- Hamburg is a hotspot: expect low recovery (~3–4% clearance).
- Use a hardened U‑lock + heavy chain; keep locks off the ground.
- Record frame number, photos; consider insurance for e‑/cargo bikes.
- Report via Polizei Onlinewache for documentation/claims; call 110 in emergencies.
Hauptbahnhof Secure Bike Stations
Two monitored facilities at Steintorplatz and Glockengießerwall provide ~318 secure spaces near the central station—ideal for day/overnight parking in a high‑risk area.
Rent a bike
Hamburg City Cycles
from €12/day
City • E‑bike • Kids • Tours
Zweiradperle
from €19/day
City • Touring • E‑bike • Cargo • Tandem
Happy Bikes Hamburg
from €19/day
City • E‑bike • Trekking • Road • Gravel • Kids
listnride (P2P)
varies (from ~€10/day)
City • Road • Gravel • E‑bike • MTB • Cargo
Epic day trips
The Maritime Heart • ≈15 km (easy)
St. Pauli Landungsbrücken → Old Elbe Tunnel → Elbbrücken → HafenCity, Elbphilharmonie, UNESCO Speicherstadt.
Außenalster Lake Loop • ≈18 km (easy)
Flat loop with skyline views, parks, cafés; avoid peak crowds on sunny weekends.
Alternative Hamburg – St. Pauli & Schanze • ≈10 km (easy)
Karoviertel, Sternschanze, FC St. Pauli, Reeperbahn—creative districts and street culture.
Elberadweg (multi‑day) • Hamburg → Cuxhaven
Flat, well‑signed Elbe route via Altes Land orchards to the North Sea (stages, ferries).
What’s next
Velorouten build‑out
14‑route backbone (12 radials + 2 rings) with separation upgrades and bike streets.
Secure parking expansion
Increase covered/secure spaces from ~28,000 to ~40,000 by 2030; new Hbf facilities.
Active mobility integration
Alliance for Cycling updated to include pedestrians (2022) for holistic planning.
Your perfect day
Old Elbe Tunnel panorama
Start at Landungsbrücken; ride the historic tunnel to Steinwerder for skyline views.
HafenCity & Speicherstadt
Cross Elbbrücken; explore Elbphilharmonie and UNESCO warehouse district.
Außenalster loop & lunch
Circle the lake via parks and promenades; café stop at Schwanenwik.
Schanze & St. Pauli finish
Roll through Sternschanze and Karoviertel for indie shops and street art.
Live here or visiting? List your bike to help the community
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Frequently asked questions
Can tourists use StadtRAD?
Yes. Register via app/online (one‑time €5 credited). First 30 minutes of every ride are free; then €0.10/min (cap €9/day). Cargo e‑bikes at select stations.
Can I take my bike on HVV?
Yes—free on U/S/A‑Bahn and ferries, but not weekdays 6–9 and 16–18. RB/RE need a €3.50 bike day ticket (rings A–F).
What are common fines?
Examples: phone €55; red light €60–€180 (+1 point); no lights €20–€35; sidewalk €55–€100; ignoring mandatory lane €20–€35.
Where to park overnight?
Use monitored Bike+Ride/Radstationen; near Hauptbahnhof, try Steintorplatz/Glockengießerwall secure stations; avoid street overnights when possible.
Is the network fully separated?
Separation quality varies; expect some painted lanes and interruptions. Bike streets and green links offer calmer options—plan routes accordingly.