Wohldorf-Ohlstedt: Forest and Light Railway History

Wohldorf-Ohlstedt combines nature experiences with transport history. In Wohldorfer Wald, the “Soil Education Trail” and the “Historical-Ecological Nature Trail” are accessible; the Duvenstedter BrookHus and museums about the light railway and public transport round out the selection. This lets you tailor your stay to whether you prefer spending time outdoors, looking for nature excursion tips or exploring historical collections.

Forest Paths and Landscape

Wohldorfer Wald is located in the Wohldorf-Ohlstedt district and is Hamburg’s largest continuous deciduous forest. A walk through the forest is about 7 km long. The “Soil Education Trail” and the “Historical-Ecological Nature Trail” are also accessible. The options have different focuses: the walk provides an approximate indication of length, while the names of the two trails suggest educational and nature-experience themes. The southern end of the forest can be reached in a few minutes on foot from the Ohlstedt U1 terminus. The Großhansdorf–Ohlstedt circular route passes through Duvenstedter Brook and then continues to Ohlstedt U-Bahn station. A visit to Wohldorf-Ohlstedt Cemetery can also be combined with a walk along scenic paths through a varied natural landscape.

Light Railway, Public Transport and Exhibitions

The Kleinbahnhof Wohldorf Public Transport Museum is located in the former goods handling building of the Altrahlstedt–Volksdorf–Wohldorf electric light railway. It displays original components, documents, models and photographs about the history of the Walddörfer tram, which ran from Wohldorf to Ohlstedt until 1961, as well as the history of public transport in Hamburg and the surrounding area. The exhibition thus traces a journey from a specific tram connection to regional public transport. At Am Schleusenredder 21, the Wohldorf Light Railway Museum is housed in a welcoming half-timbered house with a gable in the Heimatschutz architectural style.

Nature Information at BrookHus

Duvenstedter BrookHus is a museum and tourist information centre in Wohldorf-Ohlstedt. It offers a multimedia permanent exhibition. Visitors can find information there about the flora and fauna of Duvenstedter Brook, as well as excursion tips for the Brook. Visitors can thus distinguish between two different interests: visiting the exhibition and finding their bearings in nature.

Hamburg: Urban Contrasts

Hamburg offers another, urban range of attractions. The Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District, including Chilehaus, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. In Speicherstadt, brick architecture, canals and bridges shape the area alongside museums, cafés and restaurants. This provides an urban contrast to the forest paths and public transport history of Wohldorf-Ohlstedt. The Old Elbe Tunnel connects the Landungsbrücken with the port area in Steinwerder. Pedestrians and cycle tourists can pass through it free of charge around the clock; it is closed on New Year’s Eve.

Planten un Blomen is also part of the Hamburg city experience: the 45-hectare park features flower beds, expansive lawns, streams, small lakes and themed gardens. Water-light concerts take place every evening on the park lake from May to September; check the current programme before your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kirchwerder, Niendorf, Hamburg, Blankenese, Duvenstedt, Eppendorf.

Back to the main travel overview: Hamburg.