Bischofsburg
Free museum run by the AMH on Hamburg's Domplatz, built around the ring-shaped 12th-century tower foundation – Hamburg's oldest stone structure.
About the museum
During construction work on Speersort in 1962/63, archaeologists came across the ring-shaped foundation of a stone tower about 19 meters in diameter. For a long time it was thought to be the remains of an 11th-century bishop's residential tower, hence the name Bischofsturm (Bishop's Tower). Today the structure is dated to the 12th century; more recent research suggests it belonged to Hamburg's oldest city gate, since the earliest paved road ran right through here. The foundation is the oldest surviving stone structure in the city.
The remains are preserved in the basement of a newer building at the corner of Kreuslerstraße and are looked after by the Archäologisches Museum Hamburg as a branch site. After a three-year redesign, funded by the city's Ministry of Culture with around €180,000, the "Museum – Die Bischofsburg" reopened in August 2023 with new lighting and a new exhibition.
The exhibition places the foundation in the context of the city's early history and also presents the neighboring archaeological sites of the Hammaburg and the Neue Burg; large-format illustrations depict medieval Hamburg. Outside on Hammaburg-Platz (Domplatz), white light cubes mark the pillars of the former cathedral and steel edges trace the course of the old ramparts. A digital Archaeoscope shows the 9th-century Hammaburg as a 360-degree reconstruction.
Highlights
- Ring-shaped tower foundation 19 m in diameter, Hamburg's oldest surviving stone structure
- New lighting and exhibition since 2023
- Archaeoscope with a 360-degree reconstruction of the Hammaburg (audio in German and English)
- Hammaburg-Platz with light cubes marking the positions of the cathedral pillars
- Free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Die Bischofsburg – The dramatically lit tower foundation and an exhibition on Hamburg's early castles – the Hammaburg, Bischofsburg and Neue Burg – with large-format views of the medieval city.
- Operated by
- Archäologisches Museum Hamburg und Stadtmuseum Harburg (AMH)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | –Free admission for everyone. |
|---|---|
| Archaeological walking tour "Rund um die Bischofsburg" (Around the Bischofsburg) (90 min.) | €3Individual dates, e.g., October 17, 2026; registration via tickets.amh.de or 040 42871 2497 |
Admission to the exhibition is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition is in the basement; no accessibility information is provided.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
- Café
Ice cream café on the first floor above the foundation.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 60 guests.
For lectures, readings and small receptions: about 40 people seated, about 60 standing; guided tour by museum experts on request. Inquiries via an external contact person (see the rental page).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Branch of the Archäologisches Museum Hamburg in the city center. The Archaeoscope on Hammaburg-Platz offers audio tracks in German and English. Regular archaeological city walks starting at the Bischofsburg (registration required); school program "Mythos Hammaburg" (Hammaburg Myth) through Museumsdienst Hamburg. |
