St. Pauli Unforgotten Relics of the Reeperbahn Tour

Introduction

If you’re looking to get a deeper, more authentic look at Hamburg’s infamous Reeperbahn, the St. Pauli Unforgotten: Relics of the Reeperbahn Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the district’s past. This 1.5-hour walk, led by the creators of the XXL St. Pauli Museum, promises to reveal hidden treasures, legendary stories, and quirky memorabilia that you won’t find in standard guidebooks.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines storytelling with real relics like Paul McCartney’s bass guitar and vintage gas station signs. Second, it includes access to the Erotic Art Museum, adding a touch of provocative art to your experience. Third, it offers a relaxed pace with drinks and snacks, making it feel more like a cultural exploration than a hurried sightseeing rush.

A potential consideration? The tour is primarily in German, so non-German speakers might miss some nuance unless they’re comfortable with the language. It’s also a relatively short experience, so those craving a deeper historical dive may find it just enough for a quick, impactful overview.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love quirky history, music buffs, or anyone curious about the colorful, complex story of St. Pauli’s legendary district. If you’re seeking an insightful, entertaining snapshot of Hamburg’s party mile, this tour is a great choice.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

Authentic relics: Discover rare finds like Paul McCartney’s vintage bass and original advertising from the 1970s.
Historic storytelling: Learn about the district’s past, from the “Trichter” entertainment palace to the old gas station.
Museum access: Enjoy included admission to the Erotic Art Museum, showcasing works by Erwin Ross.
Local guides: Led by the creators of the XXL St. Pauli Museum, ensuring knowledgeable and passionate narration.
Relaxed pace: The tour includes drinks and snacks, giving it a friendly, informal vibe.
Limited language options: Conducted mainly in German, which might influence non-German speakers’ experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at the stylish Arcotel Onyx, conveniently positioned at the entrance to Hamburg’s famous “hot mile,” the Reeperbahn. The setting itself hints at the district’s glamorous yet gritty past, dating back to the 1920s when it was home to the entertainment palace “Trichter.” This early part of the experience sets a refined tone, with a non-alcoholic refreshment served to warm up the group and introduce the lively history of Hamburg’s nightlife.

From here, the focus shifts to neighborhood relics and curiosities that tell stories of St. Pauli’s vibrant past. You’ll hear about the long-gone “Kiez-Tanke” gas station, whose original sign still sparks curiosity. The guide will point out other memorabilia from legendary figures like the Beatles and Freddy Quinn, giving you a tangible connection to the district’s musical and cultural legacy.

One of the highlights is the story behind Paul McCartney’s Höfner bass — a striking, left-handed instrument kept in the Zwick. This relic isn’t just a musical artifact; it’s a symbol of the Beatlemania era that defined the district for decades. Reviewers mention the excitement of seeing rare memorabilia firsthand, with one noting, “It’s not every day you get to see McCartney’s bass up close, let alone learn the story behind it.”

Throughout the walk, the focus remains on hidden gems that often get overshadowed by the district’s more notorious reputation. The tour’s creators are passionate about showcasing the charm and history embedded in these relics, and their storytelling brings the district’s colorful past to life.

The tour culminates at the Erotic Art Museum, where visitors gain entry included in the ticket price. Here, the artworks of Erwin Ross, dubbed the “Rubens of the Reeperbahn,” are on display. Ross’s work, including the design of the entrance to the cult pub “Zur Ritze,” adds a provocative art angle to the district’s storytelling. The museum visit offers a visual and artistic counterpoint to the relics, rounding out the experience with a touch of boldness.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Unique relics and memorabilia: Unlike many tours that focus solely on the district’s modern reputation, this walk digs into the past with rare finds. Seeing items like McCartney’s bass or vintage advertising creates a tangible connection to the district’s legendary figures.

Storytelling from passionate guides: Led by the creators of the XXL St. Pauli Museum, the guides are deeply knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Their insider stories add depth and personality that elevate the experience beyond a typical sightseeing walk.

Access to the Erotic Art Museum: Including this in the tour offers a fascinating cultural perspective. The artworks by Erwin Ross are provocative and artistic, offering an unexpected layer of depth to the district’s story.

Relaxed, social atmosphere: The inclusion of drinks and snacks, along with a flexible pace, makes the tour feel more like a friendly exploration than a formal history lesson. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed style of touring.

Authentic Hamburg experience: The tour highlights local relics and stories that you won’t find in standard guidebooks, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers craving genuine, off-the-beaten-path insights into St. Pauli.

Cultural and musical connection: Fans of music and pop culture will appreciate the relics related to The Beatles and other icons, making this tour enriching for variety of interests.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting point at Arcotel Onyx: The stylish hotel provides a perfect launch pad, and the initial refreshments set a friendly tone. From here, you’re immediately introduced to the district’s glamorous past, with stories of the 1920s entertainment scene.

Relics and curiosities: The guide points out the original sign of the Kiez-Tanke gas station, which sparks interest. It’s a reminder that even mundane objects can carry stories of a bygone era. You’ll feel like a treasure hunter as you spot quirky artifacts hidden among modern-day buildings.

Paul McCartney’s Ludwig: The bass guitar is displayed in the Zwick, a notable stop for music fans. Its unique left-handed design makes it stand out, and hearing about its role during the Beatles’ Hamburg days adds a layer of musical nostalgia. Reviewers note that “seeing McCartney’s bass in person makes the Beatles’ Hamburg days feel more real.”

Memorabilia from famous figures: The tour showcases artifacts from Freddy Quinn, a legendary singer, and Domenica, perhaps Germany’s most famous prostitute, emphasizing the district’s complex history of entertainment, fame, and notoriety.

Old ESSO gas station: The story of the long-gone station adds a nostalgic touch, illustrating how the district’s economic and social landscape has evolved, yet retains relics that keep its past alive.

The Art Museum finale: The visit to the Erotic Art Museum ties the district’s bold character to its artistic expressions. Works by Erwin Ross, who designed the entrance to “Zur Ritze,” showcase provocative, bold artistry that echoes the district’s reputation for openness and controversy.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Practical Details for Travelers

The cost of $41 per person might seem modest for access to relics, museum entries, and expert-guided storytelling. The inclusion of a can of Bloody Water—spring water in a can—is a quirky, memorable touch that emphasizes the fun, informal vibe.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an easy addition to a day of exploring Hamburg without feeling rushed. The meeting point is conveniently set at the hotel bar, and the tour is conducted mainly in German. While this enriches the storytelling, non-German speakers should consider language barriers or seek a translation app for full understanding.

Group size is likely small and intimate, given the personal nature of memorabilia and storytelling, which enhances the experience.

Booking flexibility is available, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance, and “reserve now, pay later” makes planning easier for spontaneous travelers.

Note that additional drinks are not included, so if you want to continue exploring after the tour, you might want to bring extra cash or be prepared to purchase refreshments elsewhere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and curiosity-driven travelers who want more than just surface-level sightseeing of the Reeperbahn. If you’re keen on uncovering quirky stories behind legendary relics and enjoy cultural contrast—like provocative art paired with historic memorabilia—this tour will satisfy.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small group tours with passionate guides and aren’t strictly limited by language barriers, as long as some German understanding is possible.

Conversely, if you prefer a lengthy, in-depth historical immersion or are traveling with very young children, this short, focused walk might feel too light or not inclusive enough.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-German speakers?
The tour is primarily in German, so unless you’re comfortable with the language or bring translation help, some details might be missed.

Does the tour include any physical transportation?
No, it’s a walking tour starting at the hotel bar and covering relics throughout the district on foot.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a non-alcoholic drink (a can of Bloody Water) is included at the start, along with some snacks or refreshments during the tour.

Can I visit the Erotic Art Museum after the tour?
Yes, admission is included, making it easy to explore further or revisit later if you want more time to view the artworks.

Is this tour appropriate for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or for babies, given the mature themes and content.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and engaging experience without taking up a full day.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to see rare relics like Paul McCartney’s bass, vintage advertising, and memorabilia from Hamburg’s music legends, topped off with a visit to a provocative art museum.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a compact, insightful dive into the hidden corners of Hamburg’s Reeperbahn, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and fun relics. It’s perfect for those who enjoy uncovering stories behind iconic objects, from Beatles memorabilia to vintage gas station signs, all narrated by passionate guides with a genuine love for St. Pauli’s past.

The inclusion of the Erotic Art Museum adds a provocative, artistic dimension, making this a well-rounded experience that combines nostalgia with boldness. The relaxed pace, snacks, and drinks ensure it remains accessible and enjoyable, even for those not deeply familiar with German language or culture.

Ultimately, this tour suits curious travelers who want an authentic, offbeat glimpse into one of Hamburg’s most colorful districts. It’s a quick yet meaningful way to connect with the district’s legendary history without the rush of larger, more commercialized excursions.

The St. Pauli Unforgotten Relics Tour is a delightful, memorable journey into Hamburg’s legendary party mile—perfect for those looking to uncover the stories behind the stories.

You can check if your dates are available here: