Deichstrasse, Hamburg

Deichstrasse is a short street where the old merchant-house pattern is still visible. The fronts face the street, while the backs face the Nikolaifleet, where goods could arrive by boat. The same building could hold counting rooms, storage, and family space.

The Great Fire of 1842 began on Deichstrasse and destroyed much of the old center. This row survived that fire, survived wartime damage nearby, and was later restored after 1970s road plans threatened it. Walk it with St. Nikolai and Speicherstadt in mind: merchant houses first, then larger warehouse blocks.