Living somewhere between big-city flair and small-town idyll? Between an Elbe panorama and a well-kept front garden? Blankenese. Sounds a bit like a French pastry, doesn't it? But it's actually a district in Hamburg – and what a district!
But before you start basing your criteria for finding an apartment in Hamburg exclusively on the lookout for thatched roofs: let's take a look together at whether Blankenese really suits you – or whether you'll end up standing there with a latte macchiato in your hand, wondering how you actually got here.
What you need to know about Blankenese
Blankenese is one of those places where you immediately get the feeling: this is where the better life is lived. But what does that actually mean, precisely?
Quite simply: Blankenese is beautiful. I mean really beautiful. The district lies in the west of Hamburg right on the Elbe and offers spectacular views, winding stepped quarters (yes, thousands of steps!) and villas that could tell stories – if they could speak. And believe me, some of them really look as though they'd just had breakfast with Thomas Mann.
Originally a fishing village, from the 19th century onwards Blankenese became home to Hamburg merchants, sea captains and wealthy retirees. Today, successful entrepreneurs, well-heeled families, cultivated seniors and a certain type of young creative who can afford the "alternative lifestyle" live here. Sounds snobbish? Yes, sometimes. But somehow charming too.
The advantages – or: why so many people dream of Blankenese
Location, location, Elbe views
There's no other way to put it: the view of the water does something to you. When you open your window in the morning and the Elbe gives you a friendly wave back – that's a way of life other people go on holiday for.
Nature and idyll in the middle of the city
Blankenese isn't a typical district. It's more like a village within the city. With lots of greenery, walking paths, parks and, of course, the famous stepped quarter, which is more reminiscent of Amalfi than of Hamburg. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will find it here.
Infrastructure with style
Boutiques instead of bargain shops, delis instead of kebab stands. And the weekly market? It's not only organic, but also a place for refined small talk about the quality of olive oil. Everything a little smarter – but charming too. Even the S-Bahn arrives on time. Usually.
Better safe than sorry
Crime here is about as rare as tracksuit bottoms on a stroll along the Elbe. Blankenese is one of the safest districts in Hamburg. So you can leave your cargo bike outside without worry (even if it's an e-bike).
The disadvantages – or: why not everyone is happy here
Right up there price-wise
Property in Blankenese is expensive. Full stop. Anyone who wants to live here either has to earn well, have inherited early or won the lottery. Rents are elevated too – and even the bread rolls at the bakery cost a euro more here. In return, though, you get more stylish rolls.
Not exactly diverse
Blankenese is – let's say – homogeneous. Anyone looking for hustle and bustle, multiculturalism and hipster vibes may feel here like the vegan chef in a steakhouse. They exist, the creative niches, but they're rare. Much of what's here is dignified, well-off and rather conservative.
Steps, steps everywhere
The stepped quarter is romantic – until you have to lug the weekly shopping up more than 500 steps to get home. Anyone with limited mobility (or who's simply lazy) should look carefully beforehand at where in Blankenese they want to live.
An elitist image
Blankenese has that reputation. You know the one. Champagne instead of Astra beer. You'll often be asked whether you live in "that Blankenese". That can get annoying. Or you simply get used to people automatically assuming you're rich and successful – which isn't the worst thing either.
Who is Blankenese (really) suitable for?
Do you like well-kept neighbourhoods, are you ready for a bit more distance from inner-city trendy quarters, and aren't you afraid of property prices that rival a luxury car? Then you're in exactly the right place here.
But: if you're looking for spontaneous chats at the kiosk, clubs around the corner and a certain amount of chaos – then Blankenese is perhaps more of a weekend outing than your new home.