Kampnagel

A trip to Hamburg's Kampnagel is a must for artists and art-loving visitors. The former machine factory in Hamburg Winterhude is home to a breathtaking venue for contemporary art that has made a name for itself far beyond the borders of the Hanseatic city. Find out exactly what Kampnagel is all about here.

From harbour crane to culture factory

Christian Nagel and Reinhold Kaemp founded Nagel & Kaemp Maschinenfabrik in Winterhude back in 1865. Starting with the production of various rice mills, the company grew to become one of the best-known manufacturers of ship and harbour cranes, particularly with the production of mobile lifting vehicles. At the same time, Kampnagel also enjoyed international success.

Only the growth in container shipping in the mid-1960s led to a significant decline in production. Before the company was finally dissolved at the beginning of the 1980s, Kampnagel therefore primarily produced forklift trucks as part of Demag AG from 1968. After the well-known machine factory was closed, the site of the German machine factory fell to the Hanseatic city. While it was initially planned to completely demolish the plant, Halls K1 and K2 were initially used as alternative theatre spaces for the Deutsches Schauspielhaus. 

Following the resounding success of this initiative, Kampnagel was used for a five-day theatre festival by independent theatre groups from the region at the end of 1892. They were also the ones who wanted to continue using the premises on the Kampnagel site, so that the initially planned demolition of the machine factory did not take place and instead regular theatre performances were held in the new Kulturfabrik from 1985.

Kulturfabrik Kampnagel

Today, the Kulturfabrik, a world-renowned production centre on the former Kampnagel site, has become a magnet for the performing arts. Under the direction of artistic director Amelie Deuflhard, an international cultural programme with guest performances, festivals, concerts, conferences and (dance) performances by well-known artists such as She She Pop, Showcase Beat Le Monde and many others is staged here year after year on a total of six stages. In addition, Kampnagel's current programme of events captivates both Hamburg residents and visitors to the Hanseatic city. 

Whether with the International Summer Theatre Festival, the Hammoniale Women's Festival, the International Theatre Festival or events such as the Hamburg International Summer Festival - there is always something going on at Kampnagel. Last but not least, Kampnagel is regarded as the largest creative laboratory in the art and theatre scene, which is not only groundbreaking in the Hamburg area. Whether music, visual arts or architecture - whatever makes it onto the stage here is guaranteed to be a success. Each season, more than 900 events take place in the former machine factory, which are discovered by almost 200,000 culture and art enthusiasts every year.

More Highlights Nearby

Hamburg delights with a seemingly endless array of cultural events, historical landmarks, and attractions. There is certainly something for everyone, no matter your age. If you’ve already seen or heard enough at Kampnagel, there are plenty of worthwhile destinations nearby. How about a visit to the nearby Stadtpark? Explore this fantastic green space by walking, jogging, or picnicking, and be sure to visit Germany’s most popular planetarium while you’re there.

Stroll south from Kampnagel to the Außenalster and take one of the popular boat tours to admire the Hanseatic city from the water. Settle into one of the many establishments along the Alster to sample some local specialties. Use the old machine factory as a starting point to visit the unique Museum of Work in Barmbek and learn more about the city’s development. Or embark on a stunning exploration of Hamburg's largest landscape park—the Ohlsdorf Cemetery. No matter what you choose, boredom is unlikely in this vibrant city.

Discover the Hanseatic City

A short weekend trip, a spontaneous city break, or an extended stay in Hamburg guarantees you a diverse program. Discover the multifaceted Hanseatic city from various perspectives. In addition to famous landmarks like St. Michael's Church and the Warehouse District, explore trendy districts such as Karo or Schanze, and don’t miss out on the city’s fantastic art and cultural offerings.

If you want to experience Hamburg up close, be sure to choose suitable accommodation in advance. Consider whether a hotel in the old town or a room at the comfortable Hotel Hamburg Nord is better for you. Browse through the fabulous offers from B&B HOTELS in Hamburg.

Whether you prefer a single, double, or family room with a private bathroom, you can expect modern amenities and plenty of comfort, along with a host of services to make your time in Hamburg even more enjoyable—all at unbeatable prices! So don’t hesitate to reserve your desired accommodation online today. We look forward to welcoming you to Hamburg!