Alte Liebe Cuxhaven
Front row, best view. At the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven, the big ships sail right past you. Sea air and a sense of wanderlust come free of charge.
Where the big ships sail
The Alte Liebe is something of a prime vantage point on Cuxhaven’s waterfront. This historic viewing platform juts out directly into the Elbe estuary and offers the best views of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Giant container ships, cruise liners and small sailing boats pass by here, sometimes surprisingly close. And if you want to know which vessels are currently heading for Hamburg or out into the wide world, simply listen to the traditional ship announcements.
About the love
The history of the Alte Liebe didn’t actually begin in a romantic way. In 1733, three decommissioned ships were sunk at this spot, surrounded by piles and with the gaps filled with stones and scrub. This created a bulwark designed to protect the harbour, which had been damaged by storm surges. Later, it became a jetty; today, the Alte Liebe is primarily Cuxhaven’s prime spot for viewing large ships and enjoying sweeping views.
And the lovely name? That’s where things get a bit mysterious . According to one account, one of the ships sunk back then was actually called ‘Die Liebe’. Another story tells of a ship named ‘Olivia’, which the people of Cuxhaven called ‘Oliv’. Phonetically, this is very close to the Low German ‘Ol’ Leev’, meaning ‘Alte Liebe’. Still others speak of a captain who commemorated his lost love here. Which version is correct? It’s not entirely clear. They’re all lovely.
Frequently asked questions about the
Alte Liebe, Cuxhaven
Is it worth visiting the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven?
Absolutely. Huge ships up close, fresh sea air and a superb view of the Elbe make the Alte Liebe a real must-see in Cuxhaven. At the Alte Liebe, freighters, cruise ships and sailing boats pass by, sometimes surprisingly close, whilst the traditional ship announcements tell you who’s currently passing by.
HENRI’s tip: Take a bit of time to watch the ships – it’s well worth it.
Which ships sail past the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven?
There’s plenty going on here: container ships, cargo ships, cruise ships, ferries, sailing boats and other vessels, large and small, pass by the Alte Liebe. They sail past Cuxhaven on their way from the North Sea to the Elbe – or set off from there into the big wide world.
Every day between 11.00 and 17.00 (April to October), the traditional ship announcements provide all the information you need about the passing vessels.
Is admission to the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven free?
Yes, admission to the Alte Liebe Cuxhaven is free.
When is the best time to visit the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven?
Actually, any time really, as there’s always something going on on the Elbe. The early morning hours and the evening are particularly lovely, when things quieten down a bit at the Alte Liebe. If you’re specifically looking to see large ships, it’s best to check the latest vessel movements beforehand.
Why is it called ‘Alte Liebe’ in Cuxhaven?
The matter has still not been fully clarified, and that is precisely what makes the story so charming. According to one account, one of the ships sunk in 1733 to create the breakwater was called ‘Die Liebe’. Another story traces the name back to a ship called ‘Olivia ’. Perhaps the name also comes from a captain who was mourning a lost love here. Which version is correct? We can continue to ponder that.
Where is the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven?
The Alte Liebe is situated right by Cuxhaven harbour, where the River Elbe flows into the North Sea. It’s easily accessible from the city centre and the railway station, and you can’t miss it once you’re there: just head towards the water.
When was the Alte Liebe in Cuxhaven built?
The history of the Alte Liebe dates back to 1733. At that time, three decommissioned ships were sunk and, using stakes, stones and scrub, transformed into a bulwark designed to protect the harbour of Cuxhaven. The current viewing point was added later.
Where are some good places to stay in Cuxhaven?
From March 2027, there’s no better place to be right in the heart of it all: the HENRI Hotel Cuxhaven. Situated right in the Old Fishing Harbour, historic fish markets meet fresh HENRI design, with 145 rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant, and a spa and gym. The harbour, town centre, waterfront and beach are practically on the hotel’s doorstep. The Alte Liebe is also just a 15- to 20-minute walk from the HENRI Hotel.
