Zollenspieker Fährhaus

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Zollenspieker Fährhaus? It’s actually tucked away in this historic spot along the Elbe that most tourists never stumble across – and honestly, that’s probably why it feels so authentic. I mean, when you pull up, you’re looking at what’s supposedly Hamburg’s oldest restaurant building, and there’s this working ferry right there that’s been shuttling people across the river since forever. The whole area has this old-world charm that doesn’t feel forced or touristy at all.

The hotel itself sits right on the riverbank, and I’m talking literally steps from the water. My room faced the Elbe, and mornings there were something else – you’d wake up to the gentle sound of the ferry chugging back and forth (it’s not annoying, more like a rhythmic background hum), and there’s often mist hanging over the water that looks pretty magical with your coffee. The rooms are well-appointed without being flashy – think comfortable four-star territory with solid beds and bathrooms that actually have decent water pressure. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, especially compared to staying in the city center. Sure, you’re about 30 minutes from Hamburg proper, but that distance works in your favor if you want to decompress.

The restaurant downstairs is where this place really shines though. They’ve got this huge beer garden that sprawls along the waterfront, and on weekends it fills up with locals cycling out from the city – there’s actually a really nice bike path that follows the Elbe if you’re into that sort of thing. The food leans traditional northern German, and their fish dishes are legitimately fresh since they’re right on the river. Service can be a bit slower when they’re packed (which happens a lot during summer), but the staff genuinely seems to care about the place. Parking is free and easy, which is honestly a relief after dealing with Hamburg’s parking situation. The 8.9 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be some luxury palace, but it delivers exactly what it promises with that little extra something you don’t expect.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $185. Comfort Double Room with River View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $298. Studio with River View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $546. Suite with River View with 5 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $775. Suite with Harbour View with 3 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Pedro380085 from Brazil – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  great room size, although the bathroom would not turn off after 5 minutes
  
  What could be improved: the breakfast could be included in the rate

• Densingh from India – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Much delighted experience with ambience and breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Coffee machine was not working properly in the room and instructions was missed for how to use it.

• Uwe from Canada – 13 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location in a rather rural is so relaxing and quiet
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Annalisa from United Arab Emirates – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  The peaceful location and the comfort of the bed
  
  What could be improved: The room was a little bit cold

• David from Germany – 4 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location was nice. Perfect place to unwind.
  
  What could be improved: Can’t think of anything.

• Lynn from United Kingdom – 12 December 2024 (8/10)

  We loved our stay, clean, lovely location, good facilities, great breakfast, nice staff!
  
  What could be improved: Only a couple of small things, maybe an information sheet in the room stating opening times for breakfast, dinner, bar, spa area, would be helpful, we didn’t see this, so guessed, apart from remembering from check in! Secondly, just would be nice if the drinks were replaced each day to use as we were there for 6 days, so more coffee pods & teabags etc, once used within a few days, they were not replaced.

• Teodor from Romania – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  The best breakfast I have ever had! So much variety you cannot try everything! Very clean rooms and moderant looking.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 21 September 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel was modern, immaculately clean and beautifully situated. It was such a peaceful and relaxing stay with nice facilities and breakfast was healthy and good qualify, service and staff were very accommodating and friendly. I had a comfort room overlooking the river and it was so lovely to see the birds and the landscape.

• Bjorn from Denmark – 17 September 2024 (9/10)

  The wiev from the French balkon in the room and the evening bar. IT has a perfect wiev of the elbe and a very cosy interior. It is possible to eat a well prepared dinner, from a very small menu.

• Dennis from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (9/10)

  Fabulous hotel.very stunning place and beautiful views right on the river.the staff are really nice and value for money.the bar prices are good and 1am closing was great for us.
  The standard was high and very clean.
  Breakfast was really good with a good selection.
  
  What could be improved: We have spent 2.5 weeks motorcycle touring scandinavia and like to visit local bars and sample local beers but it isn't very close to town.
  That being said, we would be very picky & unfair if we said this was a problem. we could of used public transport, as we have in the other 5 countries we have visited.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities