Moldauhafen

Moldauhafen is a small piece of land in Hamburg’s port leased by the Czech Republic. It sits on the banks of the Elbe, near the Dresdner Ufer and Hallesches Ufer. The lot covers about 28,500 square metres and forms part of the Hamburg free port. It was first acquired by Czechoslovakia in 1929 under the Treaty of Versailles. The lease lasts until 2028, after which the land will return to Hamburg. Two other areas, Saalehafen and Peutehafen, are also used by the Czech Republic. Saalehafen was part of the same Versailles agreement, while Peutehafen was bought outright in 1929. The arrangement allows the Czech Republic access to the sea via the Vltava and Elbe rivers. Goods can move through these rivers to Hamburg without passing through another country. The leased zone was once called the Czecho-Slovak rental zone for inland navigation. The area remains a duty-free zone today. In 2004, Hamburg considered taking back the land to build for the 2024 Olympics, but the Czech Republic wanted to keep its rights. The city later offered an exchange, but the Czech Republic preferred to keep its ports in Hamburg. Visitors to the area see a quiet stretch of the port’s embankment. The land is flat and bordered by docks and water. The nearby Peutekanal and Peutehafen dock add to the industrial landscape. The Czech Republic still uses the zone for moving goods. The embankments and docks show the port’s working character. The area reflects Hamburg’s role as a major European trade hub.