GOLDEN HOUR GUIDE


What is meant by ‘golden hour’?
The ‘golden hour’ is the period of time shortly before sunset. In photography, it is known for its soft, warm, golden light, which casts long shadows and creates a special atmosphere.We have compiled a list of particularly beautiful locations around our The Cloud One hotels for the perfect sundowner drink, a photo shoot or simply a relaxed, romantic moment.
HAMBURG

Fischmarkt
The traditional fish market right on the Elbe offers an unobstructed view of the river, passing ships and the sky above the harbour.
Tip: Perfect for the golden hour when the light is reflected on the water. It's best to position yourself slightly above the harbour edge or on the steps by the Old Elbe Tunnel to have a clear view to the west. Then watch the lights come on.
Tip: Perfect for the golden hour when the light is reflected on the water. It's best to position yourself slightly above the harbour edge or on the steps by the Old Elbe Tunnel to have a clear view to the west. Then watch the lights come on.

Elbphilharmonie Plaza
The Elbphilharmonie platform offers spectacular panoramic views of the harbour, the Elbe and the sunset over Hamburg.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour with views of the city and the water. Online registration may be required – check in advance.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour with views of the city and the water. Online registration may be required – check in advance.

Außenalster
Surrounded by trees, sailing boats and elegant villas, this expansive stretch of water in the middle of the city is a relaxing place to spend the golden hour. At sunset, the warm light bathes the Alster in golden tones and is gently reflected on the water's surface.
Tip: Particularly beautiful from the banks of the Alster near the Kennedy Bridge or from Alsterpark. Ideal for enjoying the sunset with a view of the skyline and the reflecting evening light.
Tip: Particularly beautiful from the banks of the Alster near the Kennedy Bridge or from Alsterpark. Ideal for enjoying the sunset with a view of the skyline and the reflecting evening light.

Rooftop Bar The Cloud One Hamburg
Hotel guests have a phenomenally short journey, but our rooftop bar is also open to everyone else: from the 10th floor, you have a view of Hamburg – even in bad weather!
Tip: You can also take a little trip around the world without leaving the country – fancy a Cinnamon Daiquiri or a Med Martini?
Tip: You can also take a little trip around the world without leaving the country – fancy a Cinnamon Daiquiri or a Med Martini?
DUSSELDORF

Rhine terraces & promenade
Of course, the Rhine is the place to be when the day slowly draws to a close in fine weather. The Rhine promenade in Dusseldorf offers one of the most beautiful views of the river and the city. According to local guides, it is one of the ‘perfect sundowner locations’.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour along the riverside promenade between Tonhallenufer and Oberkasseler Brücke. A spot on one of the steps or at the balustrade offers an unobstructed view to the west – perfect for photos and sundowner vibes.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour along the riverside promenade between Tonhallenufer and Oberkasseler Brücke. A spot on one of the steps or at the balustrade offers an unobstructed view to the west – perfect for photos and sundowner vibes.

Grafenberger Forest
Those who prefer a more natural and slightly more athletic experience should visit the aptly named ‘Schöne Aussicht’ (beautiful view) viewing platform in Grafenberg Forest.
Tip: Take a torch with you! Otherwise, it's not exactly easy to find your way around the forest in the dark. ‘Schöne Aussicht’ is marked as a viewpoint on Google Maps.
Tip: Take a torch with you! Otherwise, it's not exactly easy to find your way around the forest in the dark. ‘Schöne Aussicht’ is marked as a viewpoint on Google Maps.

Rooftop Bar The Cloud One Dusseldorf-KöBogen
Head up high and relax with a sundowner, looking down directly onto the shops of the Kö, where you may have just treated yourself to something special.
Tip: Our signature drinks are just as exclusive as the shopping on offer – treat yourself here too!
Tip: Our signature drinks are just as exclusive as the shopping on offer – treat yourself here too!

Burgplatz
If you prefer to look down from above, Burgplatz on the Rhine with its castle tower is the place for you. Although it is only 33 metres high, it offers a 360-degree view from its arched windows and also serves food and drink in the Café Laterne.
Tip: When the sun disappears behind the Oberkasseler Bridge, the sky turns golden – ideal for photos or a relaxing end to the day.
Tip: When the sun disappears behind the Oberkasseler Bridge, the sky turns golden – ideal for photos or a relaxing end to the day.
GDANSK

Mottlawa
The Kładka Świętego Grzegorza footbridge connects the Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów) with the Old Town and offers a magnificent view over the Motława River and the historic facades along the waterfront.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour on the bridge itself or at the western end with a view towards the Old Town and Crane Gate – basically the signature picture you have to take in Gdańsk.
Tip: Ideal for the golden hour on the bridge itself or at the western end with a view towards the Old Town and Crane Gate – basically the signature picture you have to take in Gdańsk.

Góra Gradowa or Grodzisko
In addition to a rare view over the whole of Gdańsk, the "hill fort" offers the remains of said fort, which is essentially a natural viewing platform with sweeping views over the city and surrounding area.
Tip: Perfect for the golden hour from the upper plateau. It's worth bringing a blanket and arriving a little earlier – especially if you want to enjoy the golden light over the skyline.
Tip: Perfect for the golden hour from the upper plateau. It's worth bringing a blanket and arriving a little earlier – especially if you want to enjoy the golden light over the skyline.

Stogi Beach
Wide, sandy and accessible by tram, Gdańsk's city beach is worth a visit not only in summer.
Tip: It's best to position yourself slightly west of the main beach area to avoid the crowds. On a clear day, the golden hour is particularly special here, when the sunlight glitters on the water and the sky turns shades of orange and pink.
Tip: It's best to position yourself slightly west of the main beach area to avoid the crowds. On a clear day, the golden hour is particularly special here, when the sunlight glitters on the water and the sky turns shades of orange and pink.

The Bar in The Cloud One Danzig
Because the light here is golden every evening – rain or shine. The lights are modelled on golden amber from the Baltic Sea, breathing romance and well-being into even the dreariest of weather.
Tip: With our signature drink, ‘Baltic Sea’, you can taste the sea here too.
Tip: With our signature drink, ‘Baltic Sea’, you can taste the sea here too.