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Dec 2018 – Line U4 extension from Hafencity-Universitaet to Elbbruecken (transfer to line S3). 1.1 km, 1 station. 9 Dec 2012 – New line U4 from Billstedt to Hafencity-Universität. New line, 4.0 km, 2 stations.
After decades of ignoring design aspects and thoughtlessly polluting station interiors with giant advertising billboards, there's evidence that metro operator HHA is gradually rediscovering the value of its architectural heritage and developing fresh ideas.
Photo: Klosterstern station from 1929 on line U1, accurately restored in 1986 back to its original style.
Some historic stations have been preserved, and a few featureless stations have recently been transformed into spaces with interesting design and less advertising [100-jahre-hochbahn.de].
Photo: St. Pauli station from 1912. Since 1999, a deconstructivist glass roof contrasts with the historic sandstone entrance and shelters it from weather influences. The historic design at platform level has not been preserved, however.
Tours of the metro system, guided by experts. For dates and reservation contact the tour operator or check their website.
Two free guided tours are occasionally being offered in German: one is a look behind the scenes of metro operation and security, the other one is a visit to the operations control centre. Check website for dates. Reservation is mandatory. Tour operator: HHA.
Try the following tour, recommended by residents or metro enthusiasts:
Take line U3 from Landungsbrücken to Hauptbahnhof for an elevated view of the harbour on the right hand side and a steep decline into the tunnel after Rödingsmarkt station. Change to line S21 and watch out for the Alster lake on both sides of the track before getting off at the nicely preserved Dammtor railway station. Walk across the pedestrian bridge to Stephansplatz station and take line U1 to Klosterstern for its preserved Art Deco style. If you have more time, ride the circular line U3 for an overview of the city and some interesting stations. An MP3 audio tour for line U3 is available (in German) at hvv.de.
Eisenbahnmuseum Lokschuppen Aumühle. The workshop and museum, operated voluntarily by an association of public transportation aficionados, displays historic trains both outdoors and in the shed. Besides long-distance trains, there are S-Bahn (commuter rail) and the small local trains that used to run between Ohlstedt and Wohldorf. Showcases and historic signs on the walls cover Hamburg's means of transport, including trams and U-Bahn (metro). Since 1971. Location: Historic engine shed. Walk into the road Am Muehlenteich then turn right and follow the hiking trail to Friedrichsruh for about 300 m. Address: Am Geleise, 21521 Aumuehle. At S21 Aumühle metro station. Hours (check before visiting): Sundays 11-17. Admission: 3 EUR. Features: Historic train shed, exhibition, historic commuter rail trains, shop. Reference: vvm-museumsbahn.de (official website).
Hamburg Consult family Members: Amsterdam, Athens, Dublin (DART), Hamburg (types DT2, DT3), Characteristics: Hamburg's metro operator had been consultant to other cities until the 1970s, so the older train types in these cities look similar.
From Rödingsmarkt to Landungsbrücken, the elevated U3 line runs for about 1 km along the harbourfront with a view of oceanliners and historic stock buildings.
About 16 short beeps announce the closing doors of the U-Bahn (the former vocal announcement "Zurückbleiben bitte!" (MP3) was given up in 2014). A female voice announces the next stations on the trains: "Naechster Halt: [station name]". It is the voice of Anke Harnack, a radio host. For some stations, there are short references in English to places of interest. On S-Bahn trains, about seven high-pitched beeps announce the closing doors. Next-station and other announcements are by a male announcer, Ingo Ruff, occasionally followed by a female native English announcer (MP3 by Deutsche Bahn).
Line U1 train departing from Klosterstern station.
Die Bauwerke des Schienenverkehrs in Hamburg. Christians 1994. (In German)
Grundmann, Friedhelm; Michael Zapf
Im Wandel der Zeit: Die Bauten der Hamburger Hochbahn neu gesehen von Studierenden der Architektur. HHA 2004. Exhibition booklet about station architecture (In German)
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Eisenbahnmuseum Lokschuppen Aumühle. The workshop and museum, operated voluntarily by an association of public transportation aficionados, displays historic trains both outdoors and in the shed. Besides long-distance trains, there are S-Bahn (commuter rail) and the small local trains that used to run between Ohlstedt and Wohldorf. Showcases and historic signs on the walls cover Hamburg's means of transport, including trams and U-Bahn (metro). Since 1971. Location: Historic engine shed. Walk into the road Am Muehlenteich then turn right and follow the hiking trail to Friedrichsruh for about 300 m. 
S-Bahn (suburban metro)