Hamburg's artificial coffee island for the Kaiser

Robinson Island built on 723 piles in just 58 days
In just 58 days of construction, the "insula in flumine nata" (Latin for "island born on the river") grew up on 723 piles driven into the ground. It extended over 5,993 square meters and formed the 34th part of the Binnenalster area.
Gardeners, carpenters and rock builders shaped the island into a romantic Robinson Island with lighthouses, grottos, cliffs and viewpoints. Over 5,500 light bulbs bathed it in colorful light in the evening. A compass bed showed the location of the North and Baltic Seas.

Space for 1,500 people, an imperial tent and lots of coffee
Walkways, tents and viewing areas provided space for over 1,500 guests. The interior of the artificial island concealed a sophisticated infrastructure with toilets, electric lighting and cooking facilities for catering. The Emperor resided in a magnificent "Kaiserzelt" and enjoyed the view of the city and the festivities. In a larger "guest tent", the other guests could fortify themselves with food, drink and, last but not least, coffee, before boarding a fleet of decorated Alster steamers for a trip along the Elbe to Brunsbüttel.

After 100,000 visitors, the island disappeared as quickly as it arrived
For 45 days, the island attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. But if you want to visit the island today, you are unfortunately out of luck. On July 31, 1895, it gave its farewell performance with a charity concert before being completely dismantled within 23 days. Today, only photos and reports bear witness to Hamburg's unique coffee island for the Kaiser.

With its efforts, the city of Hamburg showed the emperor its appreciation and attachment to the empire - and, as a good host, ensured that the guests at the inauguration of the new canal wanted for nothing, not even a cup of coffee on a specially built island.