I've been to all 3 IKEAs in Hamburg because, uh, I'm clearly an IKEA junkie. Is there a support group for that? If not, there should really be. This habit is definitely going to shave a few years off my life.
They each have their pluses and minuses, but I tend to frequent this one the most because (1) it's the easiest to get to by car from Eppendorf while avoiding city traffic, (2) it has a bigger self-serve warehouse selection than Altona, (3) it's also a faster in/out than Altona, and (4) parking is free.
Downsides to this location are that (1) there are no shortcuts in the layout (so you have to follow the arrows like you're back in kindergarten), (2) it's basically only reachable by bus when it comes to public transportation options, and (3) you have to go through the exit and against the flow of traffic to get to the Customer Service/Returns department. That last one is the most counter-intuitive layout decision I've seen at an IKEA globally (yes, globally... I said I was a junkie).
Some tips for this one:
If you just need something from the Marketplace or Warehouse, go through the exit and slip through the self-checkout lanes. It'll be faster than going through the entire showcase flow.
The external parking lot is faster than the deck. It's closer to the entrance and faster to leave. If you do end up in the deck, use the stairs. The elevators are always swamped.
They have big paper/cardboard and packing material bins in the external lot.
For your sanity, avoid coming here during their post-Christmas sale, especially on the 2nd of January. You're not being smart and beating the crowds. Everyone in Hamburg is going to be there.
If you do end up here when it's crowded and need to return something, go grab a number from the Returns desk, do your shopping, and then come back to the Returns desk. They'll probably be still 10 numbers before you. Watching what people return will amuse you for the rest of the time. Everyone seems to break a mirror over Christmas.
Not sure which IKEA to go to in Hamburg? My decision tree:
Altona if you want to use public transport and need something small from the Marketplace or show floor. Avoid the elevators if you can. The Returns desk is only accessibly by elevator.
Moorfleet if you're using public transport and need the largest self-serve selection (check the IKEA app for deets). You also have a Bauhaus next door. Fastest delivery desk is here.
Schnelsen otherwise.
Now I'm going to go seek help for this addiction. read more