Celebrities cycle through Hamburg Kostja Ullmann & Christoph Lieben-Seutter
Cycling has many benefits – fresh air, a healthy amount of exercise and flexibility are just some of them. These two celebrities particularly appreciate the fact that they can whizz through the city on two wheels in such a relaxed way. Kostja Ullmann – actor and HSV sponsor – and Christoph Lieben-Seutter – general director of the Laeiszhalle and Elbphilharmonie – talk about what they associate with cycling and why, for them, it is as much a part of Hamburg as the fish sandwich and the neighbourhood.
Kostja Ullmann was born in Hamburg and is an actor. He was already on stage at the age of eleven, first at the Ernst Deutsch Theatre in Hamburg. He then landed roles in films such as his cinema debut "Sommersturm", "Verfolgt" and "Groupies bleiben nicht zum Frühstück" as well as series such as "SOKO Leipzig" and "SOKO Köln" and "Tatort". In 2021, he participated in #allesdichtmachen, but distanced himself from the campaign a short time later. He is also involved as a sponsor for Hamburger SV.
What do you particularly like about cycling?
Kostja: For me, there is no better way to get around and be physically active.
Why do you like cycling in Hamburg?
Kostja: My way into the city is along the Alster. But a ride to Falkensteiner Ufer also speaks for itself.
Why should more Hamburg residents switch to cycling from time to time?
Kostja: The development of many new cycle routes in Hamburg makes it increasingly easy to get around the city. And the air is better, too!
Christoph Lieben-Seutter was born in Vienna and moved to Hamburg in 2007 to take up his post as General Director of the Laeiszhalle and Elbphilharmonie. His contract was prematurely extended in spring 2022, until 2029. Previously, he trained as a software engineer, worked at the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Zurich Opera House and hosted the festival Wien Modern. He was also president of the European Concert Hall Organization for eleven years, and is still a board member of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra.
What do you like most about cycling?
Christoph: The exercise in the fresh air is the perfect balance to my daily work routine. I do something for my physical fitness, and at the same time there is something very relaxing about cycling. My thoughts can wander freely, and restores my energy.
Why do you like cycling in Hamburg?
Christoph: What I like about Hamburg, the vastness and openness of the city, can be felt particularly well on a bike. That's why I like to cycle to the office regularly. Along the Alster and through the city centre down to the Elbe, that's a stunning route – at any time of day or night.
Why should more people in Hamburg switch to cycling?
Christoph: Because cycling is not only fun, but also good for your health. It's good for your mood, your wallet and, of course, the environment. And for shorter distances in this city, cycling is usually just as fast as using a car or the HVV, often even faster.
