The piers are located in the St. Pauli area of Hamburg, between the lower harbour and the Fischmarkt (Fish Market), on the banks of the Elbe river.

The Landungsbrücken today form a central transportation hub, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn and ferry stations, and are also a major tourist magnet with numerous restaurants and departure points for harbour pleasure boats.

The pier ensured a sufficient security distance from the city, since these ships were fueled by coal which presented a fire risk.

The current piers built in 1907 consist of floating pontoons, which are accessible from land by ten movable bridges.

With its length of 205 m, its numerous gateways to the ships' piers, its domes and towers, it sets a structural accent.

For the rowing trips of Kaiser Willhelm II, a separate underground dock was constructed, viewable by appointment.