Traditionally, the PORT OF ANNIVERSARY of Hamburg opens with the grand arrival parade. When the tugboats dance a ballet on the Elbe and the colourful harbour mile provides culinary delicacies and background music, things get fun and exciting at the Landungsbrücken. The tugboat ballet is a unique spectacle worldwide, where the tugboats perform their choreography to classical music for the audience. From fish sandwiches to exotic noodle dishes, the colourful harbour mile offers many delicacies for the physical well-being. Entertainment is provided by a colourful stage programme, with a total of up to ten small stages offering free live music of various genres. The PORT ANNIVERSARY of Hamburg is a very special highlight in Hamburg that you should not miss.
Reception of the ships for the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY The Tall Ship Parade on Friday
Every year, the big entrance parade is the beginning of the biggest harbour festival in the world, the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY. More than 300 ships sail along the Elbe towards the harbour. An impressive spectacle for young and old sailors. More
Spectacular birthday show with fireworks Elbe in Concert
The Big Fireworks are a real highlight of the Hamburg Port Anniversary. Watching the fireworks from the right spot somewhere along the Elbe with the most breathtaking and fascinating view is surely an experience to remember. This year, the birthday… More
Farewell of the ships from the Hamburg Port Anniversary The Tall Ship Parade on Sunday
Even the biggest harbour festival in the world comes to an end. The closing event of the Hamburg Port Anniversary is the big sailing parade on the Elbe. The numerous ships then bid farewell to the port of Hamburg. More
Port Anniversary Hamburg from 08.05. till 10.05.2026
Event highlights for the Hamburg Port Anniversay 2026
Opening service in the main church St. Michaelis (Michel): 08.05.2026 | 11:30 -12:30 a.m.
Entry parade: 08.05.2026 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Friday evening performance: 08.05.2026 | Time follows (evening)
Saturday evening performance: 09.05.2026 | Time follows (evening)
Big fireworks: 09.05.2026 | Time follows (evening)
Outbound Parade: 10.05.2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Colourful Harbour Mile:
08.05.2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
09.05.2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
10.05.2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Everything about the programmes for the 837th Hamburg Port Anniversay 2026 can be found here.
Hamburg - the maritime gateway to the world
Screeching seagulls, big boats sailing by paired with the Nordic mentality - Hamburg exudes a unique martime city flair. Water plays an important role in Hamburg as a magical effect. Those who come to Hamburg visit the harbor, the Speicherstadt, the Alster or the Elbstrand. There is much to discover here!
Hamburg is the pearl on the Elbe with its unique maritime flair. Why is the Port Anniversary of Hamburg celebrated every year with a spectacular street festival? Hamburg is deeply connected to its port. Learn more about the history of the largest harbour festival in the world.
Finding your way around the port of Hamburg is not that easy. We'll help you keep an overview between the Elbe Philharmonic Hall and the Elbe beach - we'll turn you into real harbour professionals.
Hamburg is also called "the gateway to the world". A total of 8,000 ships enter the port of Hamburg every year, making the city a popular place for ship spotters. We show you where you can get as close as possible to the graceful sailing ships, massive container ships and imposing ocean liners from all over the world.
CITY AREA PORTRAIT St. Pauli, the Harbour & the Reeperbahn
At Hamburg’s city coast, the Elbe and the harbour, you can just sit down and watch as ships, ferries and tugs pass by and enjoy the strong sea breeze. A few hundred meters away you can experience Hamburg’s world-famous “sinful mile” – the Reeperbahn. More
The floating dock - called the "Landungsbrücken" (landing stages) – is 700 metres long. Harbour tours and the HADAG steamers to Finkenwerder, Oevelgönne and Blankenese leave from this water "station". Impressive luxury cruisers also dock here from time to time. More
We love Hamburg and want to show the world the most beautiful sides of the city. We show you tips, inspirations, travel pictures on our social media channels. Follow us and find out what you have to see. Share your best Hamburg moments with us and the world using the hashtag #hamburgahoi.
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