kff_11_annika_boerm-kopie — © Annika Boerm

kff_14_kathrin-brunnhofer — © Kathrin Brunnhofer

International Short Film Festival

Experience the importance of short film on Hamburg's screens

The International Short Film Festival Hamburg has its roots in the independent filmmaking scene. Today, IKFF Hamburg is one of the world's most important and successful short film festivals for the industry and audiences alike. The 42nd Short Film Festival Hamburg will take place from 2 to 7 June 2026.

The Short Film Festival is one of the most renowned and important short film festivals in Europe. Since 1986, more than 400 films have been shown at the festival every year. The festival programme features films that could not be more different: from loud and sparkling to wild and thoughtful to quiet and poetic. Filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences celebrate the short form together at the Hamburg Short Film Festival.

Varied programme

By presenting an enormous range of international short film productions, the festival offers its visitors a diverse forum and serves as a widely popular meeting place for short film makers from Germany and abroad. The diversity of the festival is fuelled on the one hand by the numerous film submissions for the various competitions and on the other hand by the diverse, carefully curated special programmes.

Competitions

The annual national and international competitions do not differentiate between individual genres; all film forms are invited to participate. In addition to the competitions, various special programmes are presented that take a closer look at selected topics. They range from social observations to retrospectives of individual filmmakers or film groups to country or regional focuses. In addition, technical, aesthetic or formal developments are examined at irregular intervals.

Beyond the film programmes, the festival also offers seminars, workshops and information events that give filmmakers the opportunity to gain helpful insights into film production.

Location

Bodenstedtstr. 16
22765 Hamburg

www.festival.shortfilm.com

Dates

2 to 7 June 2026

Accessibility by public transport:

With the S-Bahn lines S11, S21, S31 to the stop "Holstenstraße" (+ 10 min walk)

With the bus lines 3, 180, 602 to the stop "Kaltenkircher Platz" (+ 2 min walk)

With the S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, S31, S11 to the station "Altona" (+ 20 min walk)

Accessibility

All rooms in the festival center "Post" are at ground level and wheelchair accessible.
The following cinemas have unrestricted wheelchair access: Zeise Kino, 3001 Kino, Metropolis Kino.

Learn more about barrier-free offers on our page www.hamburg-travel.com/barrier-free-travel/.

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CITY AREA PORTRAIT Altona & Ottensen

For strolling, having a coffee, taking a walk or having some delicious food – situated directly at the Elbe and traversed by parks, Altona & Ottensen are considered to be charming and diverse districts with character. Brick walls create a rather rough atmosphere in Altona, while it is lively and colourful in Ottensen.

Altona & Ottensen

THIS MIGHT INTEREST YOU AS WELL Further recommendations

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Traditional weekly market in Altona Fischmarkt

A real Hamburg classic – since 1703!

Sunday morning in Hamburg. While most of the city still sleeps, the Große Elbstraße wakes up to the bustling rhythm of the Hamburg Fish Market. For over 300 years, it’s been a place of trade, tradition and typical northern charm – full of energy, humor and harbor atmosphere.

Auctioneers, Music & Market Magic

Since 1703, almost anything that’s not nailed down is for sale – from antique teapots to freshly packed meat parcels. Legendary market characters like Aale-Dieter shout their offers into the crowd, bananas fly through the air, and fish is sold by the bucket. You’ll find fresh seafood, tropical fruit, flowers, clothing, souvenirs and much more – the market is a full-sensory experience.

Between night and morning – one iconic gathering

Party-goers fresh off the Reeperbahn mingle with early risers at the harborfront, sipping coffee or munching on a fish roll as the sun rises. For some, the day is just beginning; for others, it’s not quite over yet. The historic Fish Auction Hall from 1896 completes the experience with live music and breakfast options.

Opening Hours

Summer (April–October): Sunday from 5:00 to 9:30 AM

Winter (November–March): Sunday from 7:00 to 9:30 AM

A must-see for culture lovers, Hamburg fans and foodies alike!

Fischmarkt

Elbjazz-POI-c-Mediaserver-Hamburg-Christian-Brandes-web-2-2500x1500 — © Mediaserver Hamburg / Christian Brandes

Jazz-Festival around the port of Hamburg Elbjazz

On 10 and 11 July 2026, ELBJAZZ invites you to an atmospheric festival at the Port of Hamburg. Experience jazz on the Elbe, a maritime atmosphere and Hamburg at its most beautiful.

Elbjazz

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World-class cycling in Hamburg ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg

Germany’s top one-day cycling race: The ADAC Cyclassics bring pro and amateur riders together on closed roads through Hamburg – with festival vibes and routes for all.

ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg

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