Around one million guests from Germany and abroad travel to HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG every year to be fascinated by the ships from all over the world against the impressive harbor backdrop in the heart of Hamburg. From the Fish Auction Hall to the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, as well as in the Traditional Ship Harbor, Speicherstadt, Hansahafen and Museumshafen Oevelgönne - HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG offers a maritime and eventful non-stop program for the whole family along the Elbe.
The water program on the Elbe in front of the Landungsbrücken as well as in the Museumshafen Oevelgönne includes highlights such as the arrival and departure parade, the unique tugboat ballet and the popular open-ship activities. Every year, numerous ships take part - including impressive tall ships of the world's oceans, traditional sailing vessels and museum ships, naval and cruise ships, motor and sailing yachts as well as emergency vehicles of the German Federal Police, the German Society for the Rescue of Castaways, fire department, fishery protection, THW, water police and customs.
On land, maritime, cultural and culinary offerings provide varied pleasure. Open-air concerts and live acts with national and international artists transform the shore along the Elbe into a huge festival landscape. Exciting guided tours, exhibitions and the special hands-on offers of the museums in the Speicherstadt and in the Hansahafen complete the variety of experiences. On Saturday evening, the breathtaking fireworks display offers a fascinating light spectacle in the heart of the Hanseatic city.
Each year, a different country is given the opportunity to present itself as a country partner and give visitors an insight into its culture and way of life, including its culinary specialties.
HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG goes back to the legend surrounding Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who issued a charter to the people of Hamburg on May 7, 1189, granting duty-free passage for ships on the Elbe from the city to the North Sea. This date has since been considered the birth of the Port of Hamburg, which is why HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG is usually celebrated on a weekend around May 7.
