Every year, the Hamburg Harbour Birthday attracts millions of visitors to the waterfront - and in 2025, the spectacle promises impressive images, encounters and emotions. More than 300 ships - from historic windjammers and naval units to innovative high-tech vessels - dock. Whether for sailing fans, nostalgics or curious strollers: this festival offers something for everyone.
The official start is a solemn service in the main church of St Michaelis. The "Michel", a landmark of the city, invites you to get into the maritime mood with music and tradition on Friday morning from 11 am. Shortly afterwards, it's time to cast off at the jetties! From 1 p.m., the big arrival parade glides across the Elbe - with ships of all sizes and nations, including the "Alexander von Humboldt II".
Open Ship - in the thick of it instead of just being there
A must for true ship enthusiasts: at the 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday, many crews are once again offering open ship tours. From museum steamers to modern sail training ships - those who go on board will get a first-hand impression of everyday maritime life. And if you book your place early enough, you can even sail along on the Elbe.
Elbe in Concert - Sound meets scenery
In the evening, the harbour is transformed into an open-air concert hall: "Elbe in Concert" brings music, light and water together to create a complete experience. Between 19:45 and 21:45, atmospheric images are created on the water - accompanied by live acts such as Lotto King Karl, excerpts from "MJ - The Michael Jackson Musical" or pop music by Nina Chuba.
Tugboat ballet - the silent main attraction
One of the highlights of Saturday is the famous tugboat ballet - an event that only takes place in Hamburg. The manoeuvrable workboats dance synchronously to music, a fascinating interplay of technology, timing and tact. Anyone who experiences this spectacle between 15:45 and 16:25 will immediately understand why the Hamburg Harbour Birthday is so special.
The big stage show follows in the evening: David Puentez, Johannes Oerding and the Hamburg Ballet will be among those taking part - a musical and dance mix that will also be complemented by a surprise guest. The grand finale of the evening is the big fireworks display over the Elbe, which lights up the sky above the harbour from 10.45 pm.
Harbour mile, Pride, partner region
Of course, life also pulsates on land: on the harbour mile from the Landungsbrücken to the Baumwall, one stand follows the next - with international specialities, arts and crafts and music. The "Harbour Pride", the queer festival with a political and musical flavour, is also a permanent fixture.
A first for the 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday in 2025: Burgenland is on board as a partner region. Between brass band music, regional wine and culinary specialities, the Austrian federal state brings Alpine warmth to the Elbe - an exciting cultural mix with a twinkle in the eye.
Those who want to enjoy the whole thing from an elevated perspective will find them on the Altona Balcony, the Elbphilharmonie Plaza or at the Övelgönne Museum Harbour. And when the grand departure parade gets underway at 6 pm on Sunday, guests and ships bid farewell with a wistful look back at three days full of seafaring, harbour romance and Hanseatic pride.
The 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday is no ordinary festival - it is a declaration of love to the city, its history and the sea. Whether in a Frisian mink, with a camera or a pram - Hamburg is built closer to the water than ever before.
Maritime highlights: The swimming stars of the 836th harbour birthday
- Alexander von Humboldt IIWith its striking green sails, this 65 metre long three-master is a real eye-catcher and a symbol of traditional seafaring.
- Dar MłodzieżyThe Polish tall ship impresses with a length of 79.4 metres and represents the maritime training tradition of its country.
- Gorch FockAs an ambassador for the German navy, she will capture the hearts of visitors with her white sails and golden bow crest.
- Cap San DiegoThe world's largest navigable museum cargo ship, 159 metres long, invites visitors on tours and offers an insight into the history of trade.
- AIDAprimaThis modern cruise ship will not only impress with its size, but also with a spectacular light and drone show on Saturday evening.
- EcoClipper500A futuristic sailing freighter that glides across the Elbe with zero emissions and stands for sustainable shipping.
- WoltmanThe lovingly restored steam tug from 1904 is a reminder of the industrial revolution in the harbour and shows the development of shipping technology.
