The 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday attracts millions of visitors to the Elbe every year - and in 2025, the programme once again promises maritime highlights in abundance. Over 300 ships, from venerable tall ships to massive naval vessels, will do the honours. Whether sailing enthusiast, steamboat romantic or simply Hanseatic-minded flâneur - everyone will get their money's worth here.
Traditionally, the 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday begins with a church service in the main church of St. Michaelis. The "Michel", as the people of Hamburg affectionately call it, opens its doors at 11 a.m. on Friday for a festive service with lots of music and a maritime atmosphere. But the actual starting signal is given shortly afterwards at the Landungsbrücken: The big entry parade sets off from 1 pm. From small traditional cutters and windjammers such as the "Alexander von Humboldt II" to high-tech ships from all over the world - it is an impressive spectacle on the water.
Open Ship
A real highlight for water sports enthusiasts at the 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday: many of the participating ships invite you to "Open Ship" - in other words, to come aboard free of charge. Historic ships such as the "Cap San Diego" as well as modern sailing ships provide a fascinating insight into life on board. If you're lucky, you might even catch one of the coveted sailing opportunities and experience the parades from the best perspective of all: from the water.
Elbe in Concert
On Friday and Saturday evening, you'll get a real goosebump feeling: At "Elbe in Concert", music, light and water come together in an atmospheric production. Between 19:45 and 21:45, the harbour is transformed into a floating concert hall. The wind carries the sounds across the water - accompanied by spectacular lighting effects on and between the ships. On Friday, Lotto King Karl brings "Hamburg, my pearl" back to the stage, musical scenes from "MJ - The Michael Jackson Musical" create a Broadway atmosphere, and Nina Chuba lends the evening modern pop energy with two exclusive songs.
When tractors dance
Saturday brings one of the most charming programme items of the 836th Hafengeburtstag Hamburg: the tugboat ballet. What at first glance looks like a logistical miracle is in fact a perfectly choreographed show in which harbour tugs demonstrate their astonishing agility. Between 15:45 and 16:25, they dance in synchronisation to music - a maritime peculiarity that makes Hamburg unique.
Then it's on to the concerts on the water and the big birthday gala with high-calibre stars: David Puentez, Johannes Oerding (exclusively for two songs) and the Hamburg Ballet celebrate together on the water stage. Another surprise guest will provide additional highlights.
The crowning glory comes in the evening: the grand fireworks display over the Elbe. The visual spectacle begins at 10:45 pm, transforming the sky above the harbour into a sea of colour - the 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday could hardly end on a more romantic note.
Harbour mile, Harbour Pride and a touch of Burgenland
Things are just as lively on land. Along the harbour mile from Landungsbrücken to Baumwall, stalls from all over the world offer culinary delicacies, maritime craftsmanship, live music and a good dose of Hamburger Schnack. The LGBTQI+ festival "Harbour Pride" has also long been an integral part of the festival - with a stage, politics, pop and party in the Große Elbstraße.
A cultural highlight of the 836th Hafengeburtstag Hamburg: in 2025, Austria's Burgenland will be the festival's partner region. Between rustic folk music, Burgenland wine and Alpine schnitzel, cultural bridges will be built where you wouldn't necessarily expect them - in the spirit of a cosmopolitan port.
The best views are offered by the Landungsbrücken, the Plaza of the Elbphilharmonie, the Altonaer Balkon or the Övelgönne museum harbour. And don't forget: On Sunday from 6 p.m., the maritime visit bids farewell with the grand departure parade - an emotional finale to a weekend full of sea air, longing and sailing dreams.
The 836th Hamburg Harbour Birthday is more than just a city festival - it is a way of life for all those who love the sea. Whether with oilskins, an anchor tattoo or with a camera and pram: Hamburg shows its best side here.
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.
