Hafengeburtstag, the big port festival in Hamburg

Hafengeburtstag Hamburg

Considered the world’s greatest port festival, Hafengeburtstag takes place on the second weekend in May.

It’s a celebration of the founding of the port back in 1189.

Emperor Frederick Barbarossa issued a charter granting freedom from customs duties for all ships sailing on the Elbe from Hamburg to the North Sea.

On this special anniversary, the bustling port offers a maritime program to suit all the family.

Over 300 ships from different parts of the world comes to Hafengeburtstag Hamburg for the celebrations and many of them welcome visitors aboard.

About the festival

Luxury cruise ships, historic tall ships, navy ships, museum vessels, waterway police ships, tug boats and sleek yachts will all be on show.

Hafengeburtstag Hamburg offers a full program of fun and fascinating activities on land and water:

• Tugboat Ballet
• Search and Rescue exercises
• Dragon boat races
• Sailing regattas
• Cruises for kids
• Festival Promenade
• Amusement rides
• Special museum exhibitions
• Live music featuring many genres all free of charge

The Port of Hamburg and surrounding districts are great to visit any time of the year, but a visit during the three days of the Hafengeburtstag festivities is something extra special.