Hamburg Events

Hamburg, Germany hosts many special events each year. The events include fairs, festivals and markets that appeal to many residents as well as tourists.

Hafengeburstag, or Harbor Birthday Festival, is a five day festival in May that celebrates the history of Hamburg Harbor. Hamburg Harbor is Europe’s second largest harbor, and Hamburg is called “The Gateway to the World” because of the importance Hamburg Harbor has played in the trade industry. Hafengeburstag is the largest port festival in the world.

There are many water and air shows and other activities during Hafengeburstag. Participants are treated to a ship parade and the unusual tugboat ballet. The tugboat ballet is a humorous show of slow-moving, ungraceful tugboats moving to classical music. Dragon boat races, which originated in China, are also featured. Festival goers can also take a helicopter tour, hot air balloon ride, try parachuting, visit the festival fairgrounds, and listen to live music.

The Alstervergnugen, or Alster Fair, is a summer festival that takes place during the first weekend of September. The festival is set up around the Inner Alster Lake, known as Binnenalster. The Alstervergnugen is a combination of sporting events, music and entertainment, theatrical performances, games, craft displays, and a large assortment of food and drinks. Every night during Alstervergnugen there is an International Fireworks Festival.

The Fleetinsel Festival is held every July for ten days. This festival is set up along the waterways between the Elbe River and Alster Lake. The Fleetinsel Festival is a cultural festival, and offers patrons music from all over the world, cabaret productions, street theater, comedy acts, and some of the tastiest food in Germany. Much of the food at the festival is not traditional festival fare, but is prepared by some of the most well-known chefs in Hamburg.

The Hamburg Fischmarkt, or Fish Market, has been a part of every Sunday in Hamburg since 1703. The Fischmarkt opens at 5am in the summer and at 7am in the winter. Closing time is always 10am, which allows everyone to attend church later in the morning. Today, there is much more than fish sold at the Fischmarkt. Visitors can purchase fruit, vegetables, cheese, clothes, and souvenirs. There is also a flea market located here. A restaurant that features live music is located in the Old Fish Auction Hall.

During December and January, nearby Lubeck hosts the Festival of Ice and Snow sculptures. Artist from around the world gather at this city on the Trave River to carve impressive sculptures out of hundreds of thousands of pounds of ice and snow.