From 9 - 12 May, Hamburg celebrated HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG for the 835th time. When the Hanseatic city celebrates its port, the Elbe is transformed into a stage and the harbour promenade hosts a colourful, maritime festival. Like every year, guests from Hamburg and all over the world can look forward to a varied programme. Whether majestic cruise ships, lovingly restored museum ships, magnificent windjammers or maritime service vehicles - numerous ships present themselves at their best during the parades. Some of them even "dance" in the world's only tugboat ballet! On all three days, young and old can immerse themselves in the fascination of the maritime world and board a wide variety of watercraft.
2 pm - 3 pm
International ecumenical opening service in the main church of St Michaelis as a traditional part of the Harbour Birthday. This year's motto is "Building Bridges".
4 pm - 5 pm
Arrival parade with official opening: cruise ships, tall ships, naval vessels, launches and many other traditional ships offer an impressive spectacle between Blankenese and the jetties.
8:45 pm
Elbe in Concert - The spectacular birthday show with fireworks: A surprise show with a light show takes place on a floating stage at the Landungsbrücken. At the end, the big birthday fireworks display will take place.
5 pm - 5.45 pm
Tugboat ballet: the powerful tugboats "dance" to music in front of the Landungsbrücken.
10.30 pm
Magical light illumination presented by AIDA Cruises: Light illumination and music by DJ "Alle Farben".
5.30 pm - 6.30 pm
Departure parade: After four days of the harbour birthday, the participating ships leave the port of Hamburg. The ship parade can be followed on the banks of the Elbe between Landungsbrücken and Blankenese.
0.00 am - 12.00 pm: Colourful harbour mile
On the colourful harbour mile between St. Pauli Hafenstraße and Baumwall, around 450 showmen offer a large selection of food, handicrafts and fairground rides.
A free live music programme is offered on several stages between Neumühlen and the Kehrwiederspitze.
10 am - 7.30 pm: OPEN SHIP
Many ships invite you to visit them on board again this year. Most of the tall ships and naval units as well as the vessels of the water police, customs and fisheries protection can be visited free of charge. An excursion to the historic ships in the Övelgönne museum harbour, in the traditional ship harbour or on the other side of the Elbe at the German Harbour Museum is also worthwhile.
10 am - 12 pm: Latvia Festival at the Kehrwiederspitze
This year's country partner Latvia presents itself with Latvian music, culture, typical Latvian food, travel offers and business opportunities,
