It's celebrated every year around the same time in Hamburg. It's the birthday of the Harbour and this year it was the 830th year of celebration. The entire Harbour front is lined up with market stalls selling everything from food to art and all sorts of other things. There are tons of stages set up with free concerts and entertainment. There is a weekend of activity on the water and hundreds of ships small and large are on display along the Harbour. You can also take a tour of many of these boats. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant. Come and enjoy this unique time in Hamburg. The town comes alive and is packed for the weekend along the Harbour with something for every one. They were expecting over 10,000 visitors this year excluding locals. read more

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So many people! But the street food is good. I'm not tall enough, I have to watch the show using my imagination! Like this^^ read more

Easily this is one of the best things about living in Hamburg. It's a must see/ don't go away for the weekend event. When I describe this event to non-Hamburg friends they just don;t get it. A load of stalls lined along the river, with lots of sideshows punctuated by food drinks and a lot of fun. Oh and hundreds and hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes. But to appreciate the Hafengeburtstag you have to come and see it. Or rather dive into it. And stay up for the whole thing. It's a raucous mess of an event, too busy, too expensive, too cold, too loud, too tiring, too much to see. But I absolutely LOVE it. read more

One of Hamburg's biggest yearly events. It usually occurs in the first two weeks of May. What can you expect from the event. In the water: The events vary. On the first day all the ships sail into the harbour to symbolically sign the start of the birthday. During the birthday celebrations there are such events like the tugboat ballet (highly amusing), dragon boat racing etc.. On the last day then all the boats symbolically leave the harbour. On land: The typical Hamburg event mentality goes overboard. Loads of greasy food, large quantities of alcohol, loads of music stages for local and non-local musicians. In the air: There is usually a mini air show over the river. Nothing huge but usually a fly over affair. Specials: Fireworks at the close of the events. Conclusion, worth a visit at least once. Loads to see and a well filled program. Insider Tip #1: This is a very visited event. Go take a look at the website and figure out what music / water events you want to watch. Insider Tip #2: With regards to children a must see event. But then choose your location wisely! Not only due to crowds but also on the viewing water events aspect. Insider Tip #3: For you Brit's out there, there is usually a mini Brit Fest area also! (must be something todo with the hanseactic links to England). You get your Brit nosh there and I believe the Brit Shop owners setup stands there. The last couple of times the area was usually near HafenCity (U Baumwall) read more

Yesterday, ship naming ceremony of "MS Europa 2"...Today, fireworks and a lot of sweets and "Mein Schiff 2" is back from Full Metal Cruise