Hamburg

Since its launch in May 1189, it has developed into the largest harbour festival in the world. Over the course of just two days, more than 300 ships and their ‘sea dogs’ of all sizes and varieties can be admired on the Elbe. For Open Ship, some even open their hatches to the public. This cheerful festival features over 200 programme items with demonstrations, concerts, fireworks and food from all over the world. No wonder this maritime event attracts one million visitors.

The weekly market in the St. Pauli district opens its doors every Wednesday at around 4pm. You will find the market directly on Spielbudenplatz, in the heart of the Reeperbahn. As at conventional weekly markets, you can also buy food from the region at the market stalls at the St. Pauli night market.

A must for every visitor to Hamburg: the legendary fish market on the Elbe. If you want to be there, you have to get up early - but it's worth it! Whether fresh fish, vegetables or flowers, everyone will find what they are looking for at the harbour. A special highlight is the brunch in the historic fish auction hall accompanied by jazz, skiffle, country and western music.

At the end of May, the crème de la crème of jazz musicians are drawn to the Elbe. For two days at the beginning of June, the whole city of Hamburg jazzes and swings at over 50 concerts. Stages are provided in such unusual locations as the holds of a former refrigerated freighter, a church nave, the Bloom+Voss shipyard and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. The great atmosphere ensures new visitor records every year.

The DUCKDALBEN Seamen's Club in Hamburg harbour has existed for 25 years now to offer the many seafarers who spend their days in the harbour an opportunity to spend their free time away from the ship. Guests are welcome and anyone who asks the sailors questions will learn more about the sea and foreign cultures than anywhere else. It is a piece of Hamburg, an integral part of the harbour, lived charity and wanderlust in equal measure.

A trip on ‘Frau Hedis Tanzkaffee’ is worthwhile for all those who are young at heart. The party ship, which chugs around Hamburg's harbour, docks at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken every hour. The ‘Tanzkaffee’ offers the ideal combination of a harbour cruise and a nice party.

Planten un Blomen is Low German and means ‘plants and flowers’ - and there really are a lot of them here and, above all, many different ones. Located in the centre of the city, where the ramparts used to be, this beautifully landscaped park of around 45 hectares offers relaxation and nature in the urban jungle. In ‘Planten und Blomen’ there is something for every visitor with many different themed gardens. In summer, the famous and impressive water games take place on the large lake every evening and also during the day, when the fountain is illuminated in bright colours to the accompaniment of classical music.