Hamburg's New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour and the Alster river are widely known as the second-best fireworks display in Germany, after those over the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. In previous years, there were numerous restrictions due to the corona pandemic. This year, too, the Senate is considering limiting some fireworks so as not to overburden the already grounded hospitals with people who have not fired their rockets properly.

But why buy fireworks yourself when you can just watch? To give you the best view of Hamburg's fireworks, we have put together the most beautiful vantage points for the turn of the year.

1) Landungsbrücken

At Landungsbrücken you'll be right in the middle of the action and at the absolute fireworks hotspot. Not only do you have a full view of the fireworks, which are reflected in the Elbe, but at midnight all the ships in the harbour give a concert with their horns. Goosebumps in 3, 2, 1…

To celebrate, you can bring your own sparkling wine or buy a glass at one of the many stalls along the harbour mile. Bratwurst and other snacks are also on offer here.

Of course, it's not just us who know that the Landungsbrücken offers the best view with the best service, but also many other Hamburg residents. So be prepared for a crowd and come in good time to secure a spot.

Please note: Blinds will be installed at the Landungsbrücken and Baumwall underground stops to prevent onlookers from gathering here and disrupting rail traffic. In addition, the old Elbtunnel is not suitable for access to the Landungsbrücken, as it will be closed from 21:00 to 04:00 on New Year's Eve.

A little more relaxed than directly on the Landungsbrücken is the Stintfang, near the Landungsbrücken underground station. The square is a few metres above the Landungsbrücken, so you can enjoy a great view of the Elbe and the fireworks. You'll probably find a place here, even if you arrive a little later.

Behind the Landungsbrücken, parallel to the St. Pauli Hafenstraße, runs the footpath "An der Erholung". This is no longer an insider tip, but less crowded than the Landungsbrücken.

Unlike at the Landungsbrücken, you have to bring your own food if you want to celebrate at Stintfang or An der Erholung.

If you can't find any more space, or it's too crowded, you can walk down the Jan Fedder Promenade towards Johannisbollwerk.

The Jan Fedder Promenade is popular with walkers all year round because it offers a great view over the Elbe. On New Year's Eve, of course, this is also true, but you can easily avoid the other onlookers along the promenade.

2) Überseebrücke

If you follow the Jan Fedder Promenade for just under ten minutes, you will come to the Überseebrücke. There is not quite as much space here as on the Landungsbrücken, but this pier also juts out into the Elbe, giving you a great view of the fireworks and their reflection in the river water.

3) Dockland

Dockland is an office building, but with its pointed facade, it looks more like a ship. This is particularly fitting because it is located right on the water. While the offices are certainly a great place to work, the highlight of Dockland is the 500 m² viewing platform on the roof of the building. You can reach it via the 140 steps on the outside.

Although Dockland is a good distance from the Landungsbrücken, you still have a great view of the fireworks from the viewing platform. Due to the exposed location, however, it can get a bit chilly. So pack some thick jackets or blankets in addition to the champagne.

4) Steinwerder

The other bank of the Elbe river offers a refreshing change of perspective. From here you can enjoy the fireworks against the backdrop of the harbour panorama.

Normally, you can walk from Landungsbrücken to Steinwerder through the old Elbe tunnel, but on New Year's Eve the tunnel is closed. So for the view from Steinwerder, you'll have to travel from Wilhelmsburg. For your trouble, you can be sure to avoid the larger crowds.

5) Park Fiction

Park Fiction is close to the Reeperbahn, where you can party into the morning after the fireworks. Nevertheless, from here you have a wonderful view of the Elbe and the fireworks.

In Park Fiction, there are plenty of seats under the plastic palm trees, but because of the proximity to the Reeperbahn, you will have to share them with numerous other party people. Ideal if you fancy an outdoor party yourself.

6) Fischmarkt

The Fischmarkt (fish market), on the other hand, is much quieter, as it is further away from the Reeperbahn and there will be no stalls here on New Year's Eve anyway. It is located directly at the water and offers a magnificent view.

7) Speicherstadt

In large parts of the Speicherstadt, the many tall buildings unfortunately block the view of the fireworks, which are not that far away. However, you may be lucky at the Kehrwiederspitze, which attracts many other visitors.

You can also find a nice spot on Kaiserkai, if you don't mind the fireworks being somewhat obscured by the Elphi. Given its size, Kaiserkai is not as crowded as many other places on the Elbe.

8) Altonaer Balkon

The Altonaer Balkon is about twice as far away from the Landungsbrücken as the Fischmarkt and therefore does not appear to be a logical hotspot for watching the fireworks. The solution to this riddle lies in its name: The balcony (Balkon) is situated 27 metres above the Elbe and thus offers you a fantastic view over the river with all its small and large fireworks.

Although other people in Hamburg also appreciate the beautiful view, it is much easier to avoid each other in the spacious park and the atmosphere is more relaxed than at most other vantage points.

9) Between the Außenalster and the Binnenalster

Because there have been repeated dangerous situations with fireworks around the Inner Alster in recent years, a firecracker ban is in effect on the streets Jungfernstieg, Neuer Jungfernstieg, Lombardsbrücke, Ballindamm, Reesendamm and on the Rathausmarket from December 31st (6 p.m.) till January 1st (1 a.m.). But you will still be able to marvel at colorful fireworks over the Außenalster. The fireworks over the Alster will be somewhat smaller than at the harbor, but here it is much more restrained.

10) At the Außenalster

Of course, you can enjoy the fireworks over the Außenalster from many places near the shore. In the east, the Schwanenwik is particularly popular, in the north you have a great view from the Krugkoppelbrücke.

Instead of standing in one spot all evening, you can go for a walk around the Alster, really warming up with a glass of champagne.