Every year, the big entrance parade is the beginning of the biggest harbour festival in the world, the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY. More than 300 ships sail along the Elbe towards the harbour. An impressive spectacle for young and old sailors.
The ships belong to the annual HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY like the fish roll to Hamburg. In addition to the opening service, it is, of course, the the Tall Ship Parade on Friday that marks the opening of HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY every year.
All types, sizes and shapes of ships are represented here: Majestic tall ships, special ships of the fire brigade, navy, fishery protection, THW, water police as well as federal police and customs, but also impressive motor and sailing yachts as well as historic and elaborately restored traditional and museum ships.
Annually more than 250 ships from all over the world come to Hamburg, so there is plenty to discover and marvel at.
The colourful hustle an bustle can best be observed from either the water or one of the look out points on the banks of the Elbe. The Landungsbrücken and Elbphilharmonie-Plaza in particular are popular places every year.