Port Anniversary
Every year in May, over one million people embark for the shores of the Elbe to celebrate Hamburg's Hafengeburtstag (lit. 'harbour birthday'), the anniversary of the city's port. Legend has it that Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa granted the city a tax exemption on 7 May 1189, a decision that helped Hamburg grow in prosperity as the port became the third largest in Europe.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Speicherstadt warehouse district, the magnificent Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the iconic Landungsbrücken piers, the yearly PORT ANNIVERSARY is a whole weekend of fun and events for locals and visitors of all ages.
Highlights traditionally include the arrival of a large number of sea vessels (including historic ships, traditional sailing yachts and cruise ships), the yearly Tugboat Ballet and a spectacular firework show. Along the harbour front, visitors can enjoy culinary delights and live music performances on numerous stages.
Dates
Harbour fans can look forward to upcoming Port Anniversary 9–12 May 2024.
