Hamburg has had a special connection with the Scandinavian countries for centuries. Nowhere can this relationship be experienced better than on Ditmar-Koel-Strasse in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On this waterside street in Hamburg-Neustadt, the four Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have established seamen's churches, which join forces annually to host the popular Scandinavian Christmas markets.
Here, tourists, locals and expats alike swarm to experience this very special northern-style event. Foodies eat and drink their way through boreal specialties like elk meat, liquorice, cranberry vodka and glogg, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine. Christmas shoppers can buy northern-style arts and crafts ─ from wool sweaters and handmade candles to wooden toys and jewellery. Kids delight in liquorice, chocolate and cake from Santa Claus country and expats from up north can find a home away from home in an authentic Nordic atmosphere.
Scandinavian Seamen’s Churches
In the 19th century, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway established Hamburg-based churches for their many seafaring citizens. The Swedish and Finnish church are listed among the city’s heritage sites. All four chapels are located in direct proximity to Landungsbrücken piers and St. Michael’s Church, Hamburg’s most iconic sacral building.
2024 Dates
TBA
Location
Ditmar-Koel-Strasse, 20459 Hamburg
Getting there
U3, S1, S2 or S3 to Landungsbrücken
Admission
1€ per person