837th HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY from 8–10 May 2026 – Celebrate Hamburg's Heart

General Info on PORT ANNIVERSARY

imago stock & people / Hoch Zwei Stock / Angerer
Port Anniversary

General Information

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of Hamburg’s Port Anniversary? Here is everything you need to get ready for the maritime event of the year.

Gorch Fock (left) escorted by Sea Cloud at 790. port anniversary 1964
imago stock & people / ZUMA Press
Port Anniversary

History

In 1189, emperor Barbarossa declared Hamburg's port a custom-free zone. This event's anniversary has been celebrated since 1977.

Two persons marvelling at ship riggings
Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Romanus Fuhrmann
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Open Ship

The Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY will give visitors another rare opportunity to board participating ships in 2026. Tall ships, operational watercraft, museum ships and traditional vessels will take part in the open ship event.

Look Out for These Highlights in 2026

Opening Service at St. Michael's Church, interior view
Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Romanus Fuhrmann
PORT ANNIVERSARY

International Ecumenical Service

Traditionally, the 837th Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY will see the International Ecumenical Opening Service take place in St. Michael's church. The festivities include a musical programme and a celebrity audience.

Grand Arrival Parade 2025
Hamburg Messe und Congress/Jan Wagner
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Grand Arrival Parade

Ships from all areas of maritime life sail up the River Elbe, heralding the Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY. The spectacular Grand Arrival Parade marks the beginning of the largest harbour festival in the world.

Three people look up in delight and take in the view.
Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Alexander Wöckener
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Elbe in Concert

Get ready for the full harbour vibes! Visitors can look forward to a spectacular evening show on the impressive floating stage on the Elbe! Let's join together in celebrating the vibrant heart of Hamburg.

Tugboat Ballet at Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY 2025
Hamburg Messer und Congress/Thomas Panzau
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Tugboat Ballet

See tugboats sway and swirl elegantly to classical music: the Tugboat Ballet comes only once a year at the Port Anniversary and is a unique event in the world!

A crowd looking at a stage floating on the water
Hamburg Messe und Congress/Romanus Fuhrmann
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Saturday Night Events

Look forward to a great evening programme on Saturday during the 837th Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY.

Fireworks at Elbe in Concert
FH Media & Consulting/Florian Hacke
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Grand Fireworks Display

Look forward to a great evening programme on Saturday during the 837th Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY.

Various boats and ships sailing the River Elbe with harbour cranes in the background
Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Alexander Wöckener
PORT ANNIVERSARY

Grand Departure Parade

The last highlight of the 837th Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY is the Grand Departure Parade on Sunday. The participating ships will leave the Port of Hamburg down the River Elbe. We look forward to your visit!