The 820th Hafengeburtstag Hamburg (Port Birthday Hamburg) ended on Sunday after attracting more than 1.2 million visitors from Germany and abroad.
Despite changeable weather, they enjoyed the world's biggest port party in exuberant mood. The Port of Hamburg formed the backdrop for a maritime show unmatched anywhere else in the world.
The event goes back to Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, who on 7 May 1189 granted Hamburgians a concession guaranteeing exemption from Customs dues for vessels between the city and the North Sea. This date has since been regarded as the Port of Hamburg's birthday.
The Port delivered a varied programme on and along the River Elbe from Oevelgönne Museum Harbour via the St. Pauli Landing Stages as far as Baumwall. Among the highlights were the arrival and departure parades of over 300 craft from all over the world, large sailing ships, museum ships, yachts and motor yachts and other boats, the Dragon boat regattas, a grand fireworks display on Saturday evening, and the unique tug ballet on Saturday afternoon. On all three days visitors had opportunities to go on board designated Open Ships and meet their crews.
Along the 3.5km of the show promenade between the Fish Auction Hall and Baumwall, 500 stands offered games, sideshows and marine delicacies. The entire programme was set against the backdrop of a fully functioning and vibrant port located right in the centre of Germany’s famed ‘Metropolis on the Waterfront’.
Despite changeable weather, they enjoyed the world's biggest port party in exuberant mood. The Port of Hamburg formed the backdrop for a maritime show unmatched anywhere else in the world.
The event goes back to Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, who on 7 May 1189 granted Hamburgians a concession guaranteeing exemption from Customs dues for vessels between the city and the North Sea. This date has since been regarded as the Port of Hamburg's birthday.
The Port delivered a varied programme on and along the River Elbe from Oevelgönne Museum Harbour via the St. Pauli Landing Stages as far as Baumwall. Among the highlights were the arrival and departure parades of over 300 craft from all over the world, large sailing ships, museum ships, yachts and motor yachts and other boats, the Dragon boat regattas, a grand fireworks display on Saturday evening, and the unique tug ballet on Saturday afternoon. On all three days visitors had opportunities to go on board designated Open Ships and meet their crews.
Along the 3.5km of the show promenade between the Fish Auction Hall and Baumwall, 500 stands offered games, sideshows and marine delicacies. The entire programme was set against the backdrop of a fully functioning and vibrant port located right in the centre of Germany’s famed ‘Metropolis on the Waterfront’.