The Tall Ship Parade on Friday

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.

Ships are as much a part of the Port Anniversary as fish sandwiches are to Hamburg. In addition to the opening service, it is, of course, the Grand Arrival Parade that kicks off the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY every year. All types, sizes, and shapes of ships are represented here: majestic tall ships, specialized vessels from the fire department, navy, fisheries protection agency, THW, water police, as well as the federal police and customs, but also impressive motor and sailing yachts, and historic and meticulously restored traditional and museum ships.

Around 250 ships from all over the world

With around 250 ships from all over the world, there is—as there is every year—plenty to discover and marvel at, especially, of course, as they enter the Port of Hamburg and are welcomed by the Hanseatic City.

Watch the lively hustle and bustle on the Elbe

The lively hustle and bustle on the Elbe can be wonderfully observed both right in the thick of the action from the water or from the banks of the Elbe. The Landungsbrücken and Elbphilharmonie Plaza are particularly popular spots here every year, but you’ll also have a great view of the large and small ships from the other side of the Elbe.