Fischmarkt (Fish Market) — Every Sunday morning vendors praise wares of virtually every type at Hamburg's oldest open-air market, dating back to 1703. The market takes place at the foot of the century-old Fish Auction Hall, where live-bands perform jazz, skiffle, country, or western music. Open every Sunday from 5AM-9:30AM, in winter from 7AM-9:30AM.
Hafengeburtstag (Harbour Birthday) — Every year in May the harbour birthday attracts millions of people. Dozens of stands and stages, a ship parade, and changing events are organized to celebrate the cities spring of wealth. The harbour filled 800 years in 1989. Since then, the Harbour Birthday grew the greatest harbour party in the world. It is generally in early May.
Kirschblütenfest (Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival) — On May 19th, the Japanese community of Hamburg celebrates the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival by the Lake Alster. Enormous fireworks and a peaceful atmosphere are characteristics of this event.
Hamburger Dom (Fair) — The Dom is one of the largest fairs in Germany. The streets of the fairground, lined on both sides with stalls and rides, are some 3.3 km long. It takes place in spring, summer, and early winter for the duration of one month each. See the Dom's website .
Street Parties — Watch out for neighbourhood and street parties during summertime. Some of the biggest are:
Altonale, in Ottensen.
Bergedorfer Stadtfest, in Bergedorf.
Osterstraßenfest, in Eimsbüttel.
Schanzenfest, in Schanzenviertel is self-organized and full of peace and happiness until it ends around 10PM in fighting between a crowd and the police.
Stuttgarter Weindorf — Vintners from southern Germany present their products at the Rathausmarkt (town hall square).
Street Parades
Schlagermove Parade, a parody on the Berlin Loveparade with schlager instead of techno music.
Hamburg Pride, the Gay Pride Parade usually takes place in August and moves from the Central Station through the shopping streets to end at the Jungfernstieg with the set up party tents.
Carnival of Cultures, a colouful and interesting parade showing off worldwide cultures.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Hamburg
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Hamburg - updated Apr 2024
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Hamburg Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
