Hamburg, Germany – The 837th Hamburg Port Anniversary officially commenced on Friday, May 9, 2026, with a magnificent entry parade that drew thousands of spectators to the Elbe waterfront. The multi-day festival, a highlight in the city’s calendar, began under nearly perfect weather conditions, setting the stage for a weekend of maritime celebrations.
Grand Entry Parade Marks Official Start
The traditional entry parade saw approximately 250 ships from around the world participating, with over a hundred vessels making their way into the port. From small sports boats to large steam tugs, a diverse range of maritime craft was on display. Notable participants included tall ships such as the ‘Eye of the Wind’ and the Dutch ‘Mare Frisium,’ as well as research vessels like the ‘Artair’ and the museum cargo ship ‘Cap San Diego.’
The festivities were officially opened by Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Melanie Leonhard (SPD), aboard the ‘Rickmer Rickmers.’ Steve Rotheram, Mayor of partner city Liverpool, also attended the ceremony, as Liverpool served as the partner city for this year’s anniversary.
Ecumenical Service Precedes Maritime Spectacle
Prior to the parade, an ecumenical opening service was held at Hamburg’s main church, St. Michaelis, setting a solemn tone for the celebratory weekend. The weather conditions, characterized by bright sunshine and a light easterly wind, contributed to the festive atmosphere along the Elbe.
‘Elbe in Concert’ and Dazzling Drone Show Conclude Day One
The first day of the Port Anniversary culminated in a grand stage show titled ‘Elbe in Concert,’ held on a massive floating stage in front of the Landungsbrücken. The concert featured a lineup of popular musical acts, including Santiano, Oli.P, Deine Freunde, Daniel Sommer, Noah Kraus, Christoph Sakwerda, and Patrice Bart-Williams, entertaining a large crowd.
The evening concluded with a spectacular drone show, commissioned by the Hamburg Senate, to promote the city’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Over 1,100 drones illuminated the night sky for more than 15 minutes, creating intricate Olympic, Paralympic, and Hamburg-themed motifs, such as cyclists, a table tennis match, and a victory podium.
Extensive Program Through Sunday
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Port Anniversary, which continues until Sunday. The four-kilometer-long promenade along the Elbe offers a comprehensive program of events and activities. NDR Hamburg is a media partner for the stage in front of the Old Elbe Tunnel, with NDR 90.3 presenter Philipp von Kageneck hosting the ‘An den Landungsbrücken Open Air’ program.
Ship Viewings and Accessibility
Many of the participating ships are open for public viewing, allowing visitors to explore their decks and even engine rooms. The Norwegian tall ship ‘Staatsrat Lehmkuhl,’ last seen in Hamburg in 1989, is docked at the Landungsbrücken. A shuttle service is also available to the four-masted barque ‘Peking.’ Additional viewing opportunities are available at Überseebrücke, HafenCity, the Port Museum, Hansahafen, and the Övelgönne Museum Harbor. Information on visiting hours and any associated fees can be found on the Port Anniversary website.
Traffic Disruptions and Travel Recommendations
Due to extensive road closures between the Fish Auction Hall and the Elbphilharmonie, visitors are strongly advised to use public transport, specifically the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. The Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV) has extended its services both during the day and at night to accommodate the influx of visitors. However, there will be restrictions on Elbe ferries. Furthermore, the Neuer Elbtunnel (A7) will be closed in the southbound direction until Sunday evening. The western tube of the Old Elbe Tunnel has reopened after extensive renovation work.
The drone show promoting the Olympic bid was seen as an opportunity to engage citizens with the vision of hosting the Games, emphasizing it as ‘a chance for everyone.’
Source: ndr.de
