Hamburg

Boat Tours & River Cruises

Enjoy the unique maritime flair and colorful crowds at the Port of Hamburg on this daily cruise that loops the docks. Thanks to your guide, learn about the history of the port and the city and take an exciting ride through the locks. Discover this gateway to the world up-close onboard a little ship, equally suited to a fleet. Find out just how huge the Port of Hamburg, the second-largest port in Europe, is. Hardly another city in the world is so tied to its port; Hamburg truly developed because of it. The most important sights and the skyline are inextricably linked to it. Experience the contrast between past and present, commerce and culture, the little fishing town along the Elbe, and the state-of-the-art container complexes. You'll also learn about the sinful stretches and fish market, old cutters, and massive cruise and container ships.

Embark on a roundtrip evening cruise from the historical and romantically-illuminated Speicherstadt through the Hamburg harbor's sea of light. Enjoy a boat tour through the Speicherstadt canals and discover the highlights of Hamburg from the water. Learn about the history behind this intriguing city. See the Zollkanal, Wasserschloss, and the International Maritime Museum, and cruise along the modern HafenCity, the newest district in the Hanseatic city. See the HafenCity University, the Marco Polo Tower, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, and the panorama of the district.  Catch a breathtaking view of St. Pauli Piers all the way to Überseebrücke with the museum ships Rickmer Rickmers and Cap San Diego. Sail through the port's sea of light again and witness the activity around the container terminals.

See Hamburg’s harbor-side attractions from a unique perspective, float past impressive container ships, and discover the historic Speicherstadt District aboard a 1.5-hour cruise featuring live commentary from a German-speaking guide and an exclusive stop at the iconic Elbphilharmonie. Start your harbor adventure on land as you cross the famous "Überseebrücke" bridge to reach the pier where you will board a traditional Hamburger boat referred to as a Barkasse. Listen as your captain decides on which route the boat will take based on weather conditions, the water tides, or, if for example, a really exciting and interesting container ship or a special boat is visiting the harbor. Set off and glide into the narrow waterways of the largest warehouse district in the world known as Speicherstadt. Take in the stunning architecture of buildings standing on timber-pile foundations and oak logs. Sit back and relax as you go past Hafen City. Explore the open decks and feel the cooling sea breezes as you wait for perfect photo opportunities from the boat’s many vantage points. Cruise past rows of massive container ships as the boat makes its way into St. Pauli’s Pier and the Hamburg Port. Learn the history of the many important landmarks from your German-speaking expert guide. As your trip comes to an end, disembark right in front of the Elbphilharmonie or you can choose to get off back at where the cruise initially took off.

Experience a tour of the port on your visit to the Hanseatic city. No other city in Europe has more bridges than Hamburg, not even Venice. There are approximately 2,400 structures over water, canals, channels, and docks in the Hanseatic city. Climb aboard the boat and discover the many different attractions and sights in the city, depending on the tides and the day's events. Explore the historical Speicherstadt (warehouse district) with its canals, the modern HafenCity, the numerous bridges over the Elbe River, busy locks and container terminals, the Köhlbrand Bridge, and much more. Along the way you will learn more about the city, its history, the incoming and outgoing ships, and anything else that interests you. Sit back and admire the views of the city on the sun deck or in the air-conditioned lounge with large panoramic windows.

Experience Hamburg's Harbor by the evening light on a traditional barge. Take a romantic round-trip voyage through the Hamburg Harbor and enjoy a cozy atmosphere with the illuminated silhouette of the city as your backdrop. Travel through the historic Speicherstadt (depending on the tide) and along the impressive illuminated container terminals. Hear interesting stories of the harbor's history with live moderation from the captain, while relaxing with a drink. Alternatively, pick one of the special tours that take place only occasionally. Choose the special Queen Mary II cruise to accompany Queen Mary II at the Cruise Terminal and then follow her along the River Elbe. During the boat ride, learn all about the ship from the professional guide. Or, celebrate the Anniversary of Hamburg Harbor onboard a traditional barge. Watch the opening parade to the festival unveil, as the weekend of celebrations will then follow.

Admire Hamburg’s harbor-side attractions sparkling at night, marvel at the illuminated Speicherstadt District, and see impressive container ships up-close aboard a 1.5-hour evening cruise featuring live commentary from a German-speaking guide and an exclusive stop at the iconic Elbphilharmonie. Start your nighttime harbor adventure on land as you cross the famous "Überseebrücke" bridge to reach the pier where you will board a traditional Hamburger boat referred to as a Barkasse. Listen as your captain decides on which route the boat will take based on weather conditions, the water tides, or, if for example, a really exciting and interesting container ship or a special boat is visiting the harbor. Set off and glide into the narrow waterways of the largest warehouse district in the world known as Speicherstadt. Take in the stunning architecture of buildings standing on timber-pile foundations and oak logs beautifully lit up. Sit back and relax as you go past Hafen City. Explore the open decks and feel the cooling sea breezes as you wait for perfect photo opportunities from the boat’s many vantage points. Cruise past rows of massive container ships as the boat makes its way into St. Pauli’s Pier and the shining Hamburg Port. Learn the history of the many important landmarks from your German-speaking expert guide. As your trip comes to an end, disembark right in front of the Elbphilharmonie or you can choose to get off back at where the cruise initially took off.

The port of Hamburg is one of the city's most-visited sights; the best views of the Hanseatic city can definitely be experienced from the water. However, if an ordinary harbor tour proves too boring for you, then fear not: there is an alternative. Climb aboard Olivia Ahoi! and experience a party tour with Olivia Jones. Onboard one of the traditional shipping company Abicht's boats, enjoy music, dance and sing along. Keep warm and content with a little taste of Landratten-Likör (an alcoholic spirit for those without sea legs!) served by Olivia and her family and learn more about the port of Hamburg en route. At the end of the 75-minute tour, snap some photos with your hosts. Disembark from the Landungsbrücken then continue the party on land at the Olivia Jones Bar.

With a friendly and informative guide, dive into the world of the Port of Hamburg. This tour takes you on a discovery of Hamburg’s maritime highlights. Witness many of the city's most architecturally stunning landmarks including the Elbphilharmonie and other historically important locations on this fun and informative tour. Wander to the Speicherstadt (warehouse district) and discover interesting facts about its origin and how it is used today. The Speicherstadt achieved worldwide recognition in the 19th century as a trading center, with spices, coffee, and oriental carpets as some of the most important products. Many interesting museums are located here, such as the Speicherstadt Museum and the Spice Museum, as well as the Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon. Stroll through the modern HafenCity, Hamburg’s newest and most contemporary district. Explore how Hafencity is a project of urban regeneration and learn about its architecture from a unique perspective.

A visit to Hamburg without a tour through the harbor is almost unthinkable. No other city in Europe has more bridges than Hamburg, not even Venice. Approximately 2,400 structures cross over the waterways, canals, and harbor basin. Climb aboard the boat and explore the various attractions in the city, depending on the tide and the time of day. Admire the historical Speicherstadt (warehouse district) with its narrow waterways, the modern HafenCity, the numerous bridges over the Elbe River, busy locks and container terminals, the large Blohm and Voss shipyard, the Köhlbrand Bridge, and much more. Along the way, learn interesting facts about the city and its history as well as the incoming and outgoing ships. Simply sit back and enjoy the fantastic views from the water.

Sit back and take in the beautiful Hamburg sunset during this wine and cheese harbor cruise. Relax in the calm atmosphere aboard the comfortable ship, with limited capacities to make it the perfect romantic sunset experience for you and your other half. A dedicated server will ensure that you enjoy delicious white or red wine and a variety of locally-sourced cheese. Dine open air in warmer weather or feel cozy and warm in the heated salon during winter.   Cruise through Hamburg Harbor as your live tour guide points out picturesque monuments and teaches you about the history of this Hanseatic city. Learn all about the port facilities, shipyards, docks, container terminals, cruise ships, St. Michael's Church, the Elbphilharmonie, the new district of HafenCity and parts of the historical Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.