Hamburger Hafen-cure your cruise addiction
The Port of Hamburg has a mercantile history which recites the tales of its many success and prosperity. Its position in international trade and the political aspects make the Harbour one of a kind. It is the largest harbor in Germany and one of the most significant in Europe. The place is very aptly named the “gateway to the world.”
The sea waves crashing together seem to sing a lullaby. Your first cruise experience will be exceptional; a calm and romantic ambiance would embrace you. The 15th largest port in the world is located along the river Elbe in Hamburg. This open tidal port covers an area of 73.99 km square.
Location
The largest German Seaport, Hamburg Hafen is located along the river Elbe. It lies about a 100 km away from the mouth of river Elbe into the North Sea. The Port takes almost 10th of the area of the whole city of Hamburg. The area that the port uses stretches from the district of Finkenwender in the west to BillwerderBay and Peute in the village of Veddel in the east; from Custom Channels, the St. Pauli jetties and the Altona fishing port in the north to the Harburg district in the south.
History
The history of Hamburg Hafen can be traced back to that of the city of Hamburg. The ancient port of Hamburg is significant not only as the largest port in Germany but also as Central Europe’s main port. The port was founded on 7th May 1189 by Frederick I. The development of the city is credited to its geographic area leading to its improved merchandise and trade. In the early days, the port acted as an origin to supply the day to day products for the locals. Also, it served various agricultural goods, raw materials, and food to the people of the city.
In the 9th century, the first artificial port of Hamburg was in Reichenstraße Fleet on the river Bille. Duke Ordulf from the family of Bill Unger created the first artificial port on Reichenstraße Fleets in the early 12th century. The second port was wrecked in a storm tide on 17th February 1164.
The emerging trade business in Hamburg acted as an ideal connection between the agrarian European markets. In early 13th and 14th-century, cloth from Braband was imported and so was Westphalian linen. A variety of products were imported which included grain and wood from Hinterland. The Eastern Europe sent fur and wax, whereas salt was gained from Luneburg. In the 15th century, the sea salt was called Baiensalz. It was imported from France and Portugal. In Hamburg, it was resold. Other products such as fish were imported in the form of cod from Ireland, Scotland and Norway; and as Maties from Skane and Scotland. The 16th century saw a rise in the trade of spice.
Thus, starting from the 13th century, Hamburg won the crown as the best German Port. By the late 19th century, it had become the Central Europe’s main hub for transatlantic passenger and freight travel.
Once, Hamburg-American Line was the largest shipping company in not only Germany but the world. However, from 1888, the HADAG runs a ferry service on the port and in the river Elbe. Hamburg’s position in sea trade increased, as it lessened all the customs one had to go through to trade and store goods. It’s relation with its neighboring countries flourished.
Climate
The beauty of the sea and the luxury of the cruise can be enjoyed during the warm months of June, July, and August. The days are warm with bright sunlight. Some days it pours lightly and the day can be enjoyed with a cool breeze blowing. The view around the city can be enjoyed from a boat or a ship. Summer days are definitely a good time to visit as the scenery is a delight. The days are not scorching with heat. Moreover, a number of festivals are celebrated in the city during summer. You can also roam around the city and have fun in these fests.
Spring is the season of delight in Hamburg. With fluorescent flowers and green leaves surrounding the area around you, you can escape the hustle-bustle of the city and ravish by cruising along the river Elbe. Leave all the stress and tension behind and meet new people on the deck.
However, if you want to visit the city of Hamburg during winters, you will find all the lakes frozen up. Nevertheless, you can enjoy ice skating too. It becomes quite chilly during December, January, and February. The city looks beautiful covered in snow. Restaurants and hotels provide special discounts during this time of the year.
The Port
The port of Hamburg has a rich history. It started in the early 13th century. The port has developed and flourished not only as an industrial center but also as a tourist spot. It is the largest port in trade and tourism in Germany. It is a significant cruise destination with the largest ports of call in Europe. A picturesque journey is enjoyed by the passengers touring the Atlantic, the Norwegian and the Baltic Sea.
The port is also a major destination for shipbuilding and repairing. It acts as a shipbuilder with the specialized facility of shipyards. The port arranges “nowhere voyages” where passengers are allowed to travel and enjoy their journey. It is not only used as a transportation port. Hamburg Cruise Center Altona and Hamburg Cruise Center HafenCity are two check-out points on the port.
The cruise does not only belong to beautiful scenery and relaxation. It includes international dining with a sizzling menu to choose from. You can either enjoy an elegant formal dinner with your fellow passengers or a casual dinner with a beer. Also, enjoy visiting various museum ships, bars, restaurants, cafes, and hotels on the sea. Believe it or not, there is a Floating Church to go to too.
Millions of people from all over Germany and the world come to attend the anniversary of the Harbour every year. Hafengeburtstag, also called the Port Anniversary, is celebrated at the end of the first week of May. Sailing yachts, cruise ships, museum ships, tall ships and many other vessels come into the occasion. The celebrations include colorful displays on the land and in the sea. The celebration area is vast, about 6 kilometers tall along the waterfront. The whole festival is themed on “water programme” with a fine planning on arrival and departure parades and the incredible Tugboat Ballet.
Traveling in the City
The city has a well-developed transportation system. An all-time bus service is available which makes traveling easier. A night bus service called the “Nachtbus” also acts a link between the city center and other smaller districts. In the central city, one can also travel by train. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
To make your traveling cheaper, you could buy the Hamburg card which includes visits to many museums, monuments using public transport like bus or train. The city can also be explored on a motorbike, bicycle or by a taxi. All of it depends on your pocket.
The Port of Hamburg has six ferry services which work as public transportation. The two Alster lakes have a ferry boat, which leaves once in every hour from Jungfernstieg to Winterhuder Fährhaus. These trips on the boat provide with an incredible voyage.
Why visit?
The variety of festivals, cultural activities, food, drinks and historical sites are enough to attract any tourist. The various events that take place around the year give one a splendid experience. Unlike all the other towns of Germany, the Hamburg does not only has the authenticity but is also modernly built.
In case you are traveling with your partner, this is the perfect romantic trip to take. The old cobble-stoned roads and the modern cruise are a perfect combination. Also, if you are a family man/woman, then the trip here would be worth it. Your children can learn about the history of the town, visit museums and also have fun in all the theme parks.
A trip on the river Elbe in any ship, boat or yacht leaves one breathless. The calmness and the connection that you’d feel surrounded by such a natural exhibition is a luxury like no other.
Major attractions
- Tours- Have an exhilarating experience. Connect with the waves and have a picturesque time with the tours around the harbor. There are various tours provided by a number of private companies. You can enjoy all the luxurious cabins, food and leisure while touring. Some of the tours provided are Inmaris Perestroika Sailing, Butenschon Highlights, Elbe Erlebnistorns, Maritime Touren, Maritime Circle Line, Barkassenbetrieb Bulow, Barkassen-Meyer, Rainer Abicht, Barkassen-Centrale Ehlers GmbH, ATG AlsterTouristik, Maritime Touren, SightseeingKontor. Also, you can take the public tour of HADAG Seetouristik und Fahrdienst.
- Views- After your tours, your mind will be full of beautiful sights and landscapes. Remember to have a look at these views – Aussichtspunkt Kattwyk damn, Aussichtspunkt Waltershofer Hafen, Aussichtspunkt Stintfang, Aussichtspunkt Antonio Park/ Park Fiction and Aussichtspunkt Altonaer Balkon.
- Museum Ships- These were Barges or passenger liners which have been turned into museums. A trip to the Hamburg city is incomplete without a visit to these museums. These are interestingly shaped and provide a historical background of the harbor and the city. Any tourist or local can learn about the shipping and trading history of Hamburg. Cap San Diego, Lightship, and Rickmer Rickmers are some museum ships that document the history of the town.
- The Floating Church
- Hafenmuseum Hamburg
What else is around?
- Hamburg Rathaus
- MiniaturWunderland
- Hamburg Dungeon
- HafenCity
With so much to explore and see around, Hamburger Hafen should be an ideal choice for anyone who wants to spend some quality time away from the routine life activities. Go ahead and plan a vacation with your family and friends and enjoy exploring Hamburger Hafen.