The words I’m bored have never been uttered in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Really, how could it? As if the museums and cycling and hiking routes aren’t enough, Hamburg’s got some of the best festivals and events anywhere in Germany, and the world, for that matter.
There’s no easy way to narrow down the list of outstanding Hamburg events throughout the year, I couldn’t even cut the list down to a Top Ten, I got it down to a dozen. They’re all so wonderful it’s not even possible to say any one is better than the other, so not to play favorites, I listed them in alphabetical order. ;-)
1. Alster Fair
Known as the Alstervergnügen, this is a huge party around the Binnenalster doing everything from as leisurely as watching the fireworks to as active as wakeboarding. There’s dancing and music and food all being enjoyed by a million people who look forward to this annual Summer event. Even the kids have stuff to do, right down to amusement rides and face painting. It’s truly a family-friendly weekend here in Hamburg.
2. Altona Fish Market
Who cares if you don’t speak one word of German, you shouldn’t miss the comedic antics of the Altona Fish Market sellers — whose shenanigans are all part of the show on an early Sunday morning. And I do mean early, the Fish Market starts opening up at 5am (7am in the winter).
No problem if you’re not into buying various species of fish, they sell everything from food to flowers, too.
3. Christmas Markets
Yes, that’s plural, since Hamburg has more than one Christmas Market. The most traditional is held at the Rathausplatz, while in the St. Pauli District their market ventures into the more unconventional. It really doesn’t matter which one appeals to you more, don’t miss the Christmas Parade around the city streets on every Saturday throughout the Advent season. I love the handmade Christmas ornaments, and I think you will too.
4. Christopher Street Day
In the summer of 2013 over a hundred thousand people flocked to the streets of Hamburg in celebration of the city’s Gay Pride Parade, setting a new record for Hamburg. What’s great is the event keeps getting bigger every year. It isn’t just about the parade and rocking your rainbow flag, it’s about bringing an end to discrimination and persecution to gays, lesbians, bi-and transsexuals all over the world.
5. Deutsches Derby
There’s been talk of moving Hamburg’s Deutsches Derby event to another city, but for the last 100+ years 1- to 3-year-old horses have been running the 2400 meters every July in this gracious city. Yes, the derby is the ultimate highlight, but there’s a week of special racing events to coincide with the event. Past winners have included horses with names like Luigi, Karloff, Don Giovanni, and Lucky Speed; better get ready to place your bets for the next winner.
6. Hafengeburtstag
Almost two million people look forward to Hamburg’s annual Port Festival along the Elbe River every May. Sea lovers and land lubbers unite together to enjoy the arrival of tall sailboats, dragon boat races, fireworks, parades, and even a church service. It’s not easy to summarize Hamburg’s Port Festival, but it’s a great event that’s wholesome and fun for everyone, especially the kids.
7. Haspa Marathon
What an extraordinary event going on here in Hamburg every year; where thousands of people decide (willingly, no less) to run through the city streets like the Reeperbahn, along the Alster, and back around again for the Haspa Marathon every May. The weather’s certainly nice enough for it. Even if you’re not running the marathon, doesn’t mean you can’t come support those who do.
8. Hamburg Film Festival
For more than two decades, Hamburg has been hosting its own Film Festival (take that, Berlin), featuring all kinds of feature films and documentaries. Previous winners have included Clint Eastwood and Jodi Foster, but you don’t have to be rich & famous to enjoy the shows.
9. ATP Hamburg / German Open
With a name like the German Open you might think of golf, but it’s tennis that everyone loves here at the ATP Hamburg, as this tournament is also known. Previously known as the Hamburg Masters, past winners have included such big names as Gottfried von Cramm, Ivan Lendl, Michael Stich, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Oh, and Steffi Graf. Yeah, women were playing there up until 2002 (known as the WTA Hamburg.) C’mon, let the ladies play again!
10. Hamburger Dom
The Hamburger Dom isn’t your average carnival rides event by any means, as it brings in almost 10 million visitors to Hamburg for its thrice-yearly event. The kids love the visits from the Easter Bunny for the Frülingsdom, while the Sommerdom is great for amusement rides like the Log Flume, and the Winterdom is grand for finding little gifts for the holiday season. Said to be the largest festival of its kind in northern Germany, I’d say there’s nothing like this anywhere in the world.
11. Long Night of Museums
For a dozen years the city of Hamburg has gotten in on the popular, Lange Nacht der Museen, or Long Night of Museums. The whole Springtime event was designed to get new people interested in the Hamburg museums, but became so much bigger than anyone imagined. The last event kept Hamburg’s 50+ museums open til the wee hours of the morning — so plan to sleep in the next morning. ;-)
12. Reeperbahn Festival
No worries if you’ve never heard of the bands playing at the Reeperbahn Festival, many are newcomers to the international music scene, playing in some 60+ venues all around the city. The arts also get involved, bringing in the brightest and creative minds from countries all around the globe. See, the Reeperbahn is famous for more than just being the locale for Hamburg’s “red-light” district.
While these are probably the most famous of Hamburg’s events, the city is a nerve-center for just about a million other cultural and literary events, concerts, and exhibitions — and the list just keeps getting longer and longer. It’s about time to pay proper homage to Hamburg, wouldn’t you say?