Hamburg Harbor Birthday
300 ships and hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world were in Hamburg to celebrate the 826th harbor birthday. It is the world’s largest harbor party. Here are the highlights.
Proud Parade of Ships
The first highlight again this year was the entrance parade of navy vessels and tall ships. The Gorch Fock led the parade. The Germany navy training ship was launched in Hamburg in 1958. It has traveled the world’s oceans ever since. Today it is based in Kiel.
Luxury Cruise Ship
The Queen Elizabeth was one of six cruise ships to attend the harbor celebrations. The vessel with twelve decks of sheer luxury left Hamburg on Saturday. It was moored in Altona, one of two cruise ship terminals. The other is in the HafenCity district. Hamburg is now the third largest cruise ship harbor in Europe.
Anchors Away
A day sailing on board a tall ship - a dream come true for those lucky enough to secure a passage on the Alexander von Humboldt II on Saturday. It set sail for the first time with green sails just like its predecessor Alexander von Humboldt I. The vessel is named after the famous explorer.
Open Ship
Vistors were able to go on board various vessels during tho three day event. Museum ships like the freighter Cap San Diego and the sailing vessel Tickmer Rickmers welcomed guests on board. As well as the Meerkatze, a coastguard patrol vessel which protects fishing grounds on regular patrols in the North Sea and the Baltic.
Dancing Ships
The tug boats put on a spectacular show to waltzes and rock music. There was a huge turnout to the "water ballet" in the harbor. The tug boats were full of paying guests. Normally the powerful small boats tow large vessels into the harbor to their mooring spots.
Sporting Highlights
The staged sea rescue operation featuring police and navy helicopters was an impressive stunt show. The three day harbor birthday celebrations included motor boat parades, dragonboat races and water ski acrobatics as well as a high speed catamaran show.
Maritime Party
Culture and culinary treats from HafenCity via the landing piers to the fish market. A four kilometer stretch beside the Elbe featured a huge number of stands. Visitors could enjoy fish rolls and street food. Those headed for the Reeperbahn came across the Food Truck Festival which took place during the harbor birthday celebrations for the first time.
Grand Finale
Ships’ sirens announced the fireworks display on Saturday night. Rockets lit up the skies above the AIDAbella cruise ship. The spectacular show lasted fifteen minutes. A final highlight before the ships headed for home on Sunday. But they will be back next year.