10 Best Boat Tours & Cruises in Hamburg
Hamburg is one of the biggest shipping centres of the world. The city is famous for its port and warehouse district. Not taking a boat tour in Hamburg would be a missed opportunity.
The problem is, there are SO many tours and cruises available, that it can be quite overwhelming to choose one. That’s why I’ve compiled this little guide – to help you pick something that suits your interests and the particular experience you’re looking for.
1. Harbour Boat Tour
This was the boat tour that I took when I visited Hamburg, and it was a truly unique experience.
The tour takes you through the historic Speicherstadt, as well as the harbour. On this tour, you’ll learn a bit more about the shipping industry, which might sound boring, but it is surprisingly fascinating.
Additionally, the tour takes you along some of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks, including the famous Elbphilharmonie.
Some of the best harbour boat tours are offered by the following companies:
2. Alster Lake Cruise
A cruise on the Alster lakes is perfect if you’re looking for a more scenic boat trip. The cruise takes you on the Alster Lakes, which are situated in the heart of Hamburg.
You’ll take a boat onto both lakes, the Outer Alster (Außenalster) and the Inner Alster (Binnenalster), on which you will have a spectacular view of the lush landscapes right in the city. You’ll also see some of the residential areas, including waterfront houses.
This cruise also takes you to see some of the city’s important landmarks, such as the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg City Hall, and St. Michael’s Church.
In comparison a boat tour on the Elbe River, this tour is much more relaxed and is the perfect option if you’re looking to unwind.
You can book these tours online at:
Alternatively, you can buy tickets at Jungfernstieg Pier, which is the point of departure for all of the tours. There are also tourism centres all over Hamburg that sell tickets for Alster Lake Cruises. I would recommend, however, that you book online ahead of time, especially if you are visiting in peak tourism season.
3. Speicherstadt and HafenCity Tours
These boat tours take a trip through two of Hamburg’s most famous and historically important districts, namely Speicherstadt and HafenCity.
Speicherstadt is the world’s biggest warehouse district. It is famous for its neo-Gothic, red-brick buildings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as its vast canal network.
HafenCity, which is right next to Speicherstadt, is a modern contemporary area, which is home to some of the most culturally significant venues in Hamburg, including the Elbphilharmonie.
The tour explores the many canals of Speicherstadt, offering views of not only its iconic red buildings, but also famous sites like the world’s biggest model railway, the Hamburg Dungeon, and Miniatur Wunderland.
Thereafter, it takes a ride around the most famous building in the city, the Elbphilharmonie. The concert hall consists of over a thousand glass panels, which creates a truly unique building. Additionally, you’ll pass the International Maritime Museum, which houses the world’s biggest collection of model ships.
These tours can be booked online at:
4. River Elbe Cruise
This type of cruise explores one of Europe’s main rivers, the Elbe, which runs from the Czech Republic through Germany and into the North Sea. The cruise explores the city’s harbour, historical landmarks, waterfront views, bridges, and tunnels.
Like the harbour cruise, this tour takes you to the port, where you’ll be able to see the shipping container terminals and dockyards. Additionally, you’ll see where luxury cruise ships dock.
Some of the landmarks you’ll pass include the Elbphilharmonie, the famous St. Pauli Piers – one of Hamburg’s cultural hubs – and Rickmer Rickmers, a museum ship that is permanently docked at the port.
The boat tour also explores one of Hamburg’s most architecturally significant bridges, the Köhlbrand Bridge, and passes the Elbe Tunnel, which allows cars and pedestrians to get from one side of the river to the other.
Compared to the other tours, which are typically 1-1.5 hours long, this tour is longer, usually around 2.5 hours.
River Elbe Boat Tours can be booked at:
5. Cruise with meals
Most companies that offer regular boat tours on the Elbe River also have cruises available with meal options. This is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing and dining into one experience. There is a variety of these available to consider.
Dinner cruises are probably the most popular, some of which consist of one meal, while others include multiple courses. It is a great way to get a view of the city’s skyline lit up at night while also enjoying some local cuisine.
Brunch cruises are also very popular, usually including a buffet. The foods offered include both breakfast and lunch items, including local foods, like baked goods and fish dishes. There are also cruises that offer breakfast or lunch specifically, but I think brunch is the best option. Some of the cruises also include musical performances.
These cruises are obviously a bit pricier than the regular tours, as they include a meal, but they are also longer. Usually, the duration is about 3 hours.
When booking, make sure to inform the operators if you have any special dietary requirements. Also remember to check if the cruise has a dress code, as some of the dinner cruises do.
The following companies offer cruises with meals:
- Bergdorfer Schifffahrtslinie (with performances by a shanty choir)
- Nord Event
- Elbe Erlebnis
- Maritime Circle Line
6. Party cruise
If you want to experience the nightlife in Hamburg, a party boat is the perfect way to start the night. Usually, these cruises last about 2-4 hours, have a bar and live music or a DJ.
They are great for socialising and dancing, while exploring some of the more historical parts of the city. Sometimes, party boats also have a snack or even buffet options.
Some party boats are themed (for example, around Halloween or Oktoberfest), and include games and competitions.
It is a great way to meet new people. Afterwards, you can continue the night by going to Hamburg’s famous red-light district, the Reeperbahn.
Operators of these party cruises include:
7. Maritime Heritage Tour
As one of the world’s most important shipping ports, Hamburg has a very rich nautical history. On this tour, you’ll be able to explore that heritage.
The tour has similar routes to others, passing through Speicherstadt, HafenCity, and the port of Hamburg. It also highlights important landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie and the International Maritime Museum. Unlike the other tours, though, the focus of the guide is on the influence of the city on the naval history of the world.
Some operators of these tours include:
8. Private customised tour
On a private customised tour, you can request your own stops, route, and other features according to your preferences. On these tours, you can be more interactive with guides, and tailor your boat tour in Hamburg to your specific interests.
Some of the most popular types of private cruises include historical or architectural tours, which take you to the most historically significant spots in the city. Culinary tours can also be chosen, on which you have the option of stopping at some notable food hubs in Hamburg.
Alternatively, you can choose to take a sunset cruise, or a photography tour. If you are a photographer, this is a great option, because the tour will be customised to take you to some of the most photograph-worthy places in and around the city.
You can even take a cruise specifically designed for fishing, which includes some of the best spots for fishing. The guides for these tours are locals who are very knowledgable about the topic, so they have some tips to give to anyone who wants to spend a day fishing in the Elbe.
If you have an event to celebrate while you are in Hamburg, this is a fantastic way to do it! You can specifically book birthday or anniversary cruises, on which you can choose a catering menu, decorations, and more.
You can book a personalised private boat tour in Hamburg on the following websites:
9. Evening cruises
Most of the cruises mentioned in this blog post can be booked in the evening. This is a great way to see the city’s twinkling skyline. An evening cruise is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing in the city.
10. Seasonal or themed cruises
Many companies offer cruises specifically themed around a specific holiday. Easter and Christmas cruises are common, but I’ve also seen some cruises offered around Halloween or Oktoberfest. As these tours are seasonal, you’ll have to check the websites of the various cruise operators.
Make sure to book these well in advance, because they sell out quickly and obviously, are very limited.
Tips for Choosing a Boat tour in Hamburg:
- Check the website for language options. Some tours are only offered in German, while others are conducted in German, but have recorded audio tours available in other languages.
- Consider getting a combi ticket. Many boat operators offer tickets combining a cruise with another tourist attraction, like the Elbphilharmonie, Maritime Museum, etc. In combination, these tickets are less expensive than if you were to buy tickets for each activity separately. Rainer Abicht and Barkassen-Meyer both have a large variety available on their websites.
- Check the weather. Hamburg’s weather can be quite unpredictable, so try to pick a day with clear skies to get the best out of your tour. Also remember to dress for the weather.
- Book in advance, especially during summer.
- Arrive at least 15-30 minutes early, to make sure that you get good seats.
- Some tours are only offered seasonally. Check the websites of operators to make sure the tour you want is available before planning your trip.
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