Does the harbor tour run in the rain?
Yes, the boats run in almost any weather. Even when it rains, you sit sheltered and dry on board. Rain and clouds are part of Hamburg, and the mood over the Elbe and the container port is often special then.
Departure times in winter
From November to February, the one-hour harbor tour leaves daily from about 10 AM to 5 PM, roughly every 30 minutes. In that period, the XXL harbor tour departs daily at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. All times are approximate. Extra boats run when it is busy, and a departure may occasionally shift.
The harbor lights cruise in winter
The harbor lights cruise starts every evening at dusk. In winter it gets dark early, so the cruise starts earlier in the evening. The exact time is shown in the calendar on the cruise page.
Tips for cold and wet days
- Dress warmly: on the water and on deck it is often cooler than in the city.
- Every boat used has a restroom on board.
- Drinks: most launches have a drinks machine; no snacks are sold on board.
- Whether the tour goes through the Speicherstadt depends on the tide. The team at the Landungsbrücken will tell you if it works on your day.
Holiday season on the water
From October to December, the party boat serves a winter buffet, popular for Christmas parties.
Updated on Oct 9, 2026
