Harbor Lights Cruise: Hamburg Harbor by Night
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
€38.00€30.00- Guide
- German live commentary
- Departure
- Landungsbrücken, Pier 1
The Port of Hamburg when the lights come on
The harbor lights cruise is a 1.5-hour harbor tour after dark. It starts daily at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, timed by season so that you set off at dusk. On the program: the illuminated Speicherstadt (right through the canals when the water level allows), HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie in the evening light and the sea of lights of the container terminals. The boat is operated by the Elbreederei Abicht.
Harbor Lights Cruise at a glance
- About 1.5 hoursDaily departures. The time moves with the season so that you start at dusk.
- Live commentaryIn German by the captain, plus a free audio guide in 11 languages via app, including English.
- Meeting point Pier 1St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. At the ticket desk of the Elbreederei Rainer Abicht you find out where your boat is moored.
- Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before the booked date. Applies to online tickets.
- Free rebookingFixed date, rebook up to 24 hours in advance by email or phone.
What to expect
- Speicherstadt in lights: the facades, bridges and gables of the red-brick warehouses are lit up in the evening. When the water level allows, you sail right through.
- HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie in the evening light.
- Container port by night: the sea of lights of the container terminals.
- Live commentary by the captain in German, plus a free audio guide in 11 languages.
- Flexible: fixed date, free rebooking up to 24 hours in advance.
Departure times and check-in
Every evening. The departure follows sunset and therefore shifts over the course of the year. The exact times are shown in the calendar on this page.
Route by tide: whether the cruise goes through the canals of the Speicherstadt is decided by the captain depending on the water level. The Port of Hamburg is an open tidal port with ebb and flow.
Meeting point: Pier 1 of the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. Ask at the ticket desk of the Elbreederei Rainer Abicht which boat is sailing and where it departs, just like for the grand harbor tour.
Meeting point
St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, Pier 1. At the ticket desk of the Elbreederei Rainer Abicht you find out where your boat is moored. The Landungsbrücken stop (U3 and S-Bahn) is right opposite.
How your ticket works
- Fixed date and time: you book the date and time of your tour and take part on that date.
- Free rebooking: if the date no longer suits you, rebook to another day or time up to 24 hours in advance by email or phone.
- Free cancellation: online tickets up to 24 hours before the booked date.
- Valid for 12 months: from the date of purchase, for one tour.
Why the Speicherstadt glows at night
Since 2001 the Speicherstadt has been artistically illuminated every evening, based on a lighting concept by Hamburg light artist Michael Batz. The facades, towers and bridges of the historic warehouses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, take on a very special atmosphere. You see it best from the water.
Add to that the lights of the container terminals, HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie. A harbor lights cruise is therefore a popular evening outing for couples, for guests who already know Hamburg by day, and as the end of a day in the city.
Tip for good seats
Boarding starts one hour before departure. Our tip: arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure for the best choice of seats.
Accessibility
Three boats are step-free: the passenger ships RIVER STAR and HAMBURG and the paddle steamer LOUISIANA STAR. They have a gangway for level boarding and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Which boat sails when depends on demand, so we cannot guarantee fixed departure times for these three boats. Feel free to contact us in advance. The launches (luxury and traditional launches) are not step-free.
Rather have your own boat for your group?
For company parties, birthdays and bachelor or bachelorette parties we put together your own cruise: route, catering and schedule as you wish, with one contact for everything.
Frequently asked questions about the harbor lights cruise
How long is the harbor lights cruise?
About 1.5 hours.
How much does the harbor lights cruise cost?
Tickets start at €30 per person.
When does the harbor lights cruise start?
Every evening at dusk. The exact time shifts with the season. You will find it in the calendar on this page or directly at the ticket desk at Pier 1 of the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken.
When should I be at the meeting point?
Ideally 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Boarding starts one hour before.
Is the harbor tour live commentated and is it available in English?
The captain or crew give a live commentary in German, full of facts and anecdotes about the port. International guests can listen along with a free audio guide app available in 11 languages, including English, Spanish and French.
Does the boat always go through the Speicherstadt?
No, that depends on the tide. The canals of the Speicherstadt can only be navigated at a suitable water level. The team at the Landungsbrücken will tell you whether it works on your day.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on board.
Does the harbor tour run when it rains?
Yes, the boats sail in almost any weather. Even in the rain you sit sheltered and dry on board.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on board?
Strollers are usually no problem. Whether a wheelchair can come along depends on the boat: the passenger ships RIVER STAR and HAMBURG and the LOUISIANA STAR are step-free. Please contact us in advance and let the team on site know.
What guests say about the Harbor Lights Cruise
The relaxed harbor cruise in the evening is really worth it. In the evening, with all its lights, the harbor looks far more impressive and romantic.
The hour flew by, and the guide led the program with wit and charm.
Despite thick fog, a worthwhile evening trip through the illuminated harbor. The commentator did an excellent job.
Excerpts from our Google Business Profile, translated (4.9 out of 5 from 14 reviews). All reviews on Google