Why you should rent a bus with us for Hamburg Port Anniversary 2024

Every month of May, more than a million visitors celebrate the Hamburg Port Anniversary on the banks of the river Elbe.
This event commemorates the May of 1189 when Hamburg’s port became a tax free zone, and heralded the rise of Hamburg’s international prestige and opulence.

For this occasion, the port parts and facilities like The Speicherstadt depository & storage district, The splendid Elbphilharmonie concert hall, The great Landungsbrücken piers will all transform during the annual HAMBURG’S PORT ANNIVERSARY to a platform of jubilant festivities for 3 days of special fun. Highpoints customarily contain on the water side the arrival of around three hundred sea vessels (like; heritage ships, old-fashioned sailing yachts and modern voyage ships), and the yearly Tugboat Ballet show, and spectacular display of fireworks on the water. On the harbour shore line, people can indulge in a variety of food pleasures, and live music presentations on several platforms. The dates are set to be in May 2024.

Airport shuttles, Bus Company, and Tour bus by Irro Charter are proud to be the reliable transport for Hamburg Port anniversary’s’ visitors.
No matter where your group is located, our Bus Rental will punctually take care of your transfers in Hamburg to the festival locations, or hotels, and of course to the airport. There is the option to hire a Long Distance Coach with driver for a many days tour covering other cities in Germany, or cross to other countries.

History of the Hamburger Port Anniversary

Folklore tales suggest this event dating back to the days under the rule of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa of the Roman-German Empire. On 7 May, 1189 the Emperor approved tax exclusion on trade for the Hamburg port zone. This grant quickly became the defining moment that triggered Hamburg’s rise to wealth and influence.
Along time, investment, and perfecting port operations efficiency, the small Hamburg town has advanced to become Europe’s second largest port city currently.

Therefore, with more than 830 years so far, the special date of 7th of May is always distinguished as the “birthdate” of Hamburg’s port. However, ever since 1977 anniversary, the festivities have grown to became a weekend-long on-shore, and off-shore commemorations, that includes great variety of culinary kiosks, live music shows, and boat pageants.
This arrangement of events has proven to be a great attraction for visitors, and resounding success for the port control Teams.
Today, Hamburg’s port “vast birthday bash weekend” is considered the single biggest port anniversary event in the world.

Our bus company Irro Charter can drive you on your trip with consistent charter bus or airport shuttle services. Your group will be happy to experience our modern bus fleet, experienced drivers and skilled contract office staff.

The Anniversay Events

Every anniversary weekend-period will consist of more than two hundred separate events with some on the river and some on the river banks, which actually structure the Hamburg's annual Port Anniversary celebrations.

Offshore Events

The on the water performances on the Elbe river are the most popular. Maritime processions like the Grand Arrival Parade, the Tugboat Ballet and the AIDA fireworks show are the top highlights.
Other maritime events consist of water parades of motored yachts, steamships and historic sailing ships, theatrical sea-rescue mission shows. There are also sporting events like sailing regattas, water skiing and dragon boat races. The official water establishments like the Waterways Police; Customs Police, the Federal water Police, the DGzRS lifesaving service, and the Fisheries Protection police also join with parading their vessels during the festival.

Onshore Events

Music varieties from choirs to heavy metal, There will certainly be a music genre on show covering all tastes on 10 different stages with performers rotating their acts during the festivities.
There will be a family festival for the children next to St. Michael's Church to keep the little ones entertained and happy. All around the port area you will find so many different kiosks with local and international cuisine on offer for your pleasure. During the festivities visitors can change scenery if they wish and check out many museums sprinkled midst the area of Speicherstadt UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hafen-City area. For prompt travel, and avoiding all the road closures or traffic jams, Irro Charter with its Tour bus, bus Company, and Rental bus service will be your dependable choice to design your group’s travel around those busy days. With Irro Charter you can rest assured to attend as much as possible in a safe and comfortable manner.

The Anniversary Recommendations

The Anniversary festival is always full with exciting activities. Starting by the inaugural ceremony and the grand arrival procession to the amazing point by remarkable fireworks, and with many other choices not to be missed, please find the following suggestions of few events to make sure you enjoy at this festival:

Festival Promenade

The six-kilometre-long waterfront starting from HafenCity, to Landungsbrücken piers and ending at the St. Pauli fish markets will be packed with different variety of stands and podiums to enjoy. The Vendors will offer local cuisine, handicrafts and drinks to make the occasion feel very special. Ten live music stages and more entertaining will start the party early, but will keep the festivities all nights.

International Ecumenical Opening Service

The Port Anniversary Festival in keep with tradition will start the opening service on Friday at St. Michael's Church, complemented with performance by the shanty choir De Tampentrekker.

Grand Arrival Parade

The on water parade will feature flotillas of inspiring sailing yachts like the Alexander von Humboldt II, Kruzenshtern, Mir, Sedov and Cap San Diego special ships. Part of the participants will be authority’s vessels like the marine fire brigade and police boats that will all pass the water front by the Landungsbrücken piers.

Tugboat Ballet

Using their enormous power, water canons and their great maneuver ability, with classical music accompanies their movement, the Tugboat Ballet show is a must see spectacle. Please note that the water canons are quite strong and some water drizzle may lash at the audience.

AIDA Fireworks

The top highlight of this festival is the remarkable fireworks displays that illuminate the night skies over Hamburg’s port on Saturday evening. Cruise ships will join in beaming laser displays and horns. It is recommended for the best view points to be at the Landungsbrücken piers, or be on the water side in HafenCity area.

Grand Departure Parade

As a wonderful end to a great festival, the festival completes its processions by an impressive departure on water parade, at which the sailing yachts, tugboats and cruise liners pay their passionate farewells to the port, city, and of the course the audience. As a special delight, the most modern fire service ship in Europe “the Branddirektor Westphal” will be participating too.

Irro Charter’s tour bus company is primed with 48 years experience in the charter bus and airport shuttle bus marketplace, which you can simply enjoy of to have a great trip to Hamburg.
With our local tour bus depot ready, you can choose to book any modern bus size for your group needs. Bus Rental can serve your airport shuttle needs, city transfers by chartered bus, or a full day charter bus service for your group’s itinerary. We look for ward to your inquiry so we can make an offer that best suites your group in Hamburg.

Here you will find more about Hamburg’s port anniversary: www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag