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out on the water: 6 wonderful boat tours through hamburg
Discover Hamburg from the water: with its many canals and impressive harbour, the Hanseatic city is a paradise for boat tours. Whether you want to explore the historic Speicherstadt, the modern HafenCity or the idyllic Alster canals, the water opens up a whole new perspective on the city. Fancy a boat tour of Hamburg? We've selected six tours you shouldn't miss.
grand harbour cruise
The harbour tour is the classic Hamburg boat tour. On this popular route, you will discover the port of Hamburg in all its splendour. You can choose between a short and a long harbour tour. The two-hour Grand Harbour Cruise takes you past the impressive container terminals and the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall as well as the canals of the famous Speicherstadt if you have booked a tour on a smaller cruise. Whichever route you take, you will also see other highlights such as the Fish Market, the Docklands and the Elbe beach. Depending on the company, you will learn all kinds of interesting facts about Hamburg and its sights during the trip – either from the captain or from an audio guide.
Departure: Landungsbrücken
small harbour tour
If you have less time or just want to get a taste of what it’s like to be on a boat, we recommend the small harbour tour. On this tour you also have the choice between a smaller boat and a larger ship. The larger boats skip the narrow Speicherstadt and instead sail past the Docklands, the beach and the West Terminals. Both tours take 60 minutes and offer a fantastic view of Hamburg's most beautiful sights.
Departure: Landungsbrücken
alster canal cruise
In addition to the Elbe River, the Alster Lake also offers wonderful boat trips through Hamburg. Experience the idyllic canals of the Alster Lake on a leisurely Alster canal cruise. This tour takes you through picturesque neighbourhoods, past beautiful villas and green banks. The tranquil journey through the narrow canals allows you to admire Hamburg's beautiful nature and architecture. Slow down in the middle of our exciting metropolis. The tours start just outside the gates of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg.
Departure: Jungfernstieg
harbour tour to blankenese
Combine a harbour tour with a trip to Blankenese. This is one of the most beautiful and popular parts of Hamburg. Blankenese is known for its charming fishermen's cottages, steep staircases, beaches and magnificent villas. The area is a feast for the eyes, especially from the water. Other highlights along the route include the Fish Market, the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, Köhlbrand Bridge and Steinwerder. The two-hour tour is particularly enjoyable in the summer months!
Departure: Landungsbrücken
evening lights tour
One of the most beautiful tours is the Evening Lights Tour. When the sun goes down, Hamburg shines in a very extraordinary light. The city sparkles and exudes a special magic. Breathtaking views of the illuminated sights and the city skyline as well as a wonderfully romantic atmosphere await you on an evening lights cruise. Choose between a 1-hour cruise on a large ship or a 1.5-hour cruise. Both tours are a unique experience, but the trip through the illuminated Speicherstadt on a small boat is truly unrivalled.
Departure: Landungsbrücken
fleet cruise
If you want to see the Alster Lake, Speicherstadt and the harbour in one trip, we recommend a Fleet (canal) cruise. It takes you through the narrow waterways of the historic Speicherstadt and the modern HafenCity, through locks and along Hamburg's beautiful Old Town. This boat tour through Hamburg shows a fascinating mixture of tradition and innovation that is typical for the Hanseatic city. This boat trip through Hamburg lasts approximately 2 hours and is a real highlight.
Departure: Jungfernstieg
Your hotel in the heart of Hamburg
After a day of discovery on the water, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg invites you to relax and unwind. With its central location on the Inner Alster Lake and its luxurious ambience, it is the ideal starting point for your city break in Hamburg. Enjoy the first-class service and exquisite facilities of our renowned hotel, which offers you every comfort you could wish for.
