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Hamburg Boat Tours – tickets, prices, discounts, timings, what to expect, FAQs

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Imagine a journey on an eve from the illuminated Speicherstadt along the ripples of Hamburg port, looking at the HafenCity, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, and the St. Pauli Piers. 

Hamburg Boat Tours offers a fascinating experience right in the middle of Hamburg, where the Elbe River elegantly flows through the cityscape. 

Travelers seeking a close-up look into Hamburg’s soul will find these boat tours a beacon as the city reveals its rich tapestry from the water.

These trips serve as more than just a means of transportation; they open a window into the city’s heart by revealing hidden treasures and well-known sites along the waterfront from a nautical viewpoint.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Hamburg Boat Tours.

What to expect at Hamburg Boat Tours

Taking a Hamburg Boat Tour is like accepting an invitation to an extraordinary multi-sensory experience. 

Imagine yourself flowing pleasantly along the Elbe River as the famous metropolis appears before your eyes.

Expect a captivating fusion of modern architecture, lush vegetation, and historic architecture as you navigate the city’s waterways. 

Your trained guides will recount fascinating anecdotes about Hamburg’s past and present.

Get ready to see famous sites like the Elbphilharmonie, HafenCity, and Speicherstadt from a perspective that reveals their genuine magnificence.

Beyond simple sightseeing, the boat tours capture the city’s essence and leave you with unforgettable recollections of an experience on the sea that’s unlike any other.

Tickets Cost
1-Hour Harbor Evening Lights Cruise €21
90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise €21
1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise €27
1.5h Grand Harbor Evening Lights Cruise €24
Hanseatic Guided Boat Tour €19
City Cruise on Alster Lake €20
2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Blankenese €31

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Where to book tickets

You can book your Hamburg Boat Tour tickets online as well as offline. 

Online prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the counters.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some tours sell limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the Hamburg Boat Tours ticket booking page, select a convenient date, time, number of tickets, and book.

As you purchase the boat tour tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction. 

Hamburg Boat Tours ticket prices

Tickets for the 1-hour harbor evening lights cruise are priced at €21 for all travelers aged 15 and above.

Children between four and 14 years get a discount of €6 and pay €15 for entry.

Infants aged three years and below can enter for free. Adults must accompany them. 

The 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise ticket is available for adults aged 16 and above for €22 onward.

Children aged five to 15 get a discount of €10 and pay €11 for a ticket.

Infants aged four and below are not permitted on this tour.

Hamburg Boat Tours tickets

Boat Tours in Hamburg are quite popular with tourists, so there are many options to choose from while booking the tour.

1-Hour Harbor Evening Lights Cruise

1-Hour Harbor Evening Lights Cruise
Image: GetYourGuide.com

This ticket includes a magical nighttime tour that provides an exclusive viewpoint of the city’s scenic surroundings. 

Discover the finer points of the busy harbor with a tailored statement by the captain, offering a window into the world of the sea. 

Live commentary enhances your experience by keeping you informed about the fascinating sights. An audio guide you can access via a special app makes your trip even better. 

It offers a customized, engrossing story to go along with your exploration of Hamburg’s canals.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (13+ years): €21
Child Ticket (4 to 14 years): €15
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free 

90-Minutes Evening Lights Harbor Cruise

90-Minutes Evening Lights Harbor Cruise
Image: GetYourGuide.com

Saddle up on a classic barge and take a captivating 1.5-hour evening cruise around Hamburg harbor, taking in the lovely glow of the city’s lights. 

Savor the vibrant ambiance at the container docks and take in the captain’s perceptive commentary as you cruise through the historic Speicherstadt. 

Sip a drink and listen to incredible stories about the harbor’s history. 

You can also pick a special tour and join the Queen Mary II cruise at the terminal. You will also get to celebrate the anniversary of Hamburg Harbor with an ongoing parade.

The tour is moderated in German by a live tour guide.

You can cancel with up to 24 hours notice for a complete refund.

Infants up to four years old are not allowed on this tour.

Ticket Prices 

Adult Ticket (16+ years): €22
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): €11

1.5-Hours Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise

1.5-Hours Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise
Image: GetYourGuide.com

With this skip-the-line ticket, you can take a 1.5-hour harbor and Speicherstadt day cruise in Hamburg to experience the city’s allure by the sea. 

Join a daytime boat ride through the Harbor District and enjoy live German commentary that explains the area’s rich history and significance. 

Admire the expansive views of St. Pauli’s Pier and Hafen City from the open deck while strolling through the waterways of Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world.

Take breathtaking pictures of the city’s well-known waterfront sites and delight in a special stop to disembark at the esteemed Elbphilharmonie. 

This tour includes a 1.5-hour harbor cruise, live German commentary, a six-language (English, French, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish) audio commentary app, and an optional trip back to the tour’s original starting location. 

You can download the Rainer Abicht app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access the commentary in different languages.

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. However, refreshments can be bought on board.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off offered, giving you travel flexibility.

This tour is not suitable for differently-abled people.

Remember to bring warm clothes, cameras, and headphones.

Please refrain from bringing food, baby strollers, weapons, or sharp objects.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (15+ years): €27
Child Ticket (4 to 14 years): €15
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free

1.5h Grand Harbor Evening Lights Cruise

1.5h Grand Harbor Evening Lights Cruise
Image: GetYourGuide.com

Take a romantic evening harbor cruise to see Hamburg’s stunning architecture from a new angle. 

Start your trip at Landungsbrücken and cross the famous bridge to Pier 3 to board your barge. 

Cruise Speicherstadt’s winding canals and take in the stunning sights of Hamburg’s dock bathed in a dazzling blue light show. 

Navigate through Elbe shore, the famous fish market, and canals while learning about the history of the city’s important sites from your professional German-speaking guide.

This 90-minute tour also has a live commentary in German. Food and drinks are not included in this ticket.

This tour is not accessible for wheelchair users. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (15+ years): €24
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): €12
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

Save time & money! Buy a Hamburg City Card and get exclusive discounts on over 150 attractions. You can choose a card for one to five days and explore the city at your own pace!


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Hamburg Boat Tours departure point

The meeting point for Hamburg Boat Tours varies depending on the tour you book.

If you opt for the 1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise, the meeting point will be Überseebrücke Bridge. You’ll be taking this tour aboard Hanna Abicht or Traute Abicht.

1.5h Grand Harbor Evening Lights Cruise will depart from Pier 3 at Landungsbrücken

The departure of the 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise is from Landungsbrücken, Bridge 10.

Hamburg Boat Tours timings

The 1-Hour Harbour Evening Lights Cruise sets sail at 6 pm and lasts an hour.

The 1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise starts at 11 am, and the last trip departs at 5 pm. There are slots available every 45 minutes when you book.

The 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise sets sail at 5.30 pm and lasts 1.5 hours.

We suggest you reach the departure port at least 15 minutes for boarding the boats at leisure. 

How long does the tour take

Hamburg Boat Tours are available as 60-minute and 90-minute experiences. 

If you include 15 minutes of boarding and another 15 minutes to get off the boat, the total experience could be anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. 

Best time to go on Hamburg Boat Tours

Best time to go on Hamburg Boat Tours
Image: Hamburg.com

The best time to go on a Boat Tour in Hamburg depends on your interests and the experience you’re looking for. 

Consider an Evening Lights Cruise for a breathtaking view of the city lit up as the sun sets, illuminating the famous sites in a mesmerizing hue. 

For those who would rather explore during the day, the 1.5-Hour Harbour and Speicherstadt Day Cruise lets you enjoy the peace of daylight. 

Select a time frame that best suits the mood you want to create, be it a fresh morning, a colorful afternoon, or a magical evening. 

This will help you capture Hamburg’s maritime beauty in the best possible light.


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FAQs about Hamburg Boat Tours

Here are frequently asked questions about the Boat Tours in Hamburg.

Do Hamburg Boat Tours depart daily?

Yes, trips are offered every day except for Christmas. You can take in Hamburg’s stunning seaside scenery any day of the week.

Does the water level affect Speicherstadt boat tours?

Yes, the water level affects visits to the Speicherstadt. There may be restrictions on sailing through narrow rivers at high and low tide.

How can I get the multilingual tour commentary on Hamburg Boat Tours?

You can download a free audio app (Rainer Abicht) that provides tour commentary in six languages. Listening to your favorite language will improve your experience.

What do I need to pack for the Hamburg Boat Tours?

Packaging warm clothing is advised to ensure comfort during the excursion. In addition to carrying headphones to improve your audio tour experience, don’t forget to bring your camera to record the picturesque views.

Are there any prohibited items for the Hamburg Boat Tours?

Weapons and sharp objects, baby strollers, and outside food are not allowed on board for everyone’s safety and comfort. 

Does Hamburg Boat Tours have a policy regarding cancellations?

Yes, the flexibility of free cancellation is available to you. You can rest easy about your travel arrangements by canceling your reservation up to 24 hours in advance and receiving a complete refund.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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