Sightseeing Hamburg By Ferry: Best Views Of The Port

When visiting Hamburg, one of the most rewarding activities is taking a ferry ride to explore the bustling Port of Hamburg.

What Makes the Port of Hamburg and St. Pauli Piers Special?

⭐️ A Landmark Where History Meets Modernity: St. Pauli Piers (St. Pauli Landungsbrücken)

The St. Pauli Piers (St. Pauli Landungsbrücken) are an iconic waterfront landmark in Hamburg, situated along the banks of the River Elbe. Built in the 19th century as a dock for steamships, this site has transformed into a vibrant ferry terminal and a favorite spot for enjoying panoramic views of the Port of Hamburg.

⭐️ Europe’s Largest Rail-Connected Port: The Port of Hamburg

The Port of Hamburg isn’t just Germany’s largest seaport—it’s also the third-largest in Europe. With world-class container transport facilities and unparalleled railway connections, it stands as Europe’s leading rail port, setting global standards in inland connectivity.

⭐️ Unique Sightseeing and Transport Experiences

From St. Pauli Piers, you can hop on a boat to cruise along the Elbe River. Get up close to massive cargo ships, marvel at state-of-the-art container terminals, and enjoy stunning views of Hamburg’s architectural masterpiece, the Elbphilharmonie.

For history enthusiasts, a WWII submarine adds an extra layer of intrigue to the experience!

Whether you’re here for history, modern engineering, or breathtaking views, Hamburg’s port and piers promise a unique adventure!

How to Get to St. Pauli Piers (St. Pauli Landungsbrücken)

📍 Location of St. Pauli Piers on the Map

The German name for this landmark may be a mouthful—St. Pauli Landungsbrücken—but in English, it’s simply known as St. Pauli Piers. Located on the River Elbe, it’s a central spot for exploring Hamburg’s iconic harbor.

🚆 Public Transportation Options

Hamburg’s public transport is incredibly convenient. Aside from using the DB Navigator app, locals often rely on the hvv app for checking timetables, which you can also download in advance.

To reach St. Pauli Piers, take the S-Bahn (S1 or S3) or the U-Bahn (U3) and get off at Landungsbrücken station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the piers.

🚗 Driving Tips and Parking near by St. Pauli Piers

Although we drove from Frankfurt to Hamburg, we found that most attractions in Hamburg are conveniently clustered. During our stay, the car mostly stayed parked at the hotel, and we explored the city on foot. You may easily get around in Hamburg on foot or by public transport.

For those driving, here are some parking options near St. Pauli Piers:

Car Park	Address	Distance
Parkhaus Michel-Garage	Schaarmarkt, 20459 Hamburg	~ 500 meters, about a 7-minute walk.
CONTIPARK Tiefgarage Tanzende Türme	Zirkusweg 20, 20359 Hamburg	~ 600 meters, about a 8-minute walk.
Reeperbahn garages	Spielbudenpl. 2/16, 20359 Hamburg	~ 750 meters, about a 10-minute walk.

Ferry Tour Experience in Hamburg

Hamburg offers several ferry tour options from different operators, and we joined the Rainer Abicht Harbour Tour (Grosse Hafenrundfahrt) during our visit. This one-hour cruise took us through the bustling Port of Hamburg, complete with German commentary about the landmarks along the way. For international visitors, the company provides multilingual audio guides, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, etc., ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

Different Routes for Sightseeing Ferries

Rainer Abicht offers two main routes:

• Port of Hamburg Tour (Hamburger Hafen)
• Warehouse District Tour (Speicherstadt)

For those with more time, the XXL Tour combines both the Port and Warehouse District in a two-hour adventure, offering the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re short on time or eager to see it all, there’s a ferry tour to match your itinerary!

Tips for Planning Your Independent Trip

1️⃣ Warehouse District (Speicherstadt) Canal Tours
The canal tours through the narrow waterways of Speicherstadt depend on the water levels, so tours are not always available.

2️⃣ Booking Tickets
When we visited during the pandemic, there weren’t many tourists, so we bought tickets directly at the pier and waited for the next available ferry. However, if you want a smoother experience and avoid wasting time waiting, it’s better to book your tickets online in advance.

Differences Between Small Boats and Ferries

A staff member explained to us:
“Small boats are more prone to rocking and can cause seasickness. Ferries offer a more stable and comfortable ride.”

From my understanding:

• To explore the canals of the warehouse district (Speicherstadt), you need to take a small boat.
• For Port of Hamburg tours, you can choose between small boats or ferries.

Choosing a Ferry for a Family Trip

Traveling with a two-year-old, we prioritized comfort. The weather wasn’t great that day, so we skipped the small boat and opted for a ferry tour of the Port of Hamburg instead. Despite my pre-trip indecision, I was satisfied with our choice and had no regrets. Up next, I’ll share the advantages of taking a ferry!

Ferry Facilities Overview

Family Travel Tip: Strollers are welcome on these medium-sized sightseeing ferries, making it convenient for parents traveling with young children.

A friendly reminder from the staff: make sure your little one holds on tight to their teddy bear. If it falls into the water, there’s no way to retrieve it!

Ferry Sightseeing Highlight 1: Up-Close with the Container Terminals at Port of Hamburg

Even though the indoor seating felt cozy, visiting in summer meant we couldn’t resist sitting out on the deck!

📌 Pro Tip: Hamburg can still be quite chilly in late June, and the wind picks up once the ferry sets off. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, even during summer!

Once seated, a waiter/waitress will come by to ask if you’d like a drink. Many passengers were enjoying their beverages, soaking in the scenery, and snapping photos in a relaxed atmosphere.

Seeing the perfectly aligned container terminals up close is an unforgettable experience.

As someone from Hong Kong, I’m used to seeing world-class container terminals while passing through Kwai Chung. But this was my first time coming so close to massive container ships from the water—truly awe-inspiring!

While writing this post, I looked up Evergreen online and discovered it’s a Taiwanese company. It’s always rewarding to stay curious while traveling—you never know what fascinating new facts you’ll discover!

✅ Choosing the ferry was definitely the right call! The spacious deck allowed us to move around freely and find the perfect photo angles. On smaller boats, the limited space would’ve meant staying seated the whole time.

One container ship bore the name Hapag-Lloyd. I couldn’t quite follow the on-board commentary but later discovered it’s a German company and the fifth-largest container transport company globally. It’s amazing how much you can learn from an outing like this!

Ferry Sightseeing Highlight 2: Unique Views of the Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is a stunning masterpiece of postmodern architecture. Its multi-dimensional design is best appreciated from both land and sea, offering a variety of perspectives on this iconic landmark.

👀 Related Reading: Elbphilharmonie: Hamburg’s Stunning Architecture & World-Class Music Hub

Taking photos with the Elbphilharmonie from the water allows for a full-frame shot of the entire building—something that’s much harder to achieve from land. However, the boat’s constant movement and the strong winds can make getting the perfect shot a bit challenging.

Looking back, if we had taken a smaller boat, this kind of photo wouldn’t have been possible. I’m so grateful we chose this ferry tour—it made the experience truly memorable!

Ferry Sightseeing Highlight 3: WWII Soviet Spy Submarine U-434

Visiting the Soviet spy submarine U-434 was initially part of our Hamburg itinerary, but due to time and energy constraints, we couldn’t make it aboard. Luckily, on our final day during the ferry tour, we got an up-close view of this fascinating vessel!

As one of the largest non-atomic submarines in the world, U-434 now rests at Hamburg’s St. Pauli Fish Market. Once tasked with espionage during the Cold War, it has since been transformed into a submarine museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the harsh underwater life and the intriguing world of Cold War espionage.

Measuring 90 meters in length with narrow cabins, it’s a must-see for history enthusiasts and families alike!

Travel Tips for Visiting Hamburg

📌 Hamburg is a coastal city, and the weather is noticeably colder compared to other inland cities in Germany. When we visited in late June, temperatures were only in the teens (Celsius). On the first day, I found myself constantly tearing up and sniffling, so I had to buy a jacket immediately. Even in summer, be sure to pack a jacket, as it gets even windier out on the water!

📌 If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to bring motion sickness tablets.

📌 Another handy tip: ferries have restrooms on board, and in my experience, they’re very clean. Make sure to take advantage of the free facilities before getting off the ferry.

👀 Related Reading: 🔗 First Time Traveling to Germany? 10 Essential Tips You Need!

More Info: New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Hamburg’s Harbor

One of the best places to enjoy the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks in Hamburg is St. Pauli Piers. Not only can you watch the dazzling display, but you can also set off your own fireworks!

While Germans are often seen as reserved, New Year’s Eve is the exception—expect to see plenty of fireworks (and tipsy revelers). It’s the only night when setting off your own fireworks is legal in Germany! Fireworks can be purchased at local supermarkets, but please stay safe and avoid injuries. Every year, there are discussions about banning this tradition due to accidents, but for now, it remains a lively part of the celebrations.

For the best views, head to the Stintfang Observation Deck, an ideal spot to take in the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Another excellent location is Am Kaiserkai, where you can soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the countdown. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider boarding a ferry to watch the fireworks over the water—it’s a magical way to welcome the new year and create lasting memories!

👀 Related Reading: Hamburg Travel Series

🔗 Elbphilharmonie: Hamburg’s Stunning Architecture & World-Class Music Hub

🔗 Miniatur Wunderland: Dive into Hamburg’s Tiny, Exciting World

🔗 First Time Traveling to Germany? 10 Essential Tips You Need!