Hamburg Harbor | Explore the iconic Port of Hamburg

Known as the 'Gateway to the World' in Germany, Hamburg Harbor is the largest seaport in the country. Also called the Port of Hamburg, the harbor is an important link for trade between Central and Eastern Europe. A Hamburg harbor cruise reveals how this port and the culture have evolved over the years and offer breathtaking views of the harbor from the water.

History of Hamburg harbor

• The Port of Hamburg’s official birthdate was recognized as 7th May 1189 when emperor Frederich Barbarossa gave the citizens the privilege of sailing without paying customs duties. 
• In 1321, the Port of Hamburg's accession to Hanse allowed the city to build trading branches in London, Amsterdam, Bruges and more places.
• On 20th October 1400, the notorious pirate, Klaus Störtebeker was beheaded after being captured by Hamburgians. The citizens were led by Admiral Karpfanfer who used the ships in convoy to repel the pirates. 
• At the end of the 15th century, the discovery of America gave a boost to Hamburg's foreign trading practices and helped the Port of Hamburg to form close economic ties with many foreign ports. Trading with America began in 1782 and by 1799, there were 290 ships under the Hamburg flag. 
• Expansion of the port was in progress when, in 1806, it was interrupted due to a continental blockade. However, the work on expansion resumed in 1814 after the city's liberation. In 1816, the first steamship - the British Lady of the Lake, was introduced in Hamburg.
• In 1862, it was decided to turn the Hafenrundfarht into an open tidal port. Johannes Dalmann started planning for restructuring the port and the work on the quays and the sheds for the port began in 1866.
• In 1881, Hamburg Harbor joined the German Customs Union and was allowed one area to store goods duty-free. In 2013, this status was given up to ensure the development of Hamburg and the port.
• In 1913, Hamburg Harbor became the leading port in Europe and the third-largest in the world. But with WW2, 80% of the port facilities were destroyed. After the war, the city invested €115 million in the reconstruction of the port.
• In 1967, the industrialization of sea traffic began and introduced the age of containers. On 31st May 1968, the first entirely containership, the American Lancer, berthed at Hamburg. 
• The planning of Container Terminal Altenwerder commenced in 1990 to manage the containers. Currently, it is the first facility to be climate neutral.
• In 2003, a new urban development project, the HafenCity Project, began on 160 hectares of portland between Elbe bridges and Kehrwiederspitze. This urban settlement combines living quarters, workspace, culture, tourism, and more and will be completely ready by 2025.