Queen Mary II at Hamburg’s Port Anniversary

From Friday to Sunday, the German city of Hamburg celebrated the 821st anniversary of its port – the Hamburger Hafengeburtstag (Hamburg Port Anniversary). Over 300 ships from all over the world entered the port as part of the festival. The program gives a taste of things to come next year when Hamburg will be the “European Green Capital 2011”

Hamburg is proud of its history and of its tradition. This is best shown by the enormous celebration of its harbour that takes place in city in Germany’s North every year. Since 1189, the inhabitants of Hamburg celebrate its port’s anniversary for three days every year. And even though the city is still strongly connected to its past, nowadays, Hamburg is best known for two things: on the one hand, for being a majestic city that is enthroned pride over the water and on the other hand, for being the “European Green Capital 2011”. Both of these characteristics that make Hamburg the special place it is, were showcased once more at this year’s harbour festival.

The world´s longest cruise ship, the Queen Mary II, also called “the Queen of the Ocean” became an incomparable icon of the city. Since six years, the Hamburgians adore the Queen. Whenever she visits the Port of Hamburg, hundreds of thousands of sightseers line the banks of the Elbe River. Therefore, the Queen Mary II is seen this year as the guest of honour when she arrives at the anniversary.

But the Queen was not the only highlight. The largest solar catamaran in the world, the “PlanetSolar” entered a port for the first time. The “PlanetSolar” with its Photovoltaic modules covering approximately 500 m² can navigate up to three days even without exposure to the sunlight. Alongside to the solar-powered boat, “PlanetSolar Village”, an accompanying travelling exhibition was set up. Here, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about Hamburg’s role as the “European Green Capital 2011” and were able to contribute their own ideas on environment protection in this waterside metropolis. But this was only the crowning glory.

Among the highlights of the Hamburg Port Anniversary were, just like every year, the arrival and departure parades of over 300 vessels from all over the world. These include large sailing ships, museum ships, yachts and motor yachts. Among other major attractions were dragon-boat races, a grand fireworks display on Saturday evening and the unique tug boat ballet. On all three days, sightseers were also offered the chance to go onboard on some of the visiting ships.

Another opportunity to enjoy the anniversary directly onboard was on some of the exclusive five star ships to go for a sailing trip. During a typical tour which lasts around seven hours, guests are provided with food and have plenty of time to be enchanted by the special atmosphere of the festival.