The Elbe

The Elbe, in Hamburg

The Elbe is the great river that crosses Hamburg and makes of it one of the largest ports of Europe. The Hamburg audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this major watercourse, vital artery of the town, which links it to the North Sea and to the whole world.

The river that opens Hamburg to the world

The Elbe is one of the great rivers of Europe and the element that shaped all the history and the identity of Hamburg. More than a thousand kilometres long, it takes its source in the mountains of Central Europe and crosses Germany before flowing into the North Sea. It is on its banks, at the place where the river becomes navigable for the great ships, that Hamburg settled and prospered. Although located about a hundred kilometres from the sea, the town is one of the largest maritime ports of Europe, thanks to the Elbe which allows the container ships and the cargo ships to sail up to its quays. The river was thus the source of the wealth of Hamburg, a merchant and Hanseatic town turned towards world trade. Today, its laid-out banks, its bridges and its promenades offer magnificent views over the port, the boats and the cranes. A vital artery and a window onto the world, the Elbe is at the heart of the identity of Hamburg, a must-see stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

Here you discover the great river that crosses Hamburg, more than a thousand kilometres long, which links the town to the North Sea and allowed its rise as one of the largest ports of Europe; its laid-out banks, its bridges and its promenades offer magnificent views over the port, the boats and the cranes, at the heart of the merchant identity of the town. The Elbe opens Hamburg to the world. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Elbe crosses Hamburg, its banks, its bridges and its quays being reachable on foot. They are open-air public spaces, freely accessible; the cruises in the port and the river connections have their own hours. The promenade along the river and the port is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

Why is the Elbe important for Hamburg?

Because this great river links Hamburg to the North Sea and allowed its rise as one of the largest ports of Europe: although located about a hundred kilometres from the sea, the town welcomes container ships and cargo ships that sail up the Elbe to its quays.

Where is the Elbe in Hamburg?

It crosses Hamburg, in Germany.