Hafenfest Kollmar

A Harbor Festival with Elbe Views

The Hafenfest Kollmar is a typical example of the small, charming harbor festivals in the North German Elbe communities: no big marketing machine, no international program — but an authentic atmosphere with Elbe views, ships, seagulls, and a manageable, village-like festival culture. Those coming from Hamburg or Itzehoe will find a different, quieter form of Northern Germany here.

Kollmar on the Elbe Riverbank

Kollmar is a small Elbe community with just under 1,500 inhabitants in the Steinburg district of the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The community is located on the south bank of the Lower Elbe, opposite the Lower Saxony Stadeland bank. With its harbor, the Elbe dike, and thatched-roof buildings, Kollmar is one of the characteristic Elbe marsh villages of Schleswig-Holstein. For centuries, the harbor was an important stopping point for marsh farmers, fishermen, and small ferry boats — today it is tourist-oriented and a meeting point for sports boaters.

The Two-Day Festival

The harbor festival takes place over a summer weekend, classically from Saturday to Sunday. It starts on Saturday afternoon at 3 PM, with the festival opening, the first food stalls, and a small stage program. On Saturday evening, there will be live music (cover bands, Schlager acts, or local musicians) that will lead the festival into a real festive evening mood. Sunday is a bit quieter — morning pint, lunch, a relaxed end to the festival.

Program Components

• Festival Opening Saturday afternoon with a welcome from the community
• Food Stalls: Fish rolls, bratwurst, fries, regional specialties
• Live Music on a small stage by the harbor
• Maritime Activities: possibly boat tours or ship visits (depending on the year)
• Children's Program in the afternoon (face painting, craft stations)
• Morning Pint on Sunday morning

An Event That Carries the Village

As with many small harbor festivals, the Hafenfest Kollmar thrives on the commitment of volunteers — members of sports clubs, the volunteer fire department, the village association, and the church community. This is what makes the festival charming and distinguishes it from large commercial events.