Harburger Binnenhafenfest LEINEN LOS!

Maritime Family Festival by the Water

When the traditional ships sail into the Inner Harbour on the first weekend of June, one of Hamburg's most beautiful water festivals begins in Harburg. The Harburger Binnenhafenfest LEINEN LOS! has been a firm fixture in Hamburg's event calendar since 2002 and celebrates the maritime identity of Harburg, Hamburg's southern district, which has preserved its own sense of self around the historic harbour. For three days, Kanalplatz is the pulsating centre, Lotsekai is the stage for traditional shipping, and Wilde Wäldchen is the green retreat for families.

Music on Three Stages

Over 20 bands, solo artists, and DJs perform on the three stages — from folk and shanty to indie pop and rock, tribute bands, and hip-hop. The small Ei-Bühne is traditionally dedicated to the HipHop Akademie from the Kulturpalast Hamburg, which presents young musicians and dancers from the district. At Lotsekai, DJs from St. Pauli invite you to a chill-out rave until midnight.

Water, Ships, Rally

The heart of the festival is and remains the water: on Saturday afternoon, the grand parade of all participating boats — museum ships, barges, sailing boats — starts with music and harbour information. During Open Ship, you can go aboard historic vessels, and harbour tours show the Harburg harbour from the water. In the stamp rally, crews paddle and sail through designated stations, collecting a stamp at each — and prizes at the end.

Programme for Children and Families

Wilde Wäldchen is the creative playground: workshops, hands-on activities, art to touch. Clubs, initiatives, and cultural creators from Harburg introduce themselves. Admission is free on all three days.

Harburg and its Harbour Culture

Harburg, Hamburg's southern district on the Geest, was a trading city with its own harbour for centuries — today it is a vibrant urban mix of shipyards, lofts, and university. The Binnenhafenfest LEINEN LOS! is the calling card of this special district — supported by KulturWerkstatt Harburg e.V. and a strong team of volunteers.