Wasserlichtkonzerte Planten un Blomen

Hamburg's quietest, longest festival series

The Wasserlichtkonzerte in Planten un Blomen are arguably the city's most unusual festival series: it runs for five months straight, every evening, is free, and has been an integral part of the Hamburg summer since the 1950s. On the approximately 5,600 square metre park lake, coloured water fountains dance to music from the park's loudspeakers as the sun slowly disappears behind the Wallanlagen.

A Stage of Water and Light

Over 99 water jets, hundreds of LED lamps, and a precisely programmed control system compose each concert. The choreographies change theme every two weeks: in 2026, themes include Sibelius-Tchaikovsky-Rachmaninoff, Japan by Night, L'art de la Danse, Tanzania, Reverie and Bacchanal, New Sounds, and Cinema. Each concert lasts around 25 minutes; from May to August, it starts at 10 PM, and in September at 9 PM.

Park, Picnic, Stars

The audience sits on the lawns around the lake; many bring blankets or folding chairs, some bring a thermos. The calm atmosphere makes the concert a perfect finale to a city stroll, combining perfectly with a day in the Botanical Garden. Families, couples, tourists, and locals mingle before the water show.

District Neustadt, in the heart of the City

Planten un Blomen is located in Hamburg's Neustadt district, in the Hamburg-Mitte borough, directly between Dammtor and the exhibition halls. The park is within walking distance from all directions of the city centre — a legacy of the former Wallanlagen, which were transformed into green spaces in the 19th century. Today, it is one of Northern Germany's most important city parks.