HAMBURG FISH MARKET
Morning shopping spree right on the Elbe
‘Matjes ahoy!’ – A Sunday morning at the Hamburg fish market
The smell of fresh fish, loud market criers and a bustle of tourists and locals – that’s Hamburg’s fish market on a Sunday morning. Between the Elbe and the fish auction hall, there is a unique hustle and bustle that goes far beyond the sale of fish.
The sun has only just risen as we arrive at the banks of the Elbe. The fish market is already in full swing. ‘Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!’ we hear. A merchant is advertising his ‘sweet bananas’, while another is enticing customers with ‘fresh crabs at a special price!’ The market criers are legendary and contribute significantly to the special atmosphere.
Visitors throng between the stalls. Families with children, older couples, young people who have spent the night on the Reeperbahn – they are all here to experience the spectacle. In addition to fish in all its variations, fruit and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, clothing and even household goods can be bought.
Watch the ships and breathe in the sea air
The fish auction hall is a highlight. The building, which is over 100 years old, has an exciting history. It didn’t even originally belong to Hamburg, but to Altona. And the city, which was Danish at the time, was the Hanseatic city’s biggest competitor when it came to fishing. In 1884, the Altona magistrate began to push for the fish auction hall. The aim was to keep the fish trade in Altona.
The fish auction hall was built in the style of a Roman basilica. A bridge leads from the building to a jetty for eight steamships.
The hustle and bustle of the market meets cultural enjoyment
But the fish market is more than just a place to shop. It is a piece of Hamburg culture, a meeting place for young and old, a place to let your soul dangle and experience the charm of the Hanseatic city.
Between the stands
- Live music: Bands will be playing in the fish auction hall and on the market square, with music ranging from pop to rock, so there’s something for everyone.
- Food stalls: If you’re hungry, you’ll find a wide selection of food stalls. Fish rolls in all varieties are, of course, a must, but there are also bratwurst, currywurst and other delicacies.
- Brunch: If you prefer to sit down to eat, then brunch at the fish auction hall is the perfect choice.
- The Hamburg fish market is a must for every visitor to Hamburg. Here you can experience the Hanseatic city at its most authentic.
Contact / connection
- Rote Doppeldecker
Stop Nr. 20, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße - S-Bahn
S-Bahn S1, S3 Königstraße
- Address: Hamburger Fischmarkt,
- Große Elbstraße 9
- Opening hours:
- April to October, Sundays 5 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.
- November to March, Sundays 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.