My experience with the free bus and boat tour of the Port of Hamburg
#AugustDestinations2025
Besides visiting the historic Speicherstadt and the Elbphilharmonie, the most surprising thing about visiting Hamburg, Germany, was the "free" bus boat tours! These boats are actually operated by Hamburg Public Transport (HVV). Like buses and subways, if you've purchased a city transportation ticket (such as a day pass or a travel card), you can ride them directly without paying extra.
I departed from the Landungsbrücken pier and took the popular ferry number 62. This route is almost like a budget-friendly sightseeing boat. The boat sails along the Elbe River, passing docks, shipyards, warehouses, and modern port facilities. In the distance, you can see giant container cranes and docked cargo ships. Although it was a bit windy that day, standing on the deck with the sea breeze on my face was a wonderfully refreshing experience.
Compared to the more expensive harbor sightseeing boats, these "bus boats," while lacking a guide, offer a more intimate glimpse into local life. Next to me were office workers taking the ferry home, students and tourists chatting over coffee—the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
For me, this was a small, special experience that combined transportation and tourism. Without breaking the bank, I could enjoy the magnificent harbor scenery and experience a part of Hamburgers' daily life. If you have the opportunity to visit Hamburg, I highly recommend taking advantage of this "hidden transportation benefit" and experiencing one of Europe's largest ports in a truly local way.