Rainer Abicht Elbreederei

A harbour tour is the classic way to understand Hamburg, and Rainer Abicht Elbreederei is one of the biggest names doing it. The company says its fleet of 31 vessels is the largest and most varied in the port, from passenger ships and traditional and modern launches, the small boats known in Hamburg as Barkassen, to the paddle steamer Louisiana Star. It has been marking its centenary, and its regular tours run 365 days a year from the Landungsbrücken.

There are several options depending on how much time you have. The one-hour Große Hafenrundfahrt runs year-round into the historic Speicherstadt and out to the large container terminals. A 90-minute harbour tour shows the city's landmarks from the water, and the two-hour XXL tour goes further with commentary from guides. Along the way you pass sights such as the Elbphilharmonie, the Michel and the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt.

The 90-minute evening light cruise, the Abendliche Lichterfahrt, is a highlight for many visitors, taking you past the illuminated Speicherstadt and the harbour after dark. It is a good choice for couples and for anyone who has already seen the port by day. The company also runs day trips down the Elbe to Cuxhaven, a combined ticket with a St. Pauli night-watchman walking tour, event cruises and private charters for company events, weddings and celebrations.

For international visitors, the company's audio guide app offers commentary in ten languages and can be downloaded from the main app stores, so you are not limited to German-language tours. Tickets can be booked online, which is sensible in summer and at weekends, and the company sells souvenirs at its shop on bridge 4 of the Landungsbrücken. It displays Hamburg tourism and Hamburger Original partner seals.

The tours suit everyone, from families with children who enjoy seeing the giant container ships up close to first-time visitors who want an overview of the port. The shorter one-hour trip fits easily into a sightseeing day, while the evening cruise makes a relaxed start to a night out in St. Pauli. Dress for the wind on deck, even in summer, and if you only do one trip, the evening light cruise shows the Speicherstadt at its most atmospheric.